We offer this 2009 edition of Concepts and Programs as a current picture of the state of the Marine Corps. It reviews our current exercises and deployments and describes how we fight- our operating concepts and the organization of our forces. It contains our vision of the future and the strategic direction of the Marine Corps. It reflects current information on our programs of record and our major end item equipment. Finally, it includes our annual almanac, which contains a digest of facts and figures on our personnel and budget. We pride ourselves on being good stewards of the resources provided by Congress. That starts with taking care of Marines and their families-our number one priority. We offer the Nation's sons and daughters the opportunity to serve a cause greater than themselves. In the crucible of war, their performance has been magnificent. They have added new pages to the illustrious battle history of our Corps. Innovation and fiscal responsibility are hallmarks of the Corps. In our ground and aviation programs, we continue to test, develop, and pursue the procurement of dual-use equipment. We look for new ways to employ emerging technology. Our recent publication of Marine Corps Vision and Strategy 2025 describes a balanced, multicapable expeditionary force. To Marines, expeditionary means fast, austere, and lethal - with an emphasis on austere. We must be able to get out the door fast, deploy where there is no infrastructure, and operate with lethality. Our statutory responsibility is to be an air-ground force in readiness, capable of operating across the full range of military operations. Change is one thing that is certain about the future. Populations and demo graphics in the world will shift, and peer competitors to the United States may rise. Threats to our way of life will remain. Our enemies will adapt their tactics and techniques."