United States Marine Corps Special Operations: Marine Raiders

Introduction

• US Marine Corps is distinguished by:
  • Longest boot camp
  • Toughest physical training tests
  • Highly professional core
• Only one Special Operations unit: Marine Raiders (MARSOC)

Marine Raiders Overview

• Originated from World War II Marine Raiders
• Re-established in 2005
• Consists of recon Marines from recon battalions
• Known as Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC)
• Officially known as Critical Skills Operators (CSOs) and Special Operations Officers (SOOs)

Missions and Capabilities

• Direct Action: Short strikes, offensive actions
• Special Reconnaissance: Intelligence gathering
• Counter-Terrorism: Preventing and responding to terrorism
• Foreign Internal Defense: Training foreign governments/militaries
• Security Force Assistance: Supporting allied security forces
• Counter-Insurgency: Defeating insurgents via multifaceted operations
• Support to Combating WMDs: Expertise in locating, tagging, and tracking WMDs
• Unconventional Warfare: Supporting resistance movements or insurgency
• Key focus: Direct Action and Foreign Internal Defense, similar to US Army Green Beret

Structure

• Marine Raider Regiment:
  • Headquarters company
  • 3 Marine Raider Battalions
• Each Battalion:
  • 4 Marine Special Operations Companies
• Each Company:
  • 4 14-man Marine Special Operations Teams (MSOTs)

Specialization

• MSOTs specialize in:
  • Mountain teams
  • Dive teams
  • Jump teams
  • Mobility teams

Organizational Structure

• MSOT Elements:
  • Headquarters element: Team leader, operations senior NCO, communication senior NCO
  • Two tactical squads: Element leader, 3 CSOs, Navy Special Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsman (SARC)

Support Infrastructure

• Special Operations Capability Specialists (SOCS):

  • Signals intelligence
  • Communications
  • Explosive ordnance disposal
  • Selection process ensures top-notch support personnel

• Combat Service Support (CSS) Marines:

  • Support roles at company and battalion levels
  • Some receive SOF-related training

Selection and Training Process

• Only active duty Marines (no direct entry from civilian life)

• Assessment and Selection (A&S):

  • Phase 1: Physical fitness tests, mentorship by instructors
  • Phase 2: Screen for fit in community

• Individual Training Course (ITC): 9 months

  • Basic Skills: Navigation, patrolling, SEER, mission planning, communications, etc.
  • Small Unit Tactics: Boat operations, demotions, information collection
  • Close Quarters Battle: Rifle/pistol combat, assault operations
  • Irregular Warfare: Training related to irregular operations
  • Culmination Exercise: Operation Derna Bridge

Additional Training and Development

• Continuous training to refine skills and capabilities
• Access to a variety of advanced specialty schools: SEER, combat dive, free-fall, sniper school, etc.

Comparison with Reconnaissance Marines

• Separate video detailing distinctions between Recon Marines and MARSOC
• Marine Raiders are more specialized, with a broader and more intensive training pipeline

Conclusion

• Marine Raiders are elite, highly capable operators
• Their missions range from direct action to unconventional warfare
• They maintain rigorous standards and continuous improvement through ongoing training
• For more detailed explorations, references to further videos and resources provided

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