Questions & Responses Page

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Q1: What is MARSOC?

R1: In October 2005, the Secretary of Defense directed the formation of a Marine Component of U. S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). It was determined that the Marine Corps would initially form a unit of approximately 2500 to serve with USSOCOM. MARSOC will reached full operational capability in October of 2008.

On February 24, 2006, MARSOC activated at Camp Lejeune, NC. MARSOC initially consisted of a small staff and the Foreign Military Training Unit (FMTU), which had been formed to conduct Foreign Internal Defense (FID). FMTU is now designated as the Marine Special Operations Advisor Group (MSOAG).

In the months after the activation of MARSOC the structure and personnel of both 1st and 2nd Force Reconnaissance Company transferred to MARSOC to form the 1st and 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalions.

MARSOC also formed the Marine Special Operations Support Group (MSOSG) and the Marine Special Operations School (MSOS). The MSOSG provides combat support and combat service support to MARSOC Units, to include: Logistics; Communication; Intelligence; and K-9 support. The MSOS Screens, Assesses, Selects, Trains, and Certifies Marine Special Operations Forces (MARSOF) and has responsibility for doctrine development.

Q2: What Does MARSOC Do?

R2: As a service component of USSOCOM, MARSOC is tasked by the Commander USSOCOM to train, organize, equip; and when directed by CDRUSSOCOM, deploy task organized, scaleable, and responsive U.S. Marine Corps special operations forces worldwide in support of combatant commanders and other agencies. MARSOC has been directed to conduct Foreign Internal Defense (FID), Direct Action (DA), and Special Reconnaissance (SR). MARSOC has also been directed to develop a capability in Unconventional Warfare (UW), Counter Terrorism (CT), and Information Operations (IO). Commander, USSOCOM assigns MARSOC missions based on USSOCOM priorities. MARSOC units then deploy under USSOCOM Deployment Orders.

Q3: What Makes MARSOF Different From Other Conventional Forces?

R3: Building MARSOF, like all special operations forces, is a combination of efforts which include selecting individuals with the required attributes, giving them advanced training, and then retaining them in the unit for an extended period of time to build experience, continuity, and relationships with other nations.

All members of MARSOC are Recruited and Screened. Marines and Sailors intended to serve as operators are then Assessed and Selected. Assessment and Selection (A&S) is an intensive 3 week testing program that determines whether or not a candidate has the attributes required to be MARSOF. MARSOF Operators must be mature, intelligent, mentally flexible, determined, and physically fit. They must be complex problem solvers who are comfortable working in an ambiguous environment. Candidates with these attributes are selected and subsequently assigned to MARSOC.

Initial members of MARSOC were screened, but joined the command without attending A&S. MARSOC conducted class 1 of A&S in the Spring of 2007. Beginning in Fall 2007, all intended MARSOF Operators entering the command must attend A&S. Marines who are assigned to 1st or 2nd MSOB as operators are already Reconnaissance Marines. They participate in specialized unit level training to prepare them to conduct assigned SOF missions.

In October 2008, all MARSOF Operators began attending the MARSOC Initial Training Course (ITC). ITC is an in-depth training program that covers the culture, technical, and tactical skills required for MARSOC’s assigned tasks. All operators will have the same baseline training and then receive further specialized training based on the unit that they are assigned to.

Q4: What Changes Are Coming For MARSOC?  

R4: MARSOC has started a reorganization. The primary purpose is to better balance the capabilities of MARSOF and better balance the operator/support ratio within MARSOC to execute direct and indirect missions. The reorganization enables a long term relevant special operations force with greater self sufficiency.

Based on requirements from USSOCOM and Theater Special Operations Commands, MARSOC identified the need to have greater capacity in FID. The reorganization provides more capacity by reducing capacity in other areas.

After action reports from deployments identified a significant shortfall in the ability of an MSOC to be user-friendly and plug into a JSOTF with minimal impact. The reorganization addresses that shortfall by increasing the Combat Service Support in an MSOC. In the reorganization, MARSOC will adopt a uniform naming convention. The base unit of MARSOC will be the 14-man Marine Special Operations Team (MSOT), commanded by a Captain. All MSOTs will have the same organization.

MSOTs will be part of a Marine Special Operations Company, commanded by a Major. Each MSOC headquarters will have the same structure. All MSOCs will be elements of an MSOB, commanded by a LtCol. The uniform naming convention gives MARSOC consistent, clearly understood force modules which enable effective resourcing and joint employment.

The restructured MARSOC will be more agile, user-friendly, and relevant for the long term. It will provide operational commanders with well trained Marine Special Operations Forces that are prepared to execute the assigned missions.