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Further Reading

US Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command (MARSOC)

As a service component of USSOCOM, US Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command (MARSOC) is tasked by the commander of US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) to train, organize, equip and when directed by commander of USSOCOM, deploy task organized, scalable and responsive US Marine Corps Special Operations Forces worldwide in support of combatant commanders and other agencies. MARSOC has been directed to conduct foreign internal defense, special reconnaissance, and direct action. Commander, USSOCOM assigns MARSOC missions based on USSOCOM priorities. MARSOC units then deploy under USSOCOM deployment orders.

In October 2005, the Secretary of Defense directed the formation of a Marine component of US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). It was determined the Marine Corps would initially form a unit of approximately 2,500 to serve with USSOCOM. On 24 February 2006, US Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command (MARSOC) was activated at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. MARSOC initially consisted of a small staff and the Foreign Military Training Unit (FMTU), which had been formed to conduct foreign internal defense. The FMTU was then 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 2d Force Reconnaissance Company transferred to MARSOC to form the basis for the 1st and 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalions.

In April 2009, the MSOAG was redesignated as the Marine Special Operations Regiment with the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Marine Special Operations Battalions as subordinate units. The newly activated 3rd Marine Special Operations Battalion incorporated the structure and personnel from MSOAG's former companies. MARSOC also formed the Marine Special Operations Support Group (MSOSG) and the Marine Special Operations School (MSOS). The MSOSG provided combat support and combat service support to MARSOC units, to include: logistics, communication and intelligence. The MSOS screened, assessed, selected and trained Marine Special Operations Forces and was responsible for developing doctrine.

MARSOC deployed its first units in August 2006, 6 months after initial activation. After that deployment, MARSOC was almost continuously deployed. MARSOC's deployments included Marine Special Operations Teams conducting foreign internal defense and Marine Special Operations Companies from the Marine Special Operations Battalions conducting foreign internal defense, special reconnaissance and direct action.

In May 2010, MARSOC expanded its intelligence capabilities by replacing the intelligence company of the MSOSG with a separate unit, the Marine Special Operations Intelligence Battalion (MIB). The MIB remained assigned to the MSOSG.