SOCEX - Special Operations Capability Exercise
Though the Marine Corps' other six MEUs re-qualify as SOC every 18 months, the 31st MEU re-qualifies every six months as new major subordinate elements rotate to the MEU. This only gives the Marines between 70 and 84 days to complete their qualification. SOCEX is a biannual exercise, which certifies the 31st MEU in various areas to conduct realistic amphibious missions when called upon. The exercise immediately followed Blue-Green Workups and ARGEX.
The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) disembarked from USS Belleau Wood (LHA-3) Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) at White Beach, Okinawa, 27 March 2000, having successfully completed its Special Operations Capable qualification Exercise 2000 (SOCEX 2000). The exercise tests the MEU's ability to rapidly respond to a variety of situations, and drives the MEU to utilize as many different aspects of Marine training as possible. The qualification ensures the MEU will continue its role at the tip of the spear, as the Marine Corps' only permanently forward-based MEU. It's also one of the most intense, fast-paced training exercises offered in the Marine Corps. During SOCEX, Marines are evaluated on their ability to handle multiple, consecutive and often simultaneous missions conducted over a short period of time. Missions the Marines were evaluated on included, but were not limited to, amphibious raids, a non-combatant evacuation operation (NEO), tactical recoveries of aircraft and personnel (TRAP), direct action missions, mass-casualty drills and even a 2,400 mile roundtrip, long-range raid initiated from USS Belleau Wood and conducted in Guam.
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