United States Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command - wikipedia United States Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command `` MARSOC '' redirects here. Not to be confused with MARCOS. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command Seal of the Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command Active 24 February 2006 -- present Country United States of America Branch United States Marine Corps Type Special Operations Role Direct Action Special Reconnaissance Foreign Internal Defense Counter-Insurgency Counter-terrorism High Value Targets / Manhunting Size 3,195 positions authorized : 2,994 military personnel 201 civilian personnel Part of U.S. Special Operations Command Garrison / HQ Camp Lejeune, North Carolina Motto ( s ) `` Always Faithful, Always Forward '' March MARSOC Always Faithful, Always Forward Anniversaries 7 September 2015 Engagements War on Terror Operation Enduring Freedom Iraq War Operation Inherent Resolve Commanders Current commander Major General Carl E. Mundy, III Notable commanders Joseph L. Osterman Mastin M. Robeson Dennis J. Hejlik Paul E. Lefebvre Mark A. Clark United States Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command ( MARSOC ) is a component command of the United States Special Operations Command that comprises the Marine Corps ' contribution to SOCOM. Its core capabilities are direct action, special reconnaissance and foreign internal defense. MARSOC has also been directed to conduct counter-terrorism, and information operations. Contents 1 History and lineage 2 Organization 3 Special Operations Combat Service Specialist 4 Special Operations Capabilities Specialist 4.1 Prerequisites 4.2 Screening 4.3 Special Operations Training Course 5 Critical Skills Operators 6 Raider legacy 7 Marine Raider Insignia 8 In popular culture 9 See also 10 References 11 External links History and lineage Marine Raiders conduct combat operations in eastern Afghanistan. Its creation was announced on 23 November 2005 by US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, following a meeting between him, the USSOCOM commander General Bryan D. Brown, and the Marine Corps Commandant General Michael Hagee on 28 October 2005. MARSOC was officially activated on 24 February 2006 with ceremonies at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. The potential participation of the Marine Corps in SOCOM has been controversial since SOCOM was formed in 1986. At the time, Marine Corps leaders felt that their Force Reconnaissance units were best kept in the Marine Corps ' MAGTF command structure, and that the detachment of an elite Marine Special Operations unit from the Marine Corps would be to the detriment of the Marine Corps as a whole. A re-evaluation following the September 11 attacks and the War on Terrorism, along with new policy established by Secretary Rumsfeld and then - Commandant Gen. James L. Jones at The Pentagon, caused the Marine Corps to work towards integration with SOCOM. The establishment of MARSOC represented the most significant step towards that goal, and followed the establishment of MCSOCOM Detachment One ( DET1 ), a small Marine Corps detachment formed as a pilot program to test Marine Corps integration into SOCOM. It was made up of mostly Force Recon Marines from 1st and 2nd Force Reconnaissance Companies along with other hand - picked support men and served with Navy SEALs under Naval Special Warfare Group One. Detachment 1 conducted a multitude of special operations in Iraq alongside their Special Operations brothers of the sister services. SOCOM conducted a study of the unit 's deployment, which clearly indicated success and strong performance. Detachment 1 was disbanded in 2006 soon after the creation of MARSOC. The first Marine Special Operations Company was stood up in June 2006. MARSOC 's initial deployment to Afghanistan in 2007 was mired with controversy when the units Fox company was sent back to the United States and its commander relieved from duty after a shooting incident. The incident that resulted in as many as 19 civilians killed involved a complex ambush by insurgents that included a suicide VBIED and small arms fire, it was alleged that the MARSOC operators killed the civilians whilst attempting to suppress the enemy firing points. MARSOC Marines also took part in Operation Enduring Freedom -- Philippines. Following General Petraeus ' take over of command in Afghanistan in 2010, in support of the ALP / VSO programme ( Afghan Local Police / Village Stability Operations ), SOF in Afghanistan were task - organised into battalion level SOTF ( Special Operations Task Forces ), each with a geographic area of responsibility - for MARSOC, this was western Afghanistan and Helmand Province. In March 2012, MARSOC teams suffered several casualties to Green on Blue attacks. In July 2012, a patrol of Afghan Army Commandos was ambushed by insurgents from a number of buildings in Badghis Province, three Afghans were wounded by small arms fire, Gunnery Sergeants Jonathan Gifford and Daniel Price raced forward on an ATV to retrieve the wounded under direct fire from the enemy. After evacuating the wounded to an emergency HLZ ( Helicopter Landing Zone ) from where they were safely medevaced, they returned to firefight and assaulted the enemy positions in a fierce close - quarter battle. Whilst throwing grenades down the chimney of an insurgent - occupied building, they were struck and killed by PKM fire, for his actions that day Price was awarded the Silver Star. It was deployed supporting the Global War on Terrorism in December 2013 alongside the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit ( Special Operations Capable ) where they conducted various special operations missions, ranging from Direct action ( military ), reconnaissance and other mission sets. Since MARSOC 's first deployment, it has become a strong partner in SOCOM and proven itself able to conduct full - spectrum special operations. They have successfully conducted both long - term counterinsurgency under the VSO program and carried out complex Direct Action tasks. The first Marine Special Operations Individual Training Course began at Camp Lejeune on 6 October 2008. MARSOC 's stated end - goal is 850 CSOs. Organization A 160th SOAR ( A ) MH - 47 Chinook conducts water insertion of Marine Raiders A Marine Raider glides towards his target during high - altitude parachute operations. Marine Raiders conduct CQB training. MARSOC 's organization was finalized in 2007. The base unit of MARSOC is the fourteen - man Marine Special Operations Team ( MSOT ), commanded by a captain ( O - 3 ) as Team Commander, assisted by a master sergeant ( E-8 ) as Team Chief. Each team has two identical squads, or Tactical Elements, each led by a gunnery sergeant ( E-7 ) as Element Leader. MARSOC is based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and is split into three subordinate commands : Name Insignia Headquarters Description Marine Raider Regiment Camp Lejeune, NC and Camp Pendleton, CA MRR consists of a Headquarters Company and three Marine Raider Battalions ( 1st, 2nd and 3rd ). The MRBs are tasked with direct action, special reconnaissance, counter-terrorism, and information operations. They are also trained to carry out peacetime foreign internal defense and unconventional warfare. This includes giving military training to friendly foreign nations. Each MRB consists of four Marine Special Operations Companies ( MSOCs ) that contain four Marine Special Operations Teams ( MSOTs ) in each Company. The organization allows a Team to operate on its own if needed, but maintains the ability to operate as part of a larger unit such as an MSOC or SOTF, similar to Army Special Forces ODA / B. The core personnel strength of the MRBs was initially drafted from Force Reconnaissance Marines. Marine Raider Support Group Camp Lejeune, NC The MRSG, comprising the Group HQs, 1st, 2nd and 3rd Marine Raider Support Battalions, contain the Command 's administrative, and support assets. The MRSG trains, equips, structures, and provides specially qualified Marine forces to augment MSOTs, including operational logistics, intelligence, multipurpose canines handlers, Firepower Control Teams and communications support in order to sustain worldwide special operations missions. Marine Special Operations School Camp Lejeune, NC Conducts screening, training, selection, assessment, and development functions for MARSOC. US Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command Special Operations combat Service Specialist Special Operations Combat Service Specialists ( SOCS - Ss ) are Combat Service Support Marines who serve one standard tour with MARSOC in their primary MOS, such as Motor Transport or Logistics. Their training includes core skills for joint and interagency work as well as enhanced SOF combat skills training to enable their successful integration and survivability in special operations environments. Special Operations Capabilities Specialist Special Operations Capabilities Specialists ( SOCS ) are Combat Support Marines that are able to join MARSOC based upon their MOS skill. They receive advanced special operations forces training and certification. SOCSs are operational and tactical force multipliers and frequently deploy alongside Critical Skills Operators ( CSOs ). SOCS billet fields include Intelligence, Communications, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Dog Handlers, and Fire - Control Specialists. Special Operations Capabilities Specialist are awarded the AMOS of 8071, and return to the operating forces after an extended tour of service with MARSOC. Prerequisites All Marines are screened to ensure that the Marines joining MARSOC meet the established prerequisites for duty within the command. Have a minimum GT score of 105. 110 for Officers. Have a minimum PFT of 225. Be able to pass the MARSOC swim assessment. Meet the MARSOC medical screening criteria. Be eligible to obtain and maintain a secret clearance. Screening Selection of the right personnel begins with a rigorous screening process designed to identify the right Marines for the right billet within MARSOC. Operational billets were opened to females as of 2016. Screening takes place in 3 stages : record screening, physical screening, and a psychological and medical evaluation. Special Operations training Course The Special Operations Training Course ( STC ) is six weeks of unhindered, realistic, challenging basic and intermediate Special Operations Forces ( SOF ) war fighting skills training. During STC the Special Operations Capabilities Specialists will also attend Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape ( SERE ) training along with a MARSOF Level 1 Course specific to their MOS : Explosive Ordnance Disposal ( 6 weeks ), Communications ( 12 weeks ), Intelligence ( 4 -- 6 weeks ), Joint Terminal Attack Controller ( 4 weeks ), Multi-Purpose Canine ( 10 weeks ). Critical skills operators Main article : United States Marine Corps Critical Skills Operator Critical Skills Operators are the primary special operations Marines within MARSOC. They are trained to execute a variety of missions. Specialized training also provides capabilities in language fluency necessary for crossing cultural barriers, allowing CSOs to connect with the local forces as well as civilians. Marines designated CSOs are awarded MOS 0372. Critical Skills Operators ( CSOs ) are assigned to Marine Special Operations Teams ( MSOT ), Companies ( MSOC ) and Battalions ( MSOBs ). Raider legacy On 6 August 2014, MARSOC claimed and officially bestowed the prestigious Marine Raider moniker upon their subordinate combat units ( Marine Special Operations Regiment ) in commemoration of the fabled and elite amphibious light infantry unit that operated during World War II. Marine Raider Insignia The Marine Raider Insignia In August 2016, the Marine Corps approved a new Marine Special Operator Insignia for wear by graduates of the five - phase Individual Training Course. Upon its approval, Maj. Gen. Carl Mundy III, MARSOC commander, said in a statement : `` The individual MARSOC operator must be trained and educated to think critically and function in an increasingly complex operating environment -- to understand and interact in dynamic, dangerous and politically - sensitive battlefields. Our rigorous training pipeline ensures that a newly minted critical skills operator has developed the skills required for full spectrum special operations. This badge serves as a visual certification that they have trained and prepared to accept their new responsibilities. '' The pin device will first be issued to the next ITC graduating class of critical skills operators. Critical skills operators and special operations officers already in the field will receive their pins later. In popular culture In the film The Marine 3 : Homefront, Mike `` The Miz '' Mizanin portrays former Force Recon Marine and MARSOC Critical Skills Operator, Jake Carter. In the television series Shooter, Ryan Phillippe portrays Bob Lee Swagger, a highly trained Force Recon Marine and MARSOC CSO Scout Sniper. In the same series, Omar Epps portrays Isaac Johnson, a Secret Service Agent who is also a former Force Recon Marine, MARSOC CSO, commanding officer of Bob Lee Swagger. Season 2 of The Newsroom revolves heavily around a black op called `` Genoa '' carried out by MARSOC. In Battlefield 4, Tombstone squad consists of MARSOC CSOs and the main antagonist. In the film Den of Thieves, several main characters are former MARSOC operators turned bank robbers. In the video game Onward, MARSOC can be selected as one of the two playable teams. See also Participants of a Jane Wayne Day event raid a town during the last portion of a simulated special operations mission on Camp Lejeune N.C., 19 October 2013 2007 Shinwar shooting Air Force Special Operations Command Force Reconnaissance Marine Raiders MCSOCOM Detachment One Organization of the United States Marine Corps Special Operations United States Army Special Operations Command United States Naval Special Warfare Command United States Special Operations Command References Jump up ^ SOCOM Public Affairs ( 2014 ). SOCOM Fact Book 2014 ( PDF ). SOCOM Public Affairs. Archived from the original ( PDF ) on 4 December 2013. Jump up ^ `` SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES : Opportunities Exist to Improve Transparency of Funding and Assess Potential to Lessen Some Deployments '' ( PDF ). Gao.gov. Retrieved 2017 - 06 - 30. Jump up ^ `` More U.S. troops are being wounded in Iraq and Syria, the Pentagon quietly acknowledges ''. Military Times. 5 January 2017. Jump up ^ `` MARSOC Leaders ''. Marsoc.marines.mil. 2016 - 08 - 04. Retrieved 2017 - 06 - 30. Jump up ^ Hejlik, Major General Dennis J ; Gilmore, Major Cliff W ; Ingram, Sergeant Major Matthew P ( August 2006 ). `` Special Operations Marines and the Road Ahead ''. Marine Corps Gazette. Marine Corps Association. ISSN 0025 - 3170. Jump up ^ `` Archived copy ''. Archived from the original on 20 December 2016. Retrieved 19 December 2016. ^ Jump up to : MARSOC, Part 1 : Devil Dogs of SOCOM. Sadefensejournal.com ( 2012 - 02 - 10 ). Retrieved on 2014 - 05 - 24. ^ Jump up to : Neville, Leigh, Special Forces in the War on Terror ( General Military ), Osprey Publishing, 2015 ISBN 1472807901 ISBN 978 - 1472807908, p. 165 Jump up ^ Neville, Leigh, Special Forces in the War on Terror ( General Military ), Osprey Publishing, 2015 ISBN 978 - 1 - 4728 - 0790 - 8, p. 183 Jump up ^ Neville, Leigh, Special Forces in the War on Terror ( General Military ), Osprey Publishing, 2015 ISBN 1472807901 ISBN 978 - 1472807908, p. 161 - 162, p. 166 - 167 Jump up ^ Armistead, Michael Warren ( 20 October 2008 ). `` First US MARSOF Individual Training Course has begun '' ( Press release ). United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 15 November 2008. Jump up ^ Kyle McNally. `` ITC 2 - 11 Graduation ''. Marines.mil. ^ Jump up to : Hodge, Hope ( 2015 - 06 - 11 ). `` marsoc - units - raiders - name - 10 - month - delay ''. Marinecorpstimes.com. Retrieved 2017 - 06 - 30. Jump up ^ Stahlman, Josephh ( 28 August 2007 ). `` MSOAG Marines get LIT ''. United States Marine Corps. Archived from the original on 15 June 2008. Retrieved 20 November 2008. Jump up ^ `` Questions & Responses Page ''. U.S Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command. United States Marine Corps. 30 October 2007. Retrieved 28 May 2008. Jump up ^ `` Marine Special Operations Support Group ''. U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command. United States Marine Corps. 15 November 2008. Jump up ^ `` Marine Raider Support Group ''. Marsoc.marines.mil. 2016 - 08 - 04. Retrieved 2017 - 06 - 30. Jump up ^ Maurer, Kevin ( 26 October 2008 ). `` Marine Leader : Unit A Good Fit ''. Fayetteville Observer. Associated Press. ^ Jump up to : Join Us - MARSOC Recruiting. Marsoc.com. Retrieved on 2014 - 05 - 24. ^ Jump up to : `` Prerequisites ''. MARSOC Recruiting. Jump up ^ Schehl, Matthew L. `` marines - special - operations - command - gets - first - female - applicants ''. Militarytimes.com. Retrieved 2017 - 06 - 30. Jump up ^ `` MARSOC Command Pamphlet '' ( PDF ). MARSOC. March 2013. Archived from the original ( PDF ) on 24 December 2013. Retrieved 23 March 2018. Jump up ^ Critical Skills Operator Training & Selection. Americanspecialops.com. Retrieved on 2014 - 05 - 24. Jump up ^ Lamothe, Dan ( 6 Aug 2014 ). `` Marine Corps to adopt iconic Raiders name for its Special Operations troops ''. Washington Post. WashingtonPost.com. Retrieved 29 August 2014. Jump up ^ Eckstein, Megan. `` Marine Corps Announces New MARSOC Insignia Pin ''. U.S.N.I. News. U.S. Naval Institute. Retrieved 23 August 2016. Jump up ^ `` Shooter Cast Interview : Ryan Phillippe ''. YouTube. 18 October 2016. Retrieved 17 December 2016. Jump up ^ Ausiello, Michael ( 17 September 2015 ). `` Omar Epps Takes Aim at USA Network Pilot Shooter, Opposite Ryan Phillippe ''. TVLine. Retrieved 10 February 2016. This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Marine Corps. External links Media related to United States Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command at Wikimedia Commons U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command official website 2013 SOCOM Factbook ShadowSpear Special Operations : MARSOC MARSOC Prerequisites and Recruitment Phases United States Special Operations Command ( USSOCOM ) Portal : Military of the United States United States Army USASOC Units U.S. Army Special Forces Command U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School 75th Ranger Regiment 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment 4th Military Information Support Group 8th Military Information Support Group 95th Civil Affairs Brigade 528th Sustainment Brigade Types Special Forces Rangers Psychological Operations United States Marine Corps MARSOC Units Marine Raiders Marine Raider Support Group Marine Special Operations School Types United States Marine Corps Critical Skills Operator United States Navy NAVSPECWARCOM Units Naval Special Warfare Group 1 Naval Special Warfare Group 2 Naval Special Warfare Group 3 Naval Special Warfare Group 4 Naval Special Warfare Group 10 Naval Special Warfare Group 11 Naval Special Warfare Center Types Navy SEALs Special warfare combatant - craft crewmen United States Air Force AFSOC Units 1st Special Operations Wing 24th Special Operations Wing 27th Special Operations Wing 352d Special Operations Wing 353d Special Operations Group Types Pararescue Combat Control Team Special Operations Weather Technician Combat Rescue Officer Special Tactics Officer Special Mission Units JSOC DoD Joint Communications Unit Army 1st SFOD - Delta ( Delta Force ) Intelligence Support Activity Regimental Reconnaissance Company Navy Naval Special Warfare Development Group ( DEVGRU / SEAL Team Six ) Air Force 24th Special Tactics Squadron Theater Special Operations Commands SOCAFRICA SOCCENT SOCEUR SOCKOR SOCPAC SOCNORTH SOCSOUTH SOCJFCOM Source : SOCOM 2013 Fact Book United States Marine Corps Leadership Secretary of the Navy Under Secretary of the Navy Commandant of the Marine Corps Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Marine Corps generals United States Congress House Subcommittee on Seapower and Expeditionary Forces Senate Subcommittee on Seapower Major commands Organization of the Marine Corps Headquarters Marine Corps Marine Forces Command II Marine Expeditionary Force Marine Forces Pacific I Marine Expeditionary Force III Marine Expeditionary Force Marine Forces Reserve Fleet Marine Force Atlantic Pacific Marine Corps Combat Development Command Small Wars Center and Irregular Warfare Integration Division ( SWC / IWID ) Operations Analysis Directorate ( OAD ) Training & Education Command ( TECOM ) United States Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory Structure Marine Air - Ground Task Force Bases Battalions Regiments Brigades Divisions MEF / Corps Marine aviation Marine expeditionary unit Special Operations Marine Raiders Marine Raider Regiment Recon Force Division Personnel and training Personnel Personnel Rank insignia MOS Notable Marines Historical Marines Marine Astronauts Criminal Investigation Division Judge Advocate Division Chaplain of the Marine Corps Associated organizations Training Training Recruit Training School of Infantry Officer Candidates School The Basic School Martial Arts Program Uniforms and equipment Uniforms Awards Badges Weapons Vehicles and aircraft Individual equipment History and traditions History Culture Acronyms and terms Birthday Ball Eagle, Globe, and Anchor Flag Marine Band Drum and Bugle Corps Marine One Silent Drill Platoon White House Sentries Service Numbers Marine Corps War Memorial Marine Detachments Marines ' Hymn National Museum Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima Rifleman 's Creed Semper Fidelis march History of Hispanics in the USMC History of women in the USMC Women 's Reserve Honorary Marine Toys for Tots Portal Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=United_States_Marine_Corps_Forces_Special_Operations_Command&oldid=840537329 '' Categories : Special operations commands of the United States Armed Forces Commands of the United States Marine Corps Hidden categories : Use dmy dates from May 2011 Pages using deprecated image syntax Wikipedia articles incorporating text from the United States Marine Corps Talk Contents About Wikipedia Català Deutsch Español Français עברית 日本 語 Русский Українська Edit links This page was last edited on 10 May 2018, at 14 : 57. 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Question: what is the name of the special forces in the marines
Answer: United States Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC)