Understanding the Special Operations Forces within the U.S. Marine Corps

The U.S. Marine Corps, often hailed as a special breed within the armed forces, plays a crucial role in safeguarding national interests. A common inquiry focuses on whether the Marine Corps has special operations forces. This article delves into the nature of the Marine Corps' special operations capabilities, distinguishing them from those of other service branches.

MARSOC: Special Operations within the Marine Corps

Yes, the U.S. Marine Corps indeed has special operations forces. The Marine Raiders Force, a specialized unit within the Corps, exemplifies this. Furthermore, the Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC) constitutes a significant component of the Marine Corps' special operations capabilities. MARSOC operates under the control of Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), but the Commandant of the Marine Corps retains control over the individuals within MARSOC.

The main mission of the Marine Raiders and MARSOC is to take and hold land, providing a secure base for naval operations. Historically, during World War II, the Marines were primarily engaged in the Pacific theater, which required them to obtain and secure land. This mission focus led to the development of the specialized units that now form the core of MARSOC.

Special Operations within the Marine Corps

The U.S. Marine Corps, as a whole, considers itself a force prepared for special operations, with every member, from pilots to cooks, trained in combat arms. This extensive training is reflected in annual evaluations, including proficiency in weapons ranges. However, there are specialized units within the Marine Corps organization that have been organized, designated, or restructured over time. Introducing these units can be complex and dynamic, with the names and roles evolving.

Specifically, the following units within the Marine Corps are considered special forces:

Marine Scout Snipers Marine Force Recon/Marine Division Recon Marine Raiders from MARSOC

Classification and Distinction

The US Army is the only service branch that has designated Special Forces units. However, all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces have special operations forces. While the U.S. Marine Corps may not be technically categorized as 'special forces' in the same sense as others, such as the U.S. Army's Green Berets, it surpasses many standard units in terms of capability and readiness.

MARines are often characterized as a special breed, known for their commitment, willingness to charge, and high level of discipline. What differentiates Marines is not that they are 'special forces' but that they are highly trained and better prepared than most standard infantry units. A Marine is more than just an infantry soldier; they are akin to 'infantry on steroids.' This preparedness is evident in the rigorous training at basic training, where the average recruit must pass stringent tests to complete the course.

Conclusion

The U.S. Marine Corps, while not technically classified as 'special forces' in the strictest sense, possesses a cadre of specialized units such as Marine Raiders and MARSOC, which provide unique capabilities and missions. The Marines' entire mission focus on taking and holding land for naval operations sets them apart, with their specialized forces playing a critical role in fulfilling these objectives. Understanding the nature of special operations within the Marine Corps is essential to appreciating the full scope of their capabilities and commitment to national defense.