MARSOC

• Origins and Formation: MARSOC (Marine Forces Special Operations Command) was officially activated on February 24, 2006, making it the youngest component of the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). • World War II Inspiration: MARSOC traces its roots to the legendary Marine Raiders of World War II, who were elite units conducting amphibious light infantry warfare in the Pacific Theater. • Nickname - “Marine Raiders”: In 2014, MARSOC was officially designated as the Marine Raiders, reviving the historical name and honoring the legacy of their WWII predecessors. • First Deployment: MARSOC’s first operational deployment was to Afghanistan in 2007, where they immediately became involved in key counterinsurgency and direct action missions. • Selection Process: The assessment and selection process for MARSOC is notoriously rigorous, with a high attrition rate—only a small percentage of candidates complete the grueling training. • Global Missions: MARSOC units have operated in over 40 countries, conducting counterterrorism, foreign internal defense, special reconnaissance, and direct action missions. • Language and Culture: MARSOC places a heavy emphasis on language and cultural training, enabling operators to build rapport and work effectively with foreign military and civilian partners. • “Critical Skills Operator”: The primary job title for a MARSOC operator is “Critical Skills Operator” (MOS 0372), reflecting their diverse skill set, from combat to advising and intelligence gathering. • Heroic Actions: Gunnery Sergeant Jonathan Gifford and Staff Sergeant Scott Dickinson, both MARSOC operators, received posthumous Navy Crosses for their valor during the Battle of Bala Murghab, Afghanistan, in 2012. • Integration with SOCOM: Unlike earlier attempts to integrate Marines into SOCOM, MARSOC has become a fully integrated and respected component, regularly training and operating alongside Navy SEALs, Army Special Forces, and Air Force Special Tactics.