Special Operations Capable
Encyclopedia
Special Operations Capable refers to special tasks
that the tangible Marine Air-Ground Task Force
units are capable in providing to the Fleet Marine Force
(FMF), or foreign uniformed services
of maritime
regions worldwide. These task are similar to the roles that the United States Special Operations Forces
are operationally responsible in providing the United States Special Operations Command
(USSOCOM).
Traditionally, the United States Marine Corps
has been at the forefront of the United States
's exceptional elite warriors. The special operations-type units within the Marine Corps eschewed the idea of being referred or compared to the traditional special operations forces
(SOF) of the United States Special Operations Command
due to the ad hoc idealism
the Marines are traditionally known to carry—being special operations capable is temporary to their protocol.
The Marine Corps's specialized units have always yielded performance and mission plans that distinguish them from the United States Special Operations Forces
. One significant detail is that the Marine Corps solely manages their battlespace
shaping methods mainly in the aspect of conventional warfare
. Most of the SOFs involved in USSOCOM however are more directed in unconventional warfare
. Every SOC [special operations capable] unit that existed in the Marine Corps are versatile enough to be capable in conducting special operations under 'unconventional' methods while engaging on a 'conventional' battlefield. While not specifically a Secretary of Defense-designated U.S. Special Operations Force, when directed by the National Command Authority
and/or the force commander
, the Fleet Marine Force
may conduct special operations
under circumstances where designated special operations forces are not available.
In February 2006, the Marine Corps made its first commitment to the USSOCOM community in cause of the establishment of the Marine Special Operations Command, or MARSOC. This new commitment allowed MARSOC to form the Marine Special Operation Teams (MSOT), assigned under the Marine Special Operation Battalions, or MSOBs. The MSOTs are the Marine Corps's first SOF unit to be trained and reserved for missions specifically regarding unconventional methods, which consequently disbanded the FMF's Force Reconnaissance
companies to make way for the MSOTs' fully committed direct action capabilities. Many force reconnaissance operators were used to form the MSOTs, the rest were folded into the division-level recon
units. The Deep Recon Platoons (DRP) were created to maintain the deep reconnaissance capabilities for the Marine Air-Ground Task Force
(MAGTF) commanders.
Therefore, the joint-Navy/Marine Corps's Fleet Marine Force is the proponent service for all special operations missions involving maneuverability from the sea. Historians can trace the evolution of the Corps’s specialized amphibious warfare
since its formation, traditionally being tasked in conducting specialized missions conformed to maritime environments. The U.S. Marines and sailors are already equipped and well-prepared because of their expeditionary
capabilities that are well-known to the community.
or Department of Defense
in formulating a special operations force within the combined functions of the FMF. In fact, the FMF formulated several SOF-type units in the past.
The Marine Raiders
dissolved moments before the end of World War II
, terminating their direct action
-stylized institution. It was felt throughout the Marine Corps that the Raiders were acting in complex of being "an elite within the Elite", nonetheless the Raider Battalions were deactivated. Momentarily, the Paramarines
also shared the same fate.
Ever since World War II, new threats that have been emerging became the main focus: terrorism
, warring factions, and environmental catastrophes, while the worldwide population increases. Marines must now cope with the expected changes of the way warfare is being fought in the 21st century. Its reason is that the Marine Corps has epitomized its sole function in modern amphibious
and expeditionary warfare
. No other armed naval services throughout history has reasoned feasibly in sustaining a rapid, offensive landing force onto hostile shores, yet remaining co-dependent on conventional strategies. In order for the Corps to send Marines to accommodate new perils, recommendations were made to standardize and relate all their training for modern warfare
. The Fleet Marine Force revised its Title X charter by incorporating their already ‘amphibious and expeditionary capability’ into unique missions; including a special operations mission, if the need arises.
A significant shift in thinking was dramatized by the foresight of then-Deputy Secretary of Defense William H. Taft
, stated in 1983:
Despite efforts, the perception of competition between the SOFs and the specialized Marine units has persisted, and caused friction in USSOCOM.
. Nowadays, it has been replaced by the more probable mid- and low intensity
conflicts. Missions that would require armed conflicts or humanitarian
/disaster relief
were conceived and many tacticians feared that the Marine Corps were trying to emulate the larger, land-based United States Army
.
With counterparts from the United States Navy
, Marines have the ability to be projected to any hostile area around the globe due to their maneuverability
from the sea. This gives the Marine Corps the advantage over the other military branches
; Marines can be deployed to a hostile situation, large or small, within short notice from the Commander-in-Chief
.
Ever since the Advanced Base Force
was conceived, the enhanced and inherent capabilities of the Fleet Marine Force has proven the Marine Corps operational flexibility as a unique, elite maritime force. The Marine Corps is far more capable of making the adjustments to the changing threat than any other service. Marine Corps Commandant General P. X. Kelley demonstrated capabilities of the Fleet Marine Force's, smaller forward deployed Marine Air-Ground Task Force
elements.
Each Marine Expeditionary Force
(MEF) has MEUs. When specifically trained and operationally qualified to perform special operational duties, they are then known as a Marine Expeditionary Units (Special Operations Capable), or MEU (SOC); designed under the battle plans of combined maritime-based ground and air elements
that make up a MAGTF.
assigned to a MEU, the specialized units within the Marine Corps's Special Operations Capable community are able to perform the following capabilities assigned:
. In addition to the conventional capabilities noted above, MEU(SOC)s will, upon deployment, possess the following skills and
capabilities:
's MEFs assemble the MEUs and train them individually within their units, or together in a cohesive exercise. They have one purpose, to become certified in special operations. The Special Operations Capable Certification process is in three phases; the Initial Training Phase, Intermediate Training Phase, and the Final Training Phase. Once certified, they are under status as "force-in-readiness" for 15-months.
, subordinate elements (MSE), and the Maritime Special Purpose Force
. Also, staff training is included in the MEU's CE and MSE elements. Because of time constraints and limited training resources, every effort must be made to efficiently use the training time available during this phase.
At the beginning of the Intermediate Training Phase, an operational analysis is conducted by the MEU Commander in order to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the subordinate elements. This will also assist in developing the commander’s guidance regarding training priorities. Once developed, the MEU Commander will provide training guidance to improve and sustain the MSE’s required capabilities.
Special operations
Special operations are military operations that are considered "special" .Special operations are typically performed independently or in conjunction with conventional military operations. The primary goal is to achieve a political or military objective where a conventional force requirement does...
that the tangible Marine Air-Ground Task Force
Marine Air-Ground Task Force
The Marine Air-Ground Task Force is a term used by the United States Marine Corps to describe the principal organization for all missions across the range of military operations. MAGTFs are a balanced air-ground, combined arms task organization of Marine Corps forces under a single commander that...
units are capable in providing to the Fleet Marine Force
Fleet Marine Force
The United States Fleet Marine Forces are combined general and special purpose forces within the United States Department of the Navy that are designed in engaging offensive amphibious or expeditionary warfare and defensive maritime employment...
(FMF), or foreign uniformed services
Uniformed Services
Uniformed services are bodies of people in the employ of a state that are not employed on standard terms of contract, but have some element of additional discipline, and wear a uniform.Typically the uniformed services of a state include:...
of maritime
Ocean
An ocean is a major body of saline water, and a principal component of the hydrosphere. Approximately 71% of the Earth's surface is covered by ocean, a continuous body of water that is customarily divided into several principal oceans and smaller seas.More than half of this area is over 3,000...
regions worldwide. These task are similar to the roles that the United States Special Operations Forces
United States Special Operations Forces
United States Special Operations Forces under United States Special Operations Command are active and reserve component forces of U.S. Military...
are operationally responsible in providing the United States Special Operations Command
United States Special Operations Command
The United States Special Operations Command is the Unified Combatant Command charged with overseeing the various Special Operations Commands of the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps of the United States Armed Forces. The command is part of the Department of Defense...
(USSOCOM).
Traditionally, the United States Marine Corps
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
has been at the forefront of the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
's exceptional elite warriors. The special operations-type units within the Marine Corps eschewed the idea of being referred or compared to the traditional special operations forces
Special forces
Special forces, or special operations forces are terms used to describe elite military tactical teams trained to perform high-risk dangerous missions that conventional units cannot perform...
(SOF) of the United States Special Operations Command
United States Special Operations Command
The United States Special Operations Command is the Unified Combatant Command charged with overseeing the various Special Operations Commands of the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps of the United States Armed Forces. The command is part of the Department of Defense...
due to the ad hoc idealism
Culture of the United States Marine Corps
The Culture of the United States Marine Corps is widely varied, but unique amongst the branches of the United States armed forces. Because its members are drawn from across the United States , it is as varied as each individual Marine, but tied together with core values and traditions passed from...
the Marines are traditionally known to carry—being special operations capable is temporary to their protocol.
The Marine Corps's specialized units have always yielded performance and mission plans that distinguish them from the United States Special Operations Forces
United States Special Operations Forces
United States Special Operations Forces under United States Special Operations Command are active and reserve component forces of U.S. Military...
. One significant detail is that the Marine Corps solely manages their battlespace
Battlespace
Battlespace is a term used to signify a unified military strategy to integrate and combine armed forces for the military theatre of operations, including air, information, land, sea, and space to achieve military goals. It includes the environment, factors, and conditions that must be understood...
shaping methods mainly in the aspect of conventional warfare
Conventional warfare
Conventional warfare is a form of warfare conducted byusing conventional military weapons and battlefield tactics between two or more states in open confrontation. The forces on each side are well-defined, and fight using weapons that primarily target the opposing army...
. Most of the SOFs involved in USSOCOM however are more directed in unconventional warfare
Unconventional warfare
Unconventional warfare is the opposite of conventional warfare. Where conventional warfare is used to reduce an opponent's military capability, unconventional warfare is an attempt to achieve military victory through acquiescence, capitulation, or clandestine support for one side of an existing...
. Every SOC [special operations capable] unit that existed in the Marine Corps are versatile enough to be capable in conducting special operations under 'unconventional' methods while engaging on a 'conventional' battlefield. While not specifically a Secretary of Defense-designated U.S. Special Operations Force, when directed by the National Command Authority
National Command Authority
National Command Authority is a term used by the Department of Defense of the United States of America to refer to the ultimate lawful source of military orders. The NCA comprises the President of the United States and the Secretary of Defense jointly, or their duly deputized successors, i.e...
and/or the force commander
Force Commander
Force Commander can refer to:* Force commander , a command post in the British Army and several other armed forces or multinational forces* Star Wars: Force Commander...
, the Fleet Marine Force
Fleet Marine Force
The United States Fleet Marine Forces are combined general and special purpose forces within the United States Department of the Navy that are designed in engaging offensive amphibious or expeditionary warfare and defensive maritime employment...
may conduct special operations
Special operations
Special operations are military operations that are considered "special" .Special operations are typically performed independently or in conjunction with conventional military operations. The primary goal is to achieve a political or military objective where a conventional force requirement does...
under circumstances where designated special operations forces are not available.
In February 2006, the Marine Corps made its first commitment to the USSOCOM community in cause of the establishment of the Marine Special Operations Command, or MARSOC. This new commitment allowed MARSOC to form the Marine Special Operation Teams (MSOT), assigned under the Marine Special Operation Battalions, or MSOBs. The MSOTs are the Marine Corps's first SOF unit to be trained and reserved for missions specifically regarding unconventional methods, which consequently disbanded the FMF's Force Reconnaissance
United States Marine Corps Force Reconnaissance
The Force Reconnaissance Companies , are one of the United States Marine Corps's special operations "capable" forces that provide essential elements of military intelligence to the command element of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force ; supporting the landing or joint task force commanders, and...
companies to make way for the MSOTs' fully committed direct action capabilities. Many force reconnaissance operators were used to form the MSOTs, the rest were folded into the division-level recon
United States Marine Corps Reconnaissance Battalions
The United States Marine Corps Reconnaissance Battalions are the reconnaissance assets of Marine Air-Ground Task Force that provide division-level ground and amphibious reconnaissance to the Ground Combat Element within the United States Marine Corps...
units. The Deep Recon Platoons (DRP) were created to maintain the deep reconnaissance capabilities for the Marine Air-Ground Task Force
Marine Air-Ground Task Force
The Marine Air-Ground Task Force is a term used by the United States Marine Corps to describe the principal organization for all missions across the range of military operations. MAGTFs are a balanced air-ground, combined arms task organization of Marine Corps forces under a single commander that...
(MAGTF) commanders.
Therefore, the joint-Navy/Marine Corps's Fleet Marine Force is the proponent service for all special operations missions involving maneuverability from the sea. Historians can trace the evolution of the Corps’s specialized amphibious warfare
Amphibious warfare
Amphibious warfare is the use of naval firepower, logistics and strategy to project military power ashore. In previous eras it stood as the primary method of delivering troops to non-contiguous enemy-held terrain...
since its formation, traditionally being tasked in conducting specialized missions conformed to maritime environments. The U.S. Marines and sailors are already equipped and well-prepared because of their expeditionary
Expeditionary maneuver warfare
Expeditionary maneuver warfare is the current concept that guides how the United States Marine Corps organizes, deploys and employs its forces...
capabilities that are well-known to the community.
Concept
There have been controversial effects of incorporating the MEU (SOC)'s capabilities. The Marine Corps periodically had to struggle with the Department of the NavyUnited States Department of the Navy
The Department of the Navy of the United States of America was established by an Act of Congress on 30 April 1798, to provide a government organizational structure to the United States Navy and, from 1834 onwards, for the United States Marine Corps, and when directed by the President, of the...
or Department of Defense
United States Department of Defense
The United States Department of Defense is the U.S...
in formulating a special operations force within the combined functions of the FMF. In fact, the FMF formulated several SOF-type units in the past.
The Marine Raiders
Marine Raiders
The Marine Raiders were elite units established by the United States Marine Corps during World War II to conduct amphibious light infantry warfare, particularly in landing in rubber boats and operating behind the lines...
dissolved moments before the end of World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, terminating their direct action
Direct action (military)
In the context of military special operations, direct action consists of: "Short-duration strikes and other small-scale offensive actions conducted as a special operation in hostile, denied, or politically sensitive environments and which employ specialized military capabilities to seize, destroy,...
-stylized institution. It was felt throughout the Marine Corps that the Raiders were acting in complex of being "an elite within the Elite", nonetheless the Raider Battalions were deactivated. Momentarily, the Paramarines
Paramarines
The Paramarines was a short-lived specialized unit of the United States Marine Corps, trained to be dropped by parachute. The first Paramarines were trained in October 1940, but the unit was disbanded in 1944...
also shared the same fate.
Ever since World War II, new threats that have been emerging became the main focus: terrorism
Terrorism
Terrorism is the systematic use of terror, especially as a means of coercion. In the international community, however, terrorism has no universally agreed, legally binding, criminal law definition...
, warring factions, and environmental catastrophes, while the worldwide population increases. Marines must now cope with the expected changes of the way warfare is being fought in the 21st century. Its reason is that the Marine Corps has epitomized its sole function in modern amphibious
Amphibious warfare
Amphibious warfare is the use of naval firepower, logistics and strategy to project military power ashore. In previous eras it stood as the primary method of delivering troops to non-contiguous enemy-held terrain...
and expeditionary warfare
Expeditionary warfare
Expeditionary warfare is used to describe the organization of a state's military to fight abroad, especially when deployed to fight away from its established bases at home or abroad. Expeditionary forces were in part the antecedent of the modern concept of Rapid Deployment Forces...
. No other armed naval services throughout history has reasoned feasibly in sustaining a rapid, offensive landing force onto hostile shores, yet remaining co-dependent on conventional strategies. In order for the Corps to send Marines to accommodate new perils, recommendations were made to standardize and relate all their training for modern warfare
Modern warfare
Modern warfare, although present in every historical period of military history, is generally used to refer to the concepts, methods and technologies that have come into use during and after the Second World War and the Korean War...
. The Fleet Marine Force revised its Title X charter by incorporating their already ‘amphibious and expeditionary capability’ into unique missions; including a special operations mission, if the need arises.
A significant shift in thinking was dramatized by the foresight of then-Deputy Secretary of Defense William H. Taft
William Howard Taft IV
William Howard Taft IV is an attorney who has served in the United States government under several Republican administrations. He is the son of William Howard Taft III and the great-grandson of U.S. President William Howard Taft....
, stated in 1983:
Despite efforts, the perception of competition between the SOFs and the specialized Marine units has persisted, and caused friction in USSOCOM.
Special Operations Capable (SOC)
In the past, the Marine Corps focused more on yesterday's high intensity, conventional, open "sea, air-land" battlefields, such as those expected during the Cold WarCold War
The Cold War was the continuing state from roughly 1946 to 1991 of political conflict, military tension, proxy wars, and economic competition between the Communist World—primarily the Soviet Union and its satellite states and allies—and the powers of the Western world, primarily the United States...
. Nowadays, it has been replaced by the more probable mid- and low intensity
Low intensity conflict
Low intensity conflict is the use of military forces applied selectively and with restraint to enforce compliance with the policies or objectives of the political body controlling the military force...
conflicts. Missions that would require armed conflicts or humanitarian
Humanitarianism
In its most general form, humanitarianism is an ethic of kindness, benevolence and sympathy extended universally and impartially to all human beings. Humanitarianism has been an evolving concept historically but universality is a common element in its evolution...
/disaster relief
Emergency management
Emergency management is the generic name of an interdisciplinary field dealing with the strategic organizational management processes used to protect critical assets of an organization from hazard risks that can cause events like disasters or catastrophes and to ensure the continuance of the...
were conceived and many tacticians feared that the Marine Corps were trying to emulate the larger, land-based United States Army
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
.
With counterparts from the United States Navy
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
, Marines have the ability to be projected to any hostile area around the globe due to their maneuverability
Maneuver warfare
Maneuver warfare, or manoeuvre warfare , is the term used by military theorists for a concept of warfare that advocates attempting to defeat an adversary by incapacitating their decision-making through shock and disruption brought about by movement...
from the sea. This gives the Marine Corps the advantage over the other military branches
United States armed forces
The United States Armed Forces are the military forces of the United States. They consist of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard.The United States has a strong tradition of civilian control of the military...
; Marines can be deployed to a hostile situation, large or small, within short notice from the Commander-in-Chief
President of the United States
The President of the United States of America is the head of state and head of government of the United States. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces....
.
Ever since the Advanced Base Force
Advanced Base Force
The United States Marine Corps's Advanced Base Force was a coastal and naval base defense force that was designed to set up mobile and fixed bases in the event of major landing operations within, and beyond, the territorial United States...
was conceived, the enhanced and inherent capabilities of the Fleet Marine Force has proven the Marine Corps operational flexibility as a unique, elite maritime force. The Marine Corps is far more capable of making the adjustments to the changing threat than any other service. Marine Corps Commandant General P. X. Kelley demonstrated capabilities of the Fleet Marine Force's, smaller forward deployed Marine Air-Ground Task Force
Marine Air-Ground Task Force
The Marine Air-Ground Task Force is a term used by the United States Marine Corps to describe the principal organization for all missions across the range of military operations. MAGTFs are a balanced air-ground, combined arms task organization of Marine Corps forces under a single commander that...
elements.
- the Marine Corps possessed an inherent capability to perform Special Operations in a maritime environment;
- certain initiatives could be taken to enhance resident capabilities;
- advantages of optimizing the Fleet Marine Force's inherent capabilities to the National Command AuthorityNational Command AuthorityNational Command Authority is a term used by the Department of Defense of the United States of America to refer to the ultimate lawful source of military orders. The NCA comprises the President of the United States and the Secretary of Defense jointly, or their duly deputized successors, i.e...
by offering complementary its services in joint special operations capabilities.
Each Marine Expeditionary Force
Marine Expeditionary Force
A Marine Expeditionary Force or MEF is the largest type of a Marine Air-Ground Task Force...
(MEF) has MEUs. When specifically trained and operationally qualified to perform special operational duties, they are then known as a Marine Expeditionary Units (Special Operations Capable), or MEU (SOC); designed under the battle plans of combined maritime-based ground and air elements
Aerial warfare
Aerial warfare is the use of military aircraft and other flying machines in warfare, including military airlift of cargo to further the national interests as was demonstrated in the Berlin Airlift...
that make up a MAGTF.
Conventional operations
Beyond those conventional missionsConventional warfare
Conventional warfare is a form of warfare conducted byusing conventional military weapons and battlefield tactics between two or more states in open confrontation. The forces on each side are well-defined, and fight using weapons that primarily target the opposing army...
assigned to a MEU, the specialized units within the Marine Corps's Special Operations Capable community are able to perform the following capabilities assigned:
- Battle Area Ingress/Egress: enter and exit a battle area.
- Locate and Fix The Enemy: locate and fix the enemy, involving finding and identifying enemy forces, maintaining surveillance once located, assessing the capabilities and intentions, and reporting these findings.
- Engage The Enemy: engage, destroy, or capture the enemy in a rural or urban setting, in hostile environments, with minimized/controlled collateral damage.
- Rapid Staff Planning: the capability to rapidly plan and be prepared to commence execution of operations within six (6) hours of receipt of the warning order/alert order. Commencement of operations is signified by the launch of forces by air and/or surface means. This may range from the insertion of reconnaissance and surveillance assets in support of the mission to the actual launch of an assault force. Rapid staff planning is a key to MEU(SOC)s overall operational success.
- Joint Force Interoperability: the MEU will normally be committed in conjunction with joint or combined task force (J/CTF) operations. Joint/combined force interoperability is a shared responsibility of the force commander and subordinate elements. Interoperability depends on compatible C4IC4ISTARIn military usage, a number of abbreviations in the format C followed by additional letters are used, based on expanded versions of the abbreviation C2 - command and control.C2I stands for command, control, and intelligence....
equipment and standardized procedures while embracing common terminology and techniques. The objective is a thorough understanding of mutual command and controlCommand and Control (military)Command and control, or C2, in a military organization can be defined as the exercise of authority and direction by a properly designated commanding officer over assigned and attached forces in the accomplishment of the mission...
procedures, capabilities, and limitations developed through continual participation in joint and combined exercises. - Amphibious Raids: conduct amphibious raids via air and/or surface means from extended ranges in order to inflict loss or damage upon opposing forces, create diversions, capture and/or evacuate individuals and material by swift incursion into an objective area followed by a planned withdrawal. The amphibious raid is the primary operational focus for the forward-operating MEU(SOC)s.
- Limited Objective Attacks: assaults based on limited force.
- Non-combatant Evacuation OperationsNon-combatant Evacuation OperationA non-combatant evacuation operation or NEO is an operation conducted to evacuate civilians from another country, generally due to a deteriorating security situation.-United States:...
(NEO): conduct NEO by evacuating and protecting noncombatants in either a permissive or non-permissive environment. This capability includes the requirement to provide a security force, evacuation control center, recovery force, medical support, and transportation of evacuees. - Show of Force OperationsShow of forceShow of force is a military term for an operation intended to warn or intimidate an opponent and to showcase one's own capability or will to act if provoked...
: engage in show of force operations, to include amphibious demonstrations, presence of forces, or flyovers in support of U.S. interests. - Reinforcement Operations: reinforce U.S. (or designated Allied/friendly) forces by helicopter and/or surface means. This includes the capability to conduct relief-in-place or a passage of lines.
- Maritime Security OperationsMaritime Security OperationsMaritime Security Operations is a term for the actions of modern naval forces to "combat sea–based terrorism and other illegal activities, such as hijacking, piracy, and slavery, also known as human trafficking." Ships assigned to such operations may also assist seafaring vessels in distress...
: conduct security operations to protect U.S. (or designated Allied/ friendly nation) property and noncombatants in maritime areas. Forward-operating MEU(SOC)s will be capable of establishing an integrated local security perimeter, screening for explosive devices, and providing personal protection to designated individuals. - Mobile Training TeamsMobile Security DeploymentThe Office of Mobile Security Deployment ' is a small, specialized unit within the U.S. Diplomatic Security Service of the United States Department of State...
(MTT): provide training to assigned individuals, groups, or units. - Civil-Military OperationsCivil-military operationsCivil-military operations or CMO are activities of a military force to minimize civil interference on and maximize civil support for military operations to facilitate accomplishing the mission. CMO is conducted in conjunction with combat operations during wartime and becomes a central part of a...
- HumanitarianHumanitarianismIn its most general form, humanitarianism is an ethic of kindness, benevolence and sympathy extended universally and impartially to all human beings. Humanitarianism has been an evolving concept historically but universality is a common element in its evolution...
/Civil AssistanceCivil AssistanceCivil Assistance was a British civil defence group in the 1970s.Formed as a breakaway of Unison by General Sir Walter Walker, Commander in Chief of NATO forces in Northern Europe from 1969 to 1972, it was a voluntary group that aimed to break any planned general strike.In August 1974 Walker...
in Disaster ReliefEmergency managementEmergency management is the generic name of an interdisciplinary field dealing with the strategic organizational management processes used to protect critical assets of an organization from hazard risks that can cause events like disasters or catastrophes and to ensure the continuance of the...
: provide services such as medical and dental care, minor construction repair to civilian facilities, temporary assistance to local government, and assistance to counter the devastation caused by a manmade or natural disaster. - Tactical Deception OperationsMilitary deceptionMilitary deception is an attempt to amplify, or create an artificial fog of war or to mislead the enemy using psychological operations, information warfare and other methods. As a form of strategic use of information , it overlaps with psychological warfare...
: design and implement tactical deception operations plans in order to deceive the enemy through electronic means, feints, demonstrations, and ruses which cause the enemy to react or fail to react in a manner which assists in the accomplishment of the overall mission. - Fire Support ControlFire supportFire support is long-range firepower provided to a front-line military unit. Typically, fire support is provided by artillery or close air support , and is used to shape the battlefield or, more optimistically, define the battle...
: control and coordinate naval surface fire, air support and ground fire support coordination measures for U.S. or designated Allied/friendly forces. - Counter-Intelligence OperationsCounter-intelligenceCounterintelligence or counter-intelligence refers to efforts made by intelligence organizations to prevent hostile or enemy intelligence organizations from successfully gathering and collecting intelligence against them. National intelligence programs, and, by extension, the overall defenses of...
: conduct counterintelligence and human intelligence operations that protect the MEU(SOC) against espionage, sabotage, terrorism, and subversion by developing and providing information the commander can use to undertake countermeasures to protect his resources. - Initial Terminal Guidance (ITG): establish and operate navigational, signal, and/or electronic devices for guiding helicopter and surface waves from a designated point to a landing zone or beach.
- Electronic WarfareElectronic warfareElectronic warfare refers to any action involving the use of the electromagnetic spectrum or directed energy to control the spectrum, attack an enemy, or impede enemy assaults via the spectrum. The purpose of electronic warfare is to deny the opponent the advantage of, and ensure friendly...
/Signal Intelligence: conduct tactical SIGINT, limited ground bases EW, and communications securityCommunications securityCommunications security is the discipline of preventing unauthorized interceptors from accessing telecommunications in an intelligible form, while still delivering content to the intended recipients. In the United States Department of Defense culture, it is often referred to by the abbreviation...
(COMSEC) monitoring and analysis in direct support of the MAGTF. This is accomplished by employing organic collection and direction finding (DF) equipment as well as through connectivity to national and theater SIGINT/EW assets. - Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT): conduct military operations in a built-up area.
Maritime special operations
The Marine Corps does not deploy traditional Special Operations Forces (SOF). Forward-operating MEU(SOC)s receive enhanced training and are specially equipped and organized to provide selected maritime special purpose capabilities complementary and in support of special operationsSpecial operations
Special operations are military operations that are considered "special" .Special operations are typically performed independently or in conjunction with conventional military operations. The primary goal is to achieve a political or military objective where a conventional force requirement does...
. In addition to the conventional capabilities noted above, MEU(SOC)s will, upon deployment, possess the following skills and
capabilities:
- Close Quarters BattleClose quarters battleClose quarters combat or close quarters battle is a type of fighting in which small units engage the enemy with personal weapons at very short range, potentially to the point of hand-to-hand combat or fighting with hand weapons such as swords or knives...
(CQB): conduct direct action missions, employing close quarter battle combat and dynamic assault tactics and techniques. - Direct ActionDirect action (military)In the context of military special operations, direct action consists of: "Short-duration strikes and other small-scale offensive actions conducted as a special operation in hostile, denied, or politically sensitive environments and which employ specialized military capabilities to seize, destroy,...
: conduct raid, ambush, or direct assault tactics; conduct standoff attacks by fire from air, ground, or maritime platforms; and provide terminal guidance for precision-guided munitionPrecision-guided munitionA precision-guided munition is a guided munition intended to precisely hit a specific target, and to minimize damage to things other than the target....
s. - Clandestine Recovery OperationsPersonnel recoveryThe United States Army defines personnel recovery as "The sum of military, DOD civilian, DOD contractor personnel, or other personnel designated by the President or Secretary of Defense, who are isolated, missing, detained, or captured in an operational environment. Also called PR."-The five PR...
: ability to recovery downed aviation pilots or sensitive materials behind enemy lines; conduct clandestine extraction of personnel or sensitive items from enemy controlled areas. - Tactical Recovery of Aircraft, Equipment and Personnel (TRAP): conduct overland recovery of downed aircraft and personnel, aircraft sanitization, and provide advanced trauma-life support in a benign or hostile environment.
- Specialized Demolition Operations: conduct specialized breaching; to employ specialized demolitions in support of other special operations. This includes an explosive entry capability to support close quarters battle/combat.
- In-Extremis Hostage Rescue (IHR): conduct recovery operations during an in-extremis situation by means of an emergency extraction of hostages and/or sensitive items from a non-permissive environment and expeditiously transport them to a designated safe haven. The IHR capability will only be employed when directed by appropriate authority and when dedicated national assets are unavailable. Emphasis is placed on isolation, containment, employment of reconnaissance assets, and preparation for turnover of the crisis site when/if national assets arrive
- Airfield/Ports/Other Key Facilities Seizure: secure an airfield, port, or other key facilities in order to support MAGTF missions or to receive follow-on forces.
- Gas and Oil PlatformsOil platformAn oil platform, also referred to as an offshore platform or, somewhat incorrectly, oil rig, is a lаrge structure with facilities to drill wells, to extract and process oil and natural gas, and to temporarily store product until it can be brought to shore for refining and marketing...
Operations (GOPLAT): conduct seizure and/or destruction of offshore gas and oil platforms. - Maritime Interdiction OperationsMaritime Interdiction OperationsMaritime Interdiction Operations are naval conducted operations, that aim to delay, disrupt, or destroy enemy forces or supplies en route to the battle area before they do any harm against friendly forces, similar to Air Interdiction Operations....
(MIO): conduct MIO in support of visit, board, search, and seizureVisit, Board, Search, and SeizureVisit, board, search, and seizure is the term for maritime boarding actions and tactics, designed to capture enemy vessels, to combat terrorism, piracy and smuggling, and to conduct customs, safety and other inspections, as employed by modern navies, marine and maritime services, military and...
(VBSS) operations during day or night on a cooperative, uncooperative, or hostile contact of interest. - ReconnaissanceReconnaissanceReconnaissance is the military term for exploring beyond the area occupied by friendly forces to gain information about enemy forces or features of the environment....
and SurveillanceSurveillanceSurveillance is the monitoring of the behavior, activities, or other changing information, usually of people. It is sometimes done in a surreptitious manner...
(R&S): conduct clandestine reconnaissance and surveillance through entry into an objective area by air, surface, or subsurface means in order to perform information collection, target acquisition, and other intelligence collection tasks.
Pre-deployment Training Program (PTP)
Every 18-months, all units that are under the Marine Air-Ground Task ForceMarine Air-Ground Task Force
The Marine Air-Ground Task Force is a term used by the United States Marine Corps to describe the principal organization for all missions across the range of military operations. MAGTFs are a balanced air-ground, combined arms task organization of Marine Corps forces under a single commander that...
's MEFs assemble the MEUs and train them individually within their units, or together in a cohesive exercise. They have one purpose, to become certified in special operations. The Special Operations Capable Certification process is in three phases; the Initial Training Phase, Intermediate Training Phase, and the Final Training Phase. Once certified, they are under status as "force-in-readiness" for 15-months.
Initial Training Phase
The Initial Training Phase is the phase that focuses on training of individual personnel and small units of the Marine Expeditionary Units. Many Marines attend courses or training schools that may require advancement or additional skills to meet the demand of their unit's quota. Training and exercises by many cooperative cross-service agencies also help set courses of instruction for the MEU's Command ElementsCommand element (United States Marine Corps)
In the United States Marine Corps, the command element or CE is the command and control force of a Marine Air-Ground Task Force . It provides C3I for the MAGTF.-Role within the MAGTF:...
, subordinate elements (MSE), and the Maritime Special Purpose Force
Maritime Special Purpose Force
The United States Marine Corps' Maritime Special Purpose Force, or MSPF, are a unique specialized sub-unit that are drawn from the Marine Expeditionary Units' major subordinate elements. They are special operations capable forces deployed to give the commanders low profile, two-platoon surgical...
. Also, staff training is included in the MEU's CE and MSE elements. Because of time constraints and limited training resources, every effort must be made to efficiently use the training time available during this phase.
- Expeditionary Strike GroupExpeditionary Strike GroupThe Expeditionary Strike Group, or ESG, is a concept introduced in the U.S. military in the early 1990s, based on the Naval Expeditionary Task Force. The U.S. Navy fields 12 Expeditionary Strike Groups and 11 Carrier Strike Groups, in addition to surface action groups...
/Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) Staff Planning Course - Operations and Intelligence Seminar
- MEU Command Element Situational Training Exercises (STX)
- Initial Training Phase "at-Sea-Period"
- Special Operations Training GroupSpecial Operations Training GroupThe Special Operations Training Group, or SOTG, is a training section of the United States Marine Corps that provides Marine Expeditionary Force commanders with training facilities and a liaison for Marine Expeditionary Units . They also conduct special skills courses that trains Marines and...
(SOTG) Special Skills Courses - Fire Support Coordination Exercise
- Interoperability and Parallel Training: conducted jointly with an Amphibious SquadronPHIBRONPHIBRON is an abbreviation for Amphibious Squadron. In the U.S. and NATO, it is a tactical and administrative organization composed of amphibious assault shipping to transport troops and their equipment for an amphibious assault operation....
and Naval Special WarfareUnited States Naval Special Warfare CommandThe United States Naval Special Warfare Command was commissioned on April 16, 1987, at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado in San Diego, California...
detachment
Intermediate Training Phase
All the training and exercises that are conducted by the Marine Expeditionary Units while either on pre-deployment, or currently deployed, under a training curriculum, or not deployed operationally are during the Intermediate Training Phase. The purpose of this phase is to build unit cohesion and leadership, and emphasis on functioning as a team. A string of exercises are begun, and a MEU utilizes this time to rehearse for the upcoming Special Operations Capable Exercise that will determine their Special Operations Capable certification.At the beginning of the Intermediate Training Phase, an operational analysis is conducted by the MEU Commander in order to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the subordinate elements. This will also assist in developing the commander’s guidance regarding training priorities. Once developed, the MEU Commander will provide training guidance to improve and sustain the MSE’s required capabilities.
- Intermediate Training Phase at Sea Period: emphasis the training of Gas/Oil Platform (GOPLAT) and Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) training. Under unique predeployment or operational circumstances, the MEF Commander can reduce or increase the emphasis on either of the mission. Concurrence on this modification to training will be obtained from Headquarters Marine CorpsHeadquarters Marine CorpsHeadquarters Marine Corps is a headquarters staff within the Department of the Navy which includes the offices of the Commandant of the Marine Corps, the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps and various staff functions...
Plans, Policies and Operations (PP&O) from the appropriate Commander, Marine Corps ForcesUnited States Marine Corps Forces CommandCommander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command , headquartered at Naval Support Activity Norfolk, Virginia, commands Service retained-operating forces; executes force sourcing and synchronization to affect force generation actions in the provisioning of joint capable Marine Corps forces, and directs...
. - Long-range night raids: takes place on ground or other structures.
- Maritime Special Purpose ForceMaritime Special Purpose ForceThe United States Marine Corps' Maritime Special Purpose Force, or MSPF, are a unique specialized sub-unit that are drawn from the Marine Expeditionary Units' major subordinate elements. They are special operations capable forces deployed to give the commanders low profile, two-platoon surgical...
Interoperability Training: following the successful completion of individual and small unit special skills training conducted during the "Initial Training Phase", the purpose is to consolidate the Command and Control (C&C), Reconnaissance and Surveillance (R&S), Assault, Security, and Aviation Assault elements. The training is either conducted locally or off-site. It also proves a logical prerequisite for the TRUEX and opportunity to conduct basic level training with the Amphibious Squadron, Navy Special Warfare Detachment. - Training in Urban Environment Exercise (TRUEX): The TRUEX provides the MEU's elements of the CE, ACE, CSSE, and along with the MSPF, the opportunity for training in unfamiliar built-up environments during urbanized warfareUrban warfareUrban warfare is combat conducted in urban areas such as towns and cities. Urban combat is very different from combat in the open at both the operational and tactical level...
. The MEF's Special Operations Training GroupSpecial Operations Training GroupThe Special Operations Training Group, or SOTG, is a training section of the United States Marine Corps that provides Marine Expeditionary Force commanders with training facilities and a liaison for Marine Expeditionary Units . They also conduct special skills courses that trains Marines and...
(SOTG) coordinates their training with the municipal, stateU.S. stateA U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
, and federalFederal government of the United StatesThe federal government of the United States is the national government of the constitutional republic of fifty states that is the United States of America. The federal government comprises three distinct branches of government: a legislative, an executive and a judiciary. These branches and...
officials, such as the local and state police, fire departments, the Federal Aviation AdministrationFederal Aviation AdministrationThe Federal Aviation Administration is the national aviation authority of the United States. An agency of the United States Department of Transportation, it has authority to regulate and oversee all aspects of civil aviation in the U.S...
(FAA), and Federal Bureau of InvestigationFederal Bureau of InvestigationThe Federal Bureau of Investigation is an agency of the United States Department of Justice that serves as both a federal criminal investigative body and an internal intelligence agency . The FBI has investigative jurisdiction over violations of more than 200 categories of federal crime...
(FBI) to make this training as realistic as possible for Marines within the MEU. This Exercise gives the MEU the preparation for any world conflict or peacekeeping/humanitarianHumanitarian interventionHumanitarian intervention "refers to a state using military force against another state when the chief publicly declared aim of that military action is ending human-rights violations being perpetrated by the state against which it is directed."...
operations. Many local towns have participated in the events. TRUEX provides an opportunity to integrate unique individual and small unit, close quarters combat (CQC) skills in conjunction with the MEU’s increased proficiency in the rapid response planning process (R2P2), and practice in enhanced urban operations. - Marine Expeditionary Unit Exercise (MEUEX): The MEUEX is the final Intermediate Training Phase exercise that evaluates the MEU’s core capabilities before commencing the final test during the Special Operations Capable Exercise, which will determine its certification for special operationsSpecial operationsSpecial operations are military operations that are considered "special" .Special operations are typically performed independently or in conjunction with conventional military operations. The primary goal is to achieve a political or military objective where a conventional force requirement does...
. All of the MEU's subordinate units participate in the MEUEX. The primary focus of this exercise is to refine the unit standard operating procedures’s and R2P2. In some cases, if possible, the MEUEX is conducted in conjunction with an at-sea period.
Final Training Phase
The Final Training Phase is the culmination of all predeployment training activities. Its focus is on preparation for the Special Operations Capable Exercise, and predeployment embarkation requirements.- Pre-embarkation Maintenance Stand-Down: This is held before the last scheduled at-sea training period. It allows the MEU time to ensure all equipment is in the highest state of readiness prior to the SOCEX.
- Advanced Amphibious Training: During the last scheduled at-sea training period, the Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) and MEU refine their ability to conduct amphibious operations, and conventional and selected maritime special operations capabilities.
- Fleet Exercise (FLEETEX) - Supporting Arms Coordination Exercise (SACEX): This is the PHIBRON and MEU’s final evaluation of its amphibious warfare, conventional, and selected maritime special operations capabilities prior to SOCEX.
- Special Operations Capable Exercise (SOCEX): Final Evaluation and Certification. This is the final test that certifies the MEU to be capable for maritime special operations. It designates the MEU into MEU (Special Operations Capable), or MEU(SOC).
- Pre-Overseas Movement (POM): During the POM period, the final preparations for deployment are conducted. The focus is on personnel and equipment readiness. Training and operational deficiencies noted during the SOCEX evaluation are corrected as required.
- Crisis Interaction Requirements Exercise (CIREX): The CIREX is a discussion built around a crisis scenario tailored to the PHIBRON and MEU(SOC). It is conducted at Fort Bragg, NCFort Bragg (North Carolina)Fort Bragg is a major United States Army installation, in Cumberland and Hoke counties, North Carolina, U.S., mostly in Fayetteville but also partly in the town of Spring Lake. It was also a census-designated place in the 2010 census and had a population of 39,457. The fort is named for Confederate...
to ensure the maximum exposure of the PHIBRON/MEU personnel to their SOF counterparts. The CIREX enhances PHIBRON and MEU(SOC) understanding of, and interoperability with, Joint Special Operations Command Task Forcess and Elements. Staff members from the PHIBRON and MEU CE and selected members of the MEUs MSEs participate in the CIREX. - Washington, D.C. Area Commanders’ Briefings: During this period select members of the PHIBRON and MEU(SOC) receive briefings from senior United States Department of StateUnited States Department of StateThe United States Department of State , is the United States federal executive department responsible for international relations of the United States, equivalent to the foreign ministries of other countries...
, Department of Defense, Joint Chiefs of StaffJoint Chiefs of StaffThe Joint Chiefs of Staff is a body of senior uniformed leaders in the United States Department of Defense who advise the Secretary of Defense, the Homeland Security Council, the National Security Council and the President on military matters...
, Headquarters Marine CorpsHeadquarters Marine CorpsHeadquarters Marine Corps is a headquarters staff within the Department of the Navy which includes the offices of the Commandant of the Marine Corps, the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps and various staff functions...
, and Central Intelligence AgencyCentral Intelligence AgencyThe Central Intelligence Agency is a civilian intelligence agency of the United States government. It is an executive agency and reports directly to the Director of National Intelligence, responsible for providing national security intelligence assessment to senior United States policymakers...
personnel. Conducting these briefings within the Washington D.C. area ensures the highest level of participation by the organizations and external agencies involved. Other agencies or Unified Combatant CommandUnified Combatant CommandA Unified Combatant Command is a United States Department of Defense command that is composed of forces from at least two Military Departments and has a broad and continuing mission. These commands are established to provide effective command and control of U.S. military forces, regardless of...
representatives may be added at the request of the PHIBRON and MEU(SOC) commanders.
Special-operations-capable forces
See also
- Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable)Marine Expeditionary UnitA Marine expeditionary unit , formerly called Marine amphibious unit , is the smallest Marine air-ground task force in the United States Fleet Marine Force...
- Special Operations Forces
- United States Special Operations CommandUnited States Special Operations CommandThe United States Special Operations Command is the Unified Combatant Command charged with overseeing the various Special Operations Commands of the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps of the United States Armed Forces. The command is part of the Department of Defense...
- United States Special Operations ForcesUnited States Special Operations ForcesUnited States Special Operations Forces under United States Special Operations Command are active and reserve component forces of U.S. Military...
- United States Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command