special operations forces » marsoc

United States Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command

MARSOC insignia
MARSOC insignia

MARSOC is an umbrella organization that covers all United States Marine Corps special operations elements (except those remaining Force Recon elements dedicated to USMC ops). MARSOC itself is under the umbrella of SOCOM (Special Operations Command). MARSOC comprises of:

  • Marine Special Operations Advisor Group (MSOAG)
    Specializes in training foreign military forces
  • Marine Special Operations Battalions (MSOBs)
    • 1st MSOB
    • 2nd MSOB
  • Marine Special Operations Support Group (MSOSG)
    MARSOC admin, intelligence and support elements
  • Marine Special Operations School (MSOS)
    Training and selection for MARSOC
MARSOC Marine
A MARSOC Marine takes aim.
Dod photo :
Cpl. Ken Melton

MARSOC - Role

  • direct action
  • special reconnaissance
  • foreign internal defense
  • counter terrorism
  • information operations
  • unconventional warfare

Marine Special Operations Battalions (MSOB) - Organization

There are 2 MSOBs (1st and 2nd). Each MSOB comprises of:

  • Marine Special Operations Companies (MSOCs)
    • 3 Marine Special Operations Teams (MSOTs)
      14 operators in each MSOT

MARSOC - Notable Operations

  • 2007 - present - Operation Enduring Freedom
  • 2007 - present - Iraq - Operation Iraqi Freedom

MARSOC Links & Resources


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