Marine Raiders: At all times Trustworthy, At all times Ahead

Marine Raiders are Marines with the Crucial Expertise Operator Army Operational Specialty (MOS) that serve in one of many Raider Regiments throughout the Marine Corps Power Particular Operations Command (MARSOC).

The Marine Raider motto is the Latin phrase “Spiritus Invictus”, which interprets to “Unconquerable Spirit”.

Moreover, Raiders who move the hallmark Particular person Coaching Course (ITC) earn the privilege of carrying the Marine Particular Operator Insignia gadget. This gadget is the Marine Corps equal to the Navy SEAL trident.

The insignia is gold, with a dimension of two” x 2.75”. It comprises a bald eagle clutching a dagger with a superimposed Southern Star constellation: a testomony to the shared lineage with the World Conflict II Raider items. (supply)

1. Historical past of the Marine Raiders

In comparison with different U.S. particular operations forces, Marine Raiders are one of many youngest members of the US Particular Operations Command (SOCOM). Nonetheless, the historical past of the modern unit traces again to World Conflict II Raider Battalions.

1.1 Marine Raiders within the Second World Conflict

The World Conflict II Marine Raiders are arguably among the many first organized particular operations items throughout the U.S. Armed Forces. Equally, to the MARSOC of as we speak, the Marine Corps erected the WWII tRaider Battalions in response to a selected want.

Their historical past begins with President Theodore Roosevelt, who was conscious of a British commando program that achieved success in Europe and Africa. President Roosevelt imagined the U.S. following in keeping with the British, and met with Main Normal Thomas Holcomb, the 17^th Commandant of the Marine Corps. Moreover, Main Normal Holcomb introduced the thought to Admiral Chester Nimitz of the Pacific Fleet.

By and huge, the commanders all shared an curiosity in cultivating a particular operations unit that might deploy to small islands within the Pacific Theater forward of typical forces. Nonetheless, Main Normal Holcomb expressed some reservation at first. In his eyes, Marines have been elite and able to conducting particular operations of their pure skilled state, while not having to be separated and labeled commandos. Nonetheless, the Normal warmed as much as the thought, and begun finishing the organisation and planning in 1941. (supply)

The Marine Corps activated the First Raider Battalion on the 16^th of February 1942, adopted by the Second Raider Battalion on the 19^th of February 1942. Lieutenant Colonel Evans F. Carlson and Lieutenant Colonel Merritt Edson commanded the first and 2nd battalions, respectively.

Though every Raider Battalion shared the identical process and objective, they differed in unit tradition and command philosophy.  

1.1.1 Choice and Formation

The Marines chosen for the Raider Battalion have been hand-picked and of the best caliber. These Marines primarily got here from 1st Battalion fifth Marine Division.

So far as coaching went, there was a distinction between Edson and Carlson’s Raiders. In essence, regardless of sharing the identical mission, each commanders possessed a unique philosophy when it comes to coaching and tradition.

Carlson took an unconventional method to the tradition inside his unit. For example, using rank construction and relationship between officer and enlisted was finally diminished. Due to this, Carlson inspired teamwork and relationships as paramount, and was probably the most vital driver for mission success. Ultimately, the unconventional method taken by Carlson is current in particular operations forces as we speak. The “gents’s membership” mentality signifies a better degree of belief and duty within the males throughout the unit. After all, with that degree of belief requires a mature and succesful warrior, as discovered throughout the Marine Raiders.

In distinction, Edson took a extra conventional method to his command philosophy. Regardless of this, each Raider Battalions proved themselves on the battlefield all through their tenure within the Pacific. They took half in key battles towards the Japanese forces and confirmed the facility of particular operations.

In brief, the Marine Raiders within the Second World Conflict have been an early mannequin to be revisited within the fashionable period.

1.2 The Marine Corps and USSOCOM

Previous to the creation of MARSOC, and opposite to each different department within the U.S. Armed Forces, the Marine Corps didn’t contribute any items to USSOCOM. Nonetheless, the forfeiture of such a unit didn’t translate to a whole withdrawal from taking part in particular operations. In essence, the “particular operations succesful” designator was the closest factor the Corps needed to a full-fledged particular operations command.

Beginning in 1985 within the wake of an organisational examine into the Marine Corps particular operations functionality, greater command started restructuring the philosophy and designs of the Marine Air Floor Activity Power (MAGTAF). In accordance, the idea of a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) changed the standard Marine Amphibious Unit (MAU), broadening mission capabilities and assigning the SOC designator to some MEU items. (supply)

Within the years to observe, the Corps experimented extra with particular operations coaching throughout the MEU. This experimentation was nonetheless primal however started developing a scaffolding to be constructed upon.

Undeniably, the September 11^th assaults have been a watershed second for the Marine Corps development into the USSOCOM fold. Furthermore, though there was nonetheless a rift between the Corps and USSOCOM, the International Conflict on Terror introduced forth a motive to revisit the thought of a proper particular operations command throughout the Corps.

Up to now, Marine Corps Power Reconnaissance (FORECON) was the premier elite unit throughout the Corps’ SOC roster. Nonetheless, FORECONs function, as specialised because it was, primarily functioned to assist the MAGTAF.

Nonetheless, FORECON Marines together with their brethren within the retired Marine Raider Battalions, grew to become the cornerstone on which the Marine particular operations pioneers constructed MARSOC and the fashionable day Marine Raiders round.

1.2.1 Marine Particular Operations in a Publish 9/11 World

Within the days following September 11^th, the panorama of the Marine Corps shifted in direction of fight readiness. Throughout this time, the particular operations facet of the Corps concurrently started taking bolder strides in direction of manifesting a SOCOM unit.

One of many key Marines on this evolution was Lieutenant Colonel J. Giles Kyser IV, the pinnacle of MAGTAF particular operations on the Headquarters Marine Corps. Lieutenant Colonel Kyser held a novel function throughout the Corps, within the sense that he was one of many central bridging parts between his department and SOCOM. Furthermore, Lieutenant Colonel Kyser labored inside his function to determine stronger coaching relationships between MEU (SOC) forces and USSOCOM. That work, mixed with the commander’s observations throughout a workers tour at Particular Operations Command Europe (SOCEUR) in 2001, impressed some fascinating concepts about how the Corps may do particular operations. (supply)

Lieutenant Colonel Kyser later spent a substantial amount of time transferring between Marine HQ and the USSOCOM headquarters in Tampa, Florida, the place he confronted each assist and opposition for a Marine particular operations unit. Nonetheless, his steadfast work as a liaison between the Corps and the particular operations neighborhood confirmed indicators of fruit, together with reaching the workplace of the Commandant of the Marine Corps.

On the 9^th of November 2001, a memorandum of settlement was signed by the Commandant, Normal James L. Jones Jr., in addition to Normal Charles R. Holland, the commander of USSOCOM.

Furthermore, the signed settlement established a SOCOM-USMC Board that may additional discover a Marine Corps addition to the joint service command. The primary board met in January 2002. Thus, the Corps continued advancing nearer to a proper inception into SOCOM.

1.2.2 The Primitive Marine Raiders

The work that started with Lieutenant Colonel Kyser set situations for the Marine Corps USSOCOM pilot program. This program is formally often called Detachment One (Det One).

Det One started to take form in 2003 because the U.S. Armed Forces ready for Operation Iraqi Freedom. The majority of its personnel got here from the Power Reconnaissance neighborhood and Marine Corps Particular Operations Coaching Group (SOTG), in addition to varied assist personnel to spherical out the executive and logistical calls for of a coherent war-fighting unit.

By way of organisation, Det One was structured to have 4 reconnaissance groups of six Marines and one Navy corpsman. Moreover, there was additionally a fireplace assist and intelligence component to assist the first operators.

On the 1^st of July 2003, Det One entered its official coaching part. The idea of “Brilliance within the fundamentals” was ever so current, with the Marines within the unit drilling consistently to realize proficiency within the basic parts of typical and small unit ways.

Additional coaching constructed upon these basic blocks and added unconventional and superior ability improvement. To that finish, Det One Marines went via superior communications coaching, mountain warfare, scout swimming, driving, shut quarters battle, fight trauma, and helicopter operations.

1.2.3 Det One Enters the International Conflict on Terror

In July of 2004, Det One was able to deploy abroad to assist Operation Iraqi Freedom. Furthermore, they fashioned Activity Power Raider in tandem with assist from Naval Particular Warfare.

The recorded accounts of Det One in Iraq showcase an total success. To this finish, process drive individuals took half in an array of delicate operations, together with the second Battle of Fallujah.

In view of the deployments conclusion, Det One proved itself to be a proficient particular operations asset. Nonetheless, some points relating to the historic tensions between the Marine Corps and broader particular operations neighborhood remained. In essence, there was nonetheless some reservation from SOCOM officers in regards to the utility Det One may supply past their success in Iraq.

Additionally, this stress was not remoted with USSOCOM. Increased ranges of command throughout the Corps, together with the Commandant, Normal Michael Hagee, who expressed an curiosity in sustaining the Marine Corps conventional outlook on particular operations. In impact, Normal Hagee believed such operations must be Marine Corps inner and to assist the MAGTAF over USSOCOM.

Thus, Det One Marines ready for what appeared to be an inevitable unit deactivation. Surprisingly, the Secretary of Protection, Donald Rumsfeld, thought in another way than Normal Hagee. (supply)

1.2.4 United States Marine Forces Particular Operations Command (MARSOC)

The Marine Corps formally deactivated det One on the 7^th of February 2006.

Subsequently, with this deactivation, Det One entered historical past among the many Marine Raiders of WWII, as contributors to what would quickly grow to be a proper particular operations command.

Although the unit deactivated, the story of Det One was solely the start of one thing better. Though the function of the Marines was seemingly deserted, the Secretary of Protection noticed a possibility to complete what they began.

Secretary Rumsfeld carried out a gathering with the commander of USSOCOM and the Commandant of the Marine Corps, which resulted in a prescription for the department to lift a full-fledged particular operations command.

Thus, on the 24^th of February 2006, the US Marine Forces Particular Operations Command activated at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. The preliminary workers dimension was small, together with Marines from the International navy Coaching Unit who specialised in international inner protection. By the massive, the aim was to lift a drive of round 2,500 Marines inside MARSOC that may assist USSOCOM. (supply)

Later, Marines from the 1^st and a couple of^nd Power Reconnaissance Corporations folded into the command, thereby bringing useful expertise stemming from FORECONs particular operations expertise.

Finally, as MARSOC matured and refined its construction and mission, they went via a rebranding. Thus, in 2015, the command rejoined its Second World Conflict roots and have become the present-day Marine Raiders.

2. Organisation of the Marine Raiders

MARSOC organises Raiders into the Marine Raider Regiment (MRR). Moreover, throughout the MRR there are three Marine Raider Battalions (MRB) and one Headquarters Firm.

The three MRBs are primarily based in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, in addition to Camp Pendleton, California. Furthermore, the MRBs break down additional into Marine Particular Operations Corporations (MSOCs) after which Marine Particular Operations Groups (MSOTs).

As a base unit, MSOTs include:

• 14 Marines
• 1 Staff Commander (Captain)
• 1 Staff Chief (Grasp Sergeant)
• 1 Communications SNCO

Moreover, every crew consists of two equivalent tactical parts. Every component comprises:

• 1 Ingredient Chief (Gunnery Sergeant)
• 3 Crucial Expertise Operators (Sergeant/Corporal)
• 1 Particular Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsman (component medic)

3. Ways, Strategies and Procedures (TTPs)

As a complete, MARSOC is a command construction that comprises an array of parts to assist Marine Raiders. In a contemporary sense, the time period Marine Raider is primarily involved with Crucial Expertise Operators, who possess the 0372 MOS designation.

CSOs are the core component of MARSOC in the identical approach Navy SEALS are the core component of Naval Particular Warfare. Though there are Marines from varied MOS backgrounds supporting them, solely the few who’ve made it via evaluation, choice, and the Particular person Coaching Course (ITC), earn the privilege of carrying the Marine Raider insignia.

3.1 Turning into Marine Raiders

Like all the opposite particular operations communities throughout the U.S. Armed Forces, changing into a Marine Raider is lengthy and difficult. The invitation to check out for evaluation and choice is open to all MOS backgrounds Marine Corps extensive, so long as a primary listing of requirements is fulfilled.

3.1.1 Conditions

Earlier than being thought-about for Evaluation and Choice (A&S), all potential Marines should (supply):

• Be eligible to acquire and keep a secret clearance
• Have a minimal GT rating of 105 on the ASVAB
• Have not more than two NJPs (non-judicial punishment) on present enlistment
• Have the ability to move the MARSOC swim evaluation
• Be eligible to reenlist
• Meet the MARSOC medical screening standards
• Have not more than 18 months time in grade as a Sergeant earlier than checking into ITC
• Make a lateral transfer into the CSO MOS upon choice

3.1.2 Evaluation and Choice

Upon passing the stipulations, Marines will recieve a short lived project to A&S. The atmosphere at A&S is extremely aggressive, which is a small expression of the ethos throughout the Marine Raiders. In actuality, the Raider neighborhood promotes fixed progress and resilience. Merely assembly the minimal requirements isn’t sufficient to earn the coveted title. Seats are few, and solely Marines who need it probably the most, and tangibly present the need to grow to be a Raider succeed.

Earlier than arriving at A&S at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, MARSOC expects Marines to organize themselves bodily and mentally. Minimal bodily requirements embody:

• 250 or greater on the Marine Corps Bodily Health Check
• Robust aquatic expertise
• Means to take care of a 4 mph tempo (15:00 a mile) whereas operating with a forty five pound rucksack for any distance

A&S itself is 2 distinct phases:

A&S Part One

Part One in all A&S is three weeks lengthy. All through this part, Marines bear intense psychological and bodily stress. Regardless of this stress, MARSOC expects Marines to carry out and exceed requirements underneath the fixed watch of the coaching cadre. Included are a collection of evaluations (supply):

• Bodily Health Check
• Abandon ship drill
• 300-meter swim
• 11-minute tread
• 12-mile ruck
• Bodily in-test

A&S Part Two

The second part of A&S is shrouded in secrecy. It takes place in an undisclosed location, and there may be restricted public info on what the part entails. Nonetheless, the Marines which are chosen on the finish of the second part return to their mum or dad unit and await an open seat to ITC, the following step of changing into a Marine Raider.

3.1.3 Particular person Coaching Course

The MARSOC Particular person Coaching Course is a rigorous 9-month lengthy course that prospects should graduate from earlier than incomes the title of Marine Raider and changing into a Crucial Expertise Operator. Moreover, the majority of ITC takes place at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

Overview of the Particular person Coaching Course

ITC is a four-phase course that trains Marines within the artwork of particular operations (supply):

Part 1 – Fundamental Expertise (10 weeks)

Part 1 is all about brilliance within the fundamentals. Expertise developed throughout this part embody:

• Hand-to-hand fight
• Bodily health (with a purposeful health/fight athlete method)
• Swimming & amphibious coaching
• Navigation
• Patrolling
• Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE)
• Tactical Fight Casualty Care (TCCC)
• Mission planning
• Communications
• Fireplace assist

Part 2 – Small Unit Ways (8 weeks)

Part 1 is foundational and units the tone for Part 2. Additionally, Part 2 introduces superior ways with a deal with the small unit:

• Scout swimmer operations
• Small boat operations
• Crew-served weapons operations
• Demolitions
• Pictures and data assortment

As well as, Part 2 consists of two giant workout routines that require the appliance of expertise discovered thus far. Operation Raider Spirit is two-weeks and has a deal with patrolling and fight operations. Operation Stingray Fury follows and focuses on reconnaissance operations in city and rural environments.

Part 3 – Shut Quarters Battle (5 weeks)

Part 3 has a deal with weapons proficiency and TTPs in an assault atmosphere. Just like Part 2, the tip consists of a big train referred to as Operation Guile Strike, the place college students plan and conduct raids on city and rural targets.

Part 4 – Irregular Warfare (7 weeks)

Part 4 has a deal with irregular warfare (IR). As outlined by the Division of Protection, “Irregular warfare is a wrestle amongst state and non-state actors to affect populations and have an effect on legitimacy.” (supply)

Kinds of IR expertise developed throughout Part 4 embody:

• Unconventional warfare
• Stabliization
• International inner protection
• Counter-terrorism
• Counter-insurgency operations

The conclusion of Part 4 leads potential Marines to the ultimate ITC train referred to as Operation Derna Bridge. This operation requires a sensible utility of all the talents taught in the course of the entirety of ITC.

Upon completion, Marines grow to be Crucial Expertise Operators and earn the coveted title of Marine Raider.

In actuality, solely 120 Marines graduate from ITC annually.

3.1.4 Marine Raider Coaching Pipeline

Upon project to one of many three Raider Battalions, contemporary CSOs enter the unit coaching pipeline. Nonetheless, this pipeline varies for every Marine primarily based on the distinctive necessities of their assigned unit.

The prolonged coaching interval is roughly 18 months lengthy. A number of programs embody:

• Joint Terminal Assault Controller College (JTAC)
• Superior Mountain Leaders Course
• Helicopter Rope Suspension Coaching
• Explosive Ordinance Disposal
• USMC Combatant Diver Course
• Fundamental Language Course
• Superior Linguist Course
• USMC Sniper College (together with its extensions)
• Army Airborne College
• HALO/HAHO College
• MARSOF Superior Sniper Course
• MARSOF Grasp Assaulter Course

4. Tools

Like several particular operations unit, the armament and package utilized by Marine Raiders is huge and ever-changing. In gentle of this, gear and weapon load-outs amongst Raiders are partially obtainable via open supply info.

4.1 Weapons

• Glock 19 9mm pistol
• Colt 1911 .45 caliber pistol
• FN SCAR heavy weapon system
• Daniel Protection MK18 SBR carbine rifle
• M110 semi-automatic sniper rifle

4.2 Optics and Lasers

• PVS 31 evening imaginative and prescient googles
• Norotos Shroud helmet mount
• Eotech XPS 2 rifle optic
• PEQ 15 rifle laser

4.3 Armor and Package

• Ops-Core FAST helmet
• Crye G3 fight high and bottoms
• Crye Cage plate provider
• Crye sensible pouch suite
• TEA Hello-Menace headset
• Surefire HL1 mounted gentle
• Surefire Scout mounted gentle
• Manta helmet mounted strobe gentle

4.4 Autos

• MRZR Tactical Warfighter ATV
• Oshkosh M-ATV
• M1161 Growler
• M1288 Floor Mobility Automobile 1.1

5. Notable Operations

Regardless of its younger lifespan, the operational historical past of the present Marine Raiders is enriched with accounts of heroism and battlefield success. As a result of MARSOC began in the course of the International Conflict on Terror, the operations carried out by Raiders slender all the way down to the Center East, Central Asia, and Africa. Nonetheless, an vital disclaimer: the true extent of Marine Raider and MARSOC operations isn’t recognized to the general public, as is the staple with unconventional items.

With that apart, there are a couple of notable operations and areas Marine Raiders have confirmed historical past in:

• Operation Iraqi Freedom
• Operation Enduring Freedom
• Operation Inherent Resolve
• The Battle of Marawi
• Operation Pacific Eagle
• Operation Juniper Protect
• Operation Freedom’s Sentinel

As of 2019, MARSOC has awarded over 300 valor awards to operators for acts of bravery. Additionally, the command has deployed roughly 300 instances, throughout 17 totally different international locations. The unlucky price has been the lives of 43 Raiders, together with two service canines. (supply)