Explaining the diverse mission set of MARSOC's commandos

Direct action

The staple of special operations units, direct action operations involve getting close and personal with an enemy. CSOs are highly skilled in conducting direct action missions, which involve seizing, destroying, capturing, or recovering enemy targets and personnel. The proficiency of these operators in close-quarters combat, marksmanship, and tactical operations allows them to infiltrate enemy lines, execute precise strikes, and neutralize high-value targets with precision and efficiency. This role is essential for disrupting enemy operations and reducing an enemy’s ability to threaten national security.

Special reconnaissance

A Critical Skills Operator with 2d Marine Raider Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, wait for a helicopter extract during training at Atlantic Airfield, N.C., Dec. 16, 2015. The training was part of a four-day exercise that included eight day and night missions. (Photo by Sgt. Donovan Lee/MARSOC)

Special reconnaissance is an under-discussed special operations mission set, but it’s an essential part of planning complex combat operations. During special reconnaissance missions, CSOs gather intelligence, through clandestine means, on enemy activities, composition, and capabilities. This intelligence is valuable to commanders, aiding in decision-making and influencing the overall success of a mission. To collect intelligence in hostile environments, CSOs have to integrate into local populations to develop deep and reliable sources for vital information.

Foreign internal defense

Perhaps one of the most relevant mission sets in the modern world is foreign internal defense, or the training and advising of partner forces. During foreign internal defense operations, CSOs work closely with partner forces around the world to build up capabilities and enhance relationships with friends. Foreign Internal Defense focuses on training and supporting friendly forces to enable them to better face off threats.

Excellent cultural skills and proficiency in foreign languages allow CSOs to work directly with partner forces and forget important relationships that can come in handy in contingencies.

Unconventional warfare

MARSOC Raiders and Green Berets joint training

Operational Detachment Alpha Special Forces Soldiers and Marines with 1st Marine Raider Support Battalion conduct movement to a Landing Zone for a low altitude drop resupply at Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, Calif., Aug 5, 2018. The purpose of this training was for Army Special Forces and MARSOC to improve upon their joint training techniques. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. William Chockey)

Much like their Army Green Berets brethren, CSOs possess the expertise to conduct unconventional warfare (UW) operations, which involve organizing, training, and leading unconventional warfare forces. Often, these forces consist of resistance movements or indigenous personnel that aim to overthrow an existing government or resist an invader. CSOs provide both strategic guidance and tactical leadership, assisting these forces in achieving their objectives while operating in a non-permissive or denied environment.

One of the best recent examples of a successful unconventional warfare campaign was the overthrow of the Taliban in 2001 after Green Berets and CIA paramilitary personnel linked up with the Northern Alliance resistance group.

Counterterrorism

CSOs are also trained in counterterrorism operations. As highly trained special operators, Marine Raiders work to prevent, disrupt, and respond to terrorist activities. This involves gathering intelligence on terrorist networks, conducting raids to capture or eliminate high-value targets, and working closely with other specialized units to combat this ongoing threat to national and international security.

Campaigns against the Islamic State (ISIS) are one example of recent counterterrorism operations in which MARSOC played an important role.

Humanitarian assistance and disaster response

Marine Raiders may be highly trained warfighters, but Critical Skills Operators are also ready to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster response in times of crisis, and numerous times in the past, U.S. special operators have come to the aid of foreign countries facing natural catastrophes.

CSOs have the skills to rapidly deploy and provide support in disaster-stricken areas, offering medical aid, logistics support, and security in coordination with other agencies. Their ability to adapt to unpredictable and challenging environments makes them invaluable in providing relief and aid.

Although not a combat mission set, humanitarian assistance and disaster response goes a long way in building trust and strengthening relationships with foreign partners, which is emphasized by America’s National Security Strategy and is an essential component of defending American and allied interests abroad.