News

Maj. Gen. Matthew G. Trollinger meets with former Acting Secretary of Defense, Christopher C. Miller. - Christopher C. Miller, former Acting Secretary of Defense, visits Marine Forces Special Operations Command as part of the Cognitive Raider Education Series on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Mar. 24, 2023. Miller met with Maj. Gen. Matthew G. Trollinger, MARSOC Commander, to discuss how MARSOC is implementing information as a warfighting function and leading the charge in strategic shaping and reconnaissance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jesula Jeanlouis)

Marine Raiders to explore “What Winning Looks Like”

The Cognitive Raider – a foundational concept established with the development and publication of Marine Special Operations Forces 2030 – encompasses the requirement to develop qualities of intellect, judgement, creativity, and teamwork in future Marine Raiders while maintaining the determination and endurance which serve as hallmarks of current success. MARSOF 2030 identified four innovation pathways including the Cognitive Raider, which applies both to the individual and the collective capabilities of the team. It also serves as a challenging imperative as thinking Marine Raiders provide the foundation for developing and sustaining a learning organization like Marine Forces Special Operations Command.

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Explosive ordinance disposal technicians with MARSOC conduct patrols. - Explosive ordnance disposal technicians with Marine Forces Special Operations Command and Air Force Special Operations Command conduct a patrol alongside critical skills operators during a training event June 24, 2022. The EOD primer tests all aspects of a technician’s knowledge and expertise needed to perform as the only tech on a Marine Special Operations Team while operating in austere, politically sensitive, or hostile environments. EOD technicians assigned to MARSOC have completed Marine Special Operations Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal Level 1, which trains Fleet Marine Force EOD technicians in the knowledge and skills required to support the core tasks assigned to MARSOC as a special operations capability specialist. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Brennan Priest)

Marine Raiders celebrate 17 years of exceptional service

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – During its 17th anniversary on Feb. 24, 2023, Marine Forces Special Operations Command and the Marine Raiders that fill its ranks celebrated a history and legacy that extends beyond the most recent years as a service component under U.S. Special Operations Command.

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Marines with Marine Forces Special Operations Command and 2nd Marine Logistics Group load cargo into a CH-53K King Stallion helicopter during an evaluation of the aircraft in the vicinity of Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, Oct. 25, 2022. The evaluation included day and night aerial cargo delivery, low-level static line parachute operations, and military freefall operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jesula Jeanlouis) - Marines with Marine Forces Special Operations Command and 2nd Marine Logistics Group load cargo into a CH-53K King Stallion helicopter during an evaluation of the aircraft in the vicinity of Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, Oct. 25, 2022. The evaluation included day and night aerial cargo delivery, low-level static line parachute operations, and military freefall operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jesula Jeanlouis)

MARSOC, 2nd MLG evaluate new CH-53K King Stallion Helicopter

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – Marine Forces Special Operations Command’s Paraloft personnel teamed up with 2nd Marine Logistics Group’s Air Delivery Platoon to evaluate the secondary mission capabilities of the CH-53K King Stallion helicopter, Oct. 25 – Nov. 3, 2022. This evaluation included day and night aerial cargo delivery, low-level static line parachute operations, and military freefall operations. “The validation of these operations and the data collected will provide added capability to the fleet in support of the initial [Marine Expeditionary Unit] deployment and lay the groundwork for future operational employment of the CH-53K,” explained Lt. Col. Adam D. Shirley, Marine Raider Regiment Air/Fires Officer and CH-53K pilot. “This event was significant because it was the first time that any of these tasks have been conducted from this new, immensely capable aircraft.”

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Marines with 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, execute close-quarters battle techniques at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 28 – Sept. 9, 2022. The training, conducted with Marine Forces Special Operations Command, included static and moving drills, single and multi-room clears, and full team house runs. This allows for better integration between Special Operations Forces and the Fleet Marine Force to unite tactical and operational efforts and create interdependence on the battlefield and for the future operating environment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jesula Jeanlouis - Marines with 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, execute close-quarters battle techniques at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 28 – Sept. 9, 2022. The training, conducted with Marine Forces Special Operations Command, included static and moving drills, single and multi-room clears, and full team house runs. This allows for better integration between Special Operations Forces and the Fleet Marine Force to unite tactical and operational efforts and create interdependence on the battlefield and for the future operating environment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jesula Jeanlouis)

MARSOC, V18 Conduct Interoperability Training

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Marine Raiders with 3rd Marine Raider Battalion hosted close-quarters battle training with Marines from 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, Aug. 29 to Sept. 9, 2022. This training evolution allowed the Marine Raiders to collaborate with members of the Fleet Marine Force in advanced tactics, techniques and procedures and foster a relationship promoting integration, interoperability and interdependence. The Marine Raiders were also able to use this training evolution to maintain their proficiency in CQB skillsets while developing skills necessary to develop training with a partner nation

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Combat artist illustrates Marine Raiders

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- It was a hot day at Camp Lejeune while a Marine Special Operations Company conducted a portion of their pre-deployment readiness exercise. In the distance, Marine Raiders conduct a gear check as they prepare for the next segment of their training. In the foreground sat Capt. Charles J. Bauman and to his left, Capt. Michael Reynolds, as both expertly maneuver their choice of drawing tools across their sketch pads, illustrating the story unfolding right before them. Capt. Charles Baumann, a designated combat artist and logistics officer with Marine Wing Support Squadron 271, and Capt. Michael Reynolds, ammunition officer with Marine Forces Special Operations Command, document a pre-deployment culminating exercise while attached to a Marine Special Operations Company, June 13-16, 2022. “The purpose of the [Marine Corps Combat Art Program] is to document Marine Corps operations via illustration for historical documentation,” explained Baumann. “I hope to contribute to the collections of work archived in the [National Museum of the Marine Corps] and provide a slightly different perspective to viewing the recorded history of the Marine Corps. I hope that in 10, 20, 50 years my artwork can be used to help tell the story of the Corps while I was in service.”

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Marines with the Fleet Marine Force perform a remote advise and assist exercise with assistance from Marine Raiders with Marine Forces Special Operations Command during RAVEN, April 25, 2022. RAVEN is a training exercise held to evaluate all aspects of a Marine Special Operations Company prior to a special operations deployment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brandon Marrero) - Marines with the Fleet Marine Force perform a remote advise and assist exercise with assistance from Marine Raiders with Marine Forces Special Operations Command during RAVEN, April 25, 2022. RAVEN is a training exercise held to evaluate all aspects of a Marine Special Operations Company prior to a special operations deployment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brandon Marrero)

MARSOC conducts RAVEN Unit Readiness Exercise

UNDISCLOSED LOCATION. -- Marine Forces Special Operations Command conducts RAVEN unit readiness exercise from April 23 to May 31, 2022. RAVEN is MARSOC’s pre-deployment unit readiness exercise, designed to evaluate Marine Special Operations Companies and Marine Special Operations Teams as well as provide valuable training and experience to supporting units.

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Marine Forces Special Operations Command hosts a change of command ceremony, at Camp Lejeune, N.C., May 23, 2022. The change of command ceremony represents the transition of command and responsibility of MARSOC from Maj. Gen. James F. Glynn to Maj. Gen. Matthew G. Trollinger. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Tia Nagle) - Marine Forces Special Operations Command hosts a change of command ceremony, at Camp Lejeune, N.C., May 23, 2022. The change of command ceremony represents the transition of command and responsibility of MARSOC from Maj. Gen. James F. Glynn to Maj. Gen. Matthew G. Trollinger. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Tia Nagle)

MARSOC bids farewell to Maj. Gen. James F. Glynn

Marine Forces Special Operations Command hosted a change of command ceremony at Camp Lejeune, N.C., May 23, 2022. Major General James F. Glynn relinquished his duties as the commander of Marine Forces Special Operations Command to Major General Matthew G. Trollinger.

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Marine Raiders with 3rd Marine Raider Battalion train Marines with 1st Battalion, 8th Marines on close quarters battles tactics at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 28, 2021. The training included hallway and stairwell clearing procedures, as well as teaching sensitive site exploitation, which allows for better integration between Special Operations Forces and Fleet Marine Force assets to improve combat readiness for the future operating environment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ethan Green) - Marine Raiders with 3rd Marine Raider Battalion train Marines with 1st Battalion, 8th Marines on close quarters battles tactics at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 28, 2021. The training included hallway and stairwell clearing procedures, as well as teaching sensitive site exploitation, which allows for better integration between Special Operations Forces and Fleet Marine Force assets to improve combat readiness for the future operating environment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ethan Green)

Marine Raiders collaborate with Marines from 1/8 on CQB tactics and SSE

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – Marine Raiders with 3rd Marine Raider Battalion and Marines from 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, recently participated in a three-day close-quarters battle training evolution, Jan. 26-28, 2021, at Camp Lejeune, N.C. This training allowed for collaboration between Marine Forces Special Operations Command and Fleet Marine Forces that helps improve institutional and operational cooperation among the conventional Fleet Marine Force and Special Operations Forces.

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Personnel with Marine Forces Special Operations Command are awarded for their accomplishments during a ceremony at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 22, 2021. On Feb. 24, 2006, the Marine Corps combined several of its specialized and uniquely trained units, gave them a name and a commander and directed them to become pioneers in a new chapter of Marine Corps history. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt Jesula Jeanlouis) - Personnel with Marine Forces Special Operations Command are awarded for their accomplishments during a ceremony at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 22, 2021. On Feb. 24, 2006, the Marine Corps combined several of its specialized and uniquely trained units, gave them a name and a commander and directed them to become pioneers in a new chapter of Marine Corps history. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt Jesula Jeanlouis)

Marine Forces Special Operations Command Celebrates 15th Anniversary

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – Marines with Marine Forces Special Operations Command celebrate the 15th anniversary of the organization, Feb. 22, 2021. Fifteen years ago, the Marine Corps combined several of its specialized and uniquely trained units to become pioneers in a new chapter of Marine Corps history within Special Operations Command. While MARSOC can still be considered a relatively young unit, the history of Marine Corps specialized forces can be traced back much further than 2006.

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Maj. Gen. James F. Glynn, commander of Marine Forces, Special Operations Command, passes a piece of the cake to the guest of honor, Lt. Gen. George W. Smith, Deputy Commandant for Plans, Policies and Operations, during the 245th Marine Corps Birthday cake cutting ceremony at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Nov. 6, 2020. Marine Raiders also ran a collective 245 miles. COVID-19 restrictions have changed the way Marines across the globe are celebrating the Corps’ 245th birthday. The annual galas, held to commemorate the founding of Marine Corps, have been scaled back to ensure the health of the force while ensuring the most meaningful aspects of the festivities remain untouched. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jesula Jeanlouis) - Maj. Gen. James F. Glynn, commander of Marine Forces, Special Operations Command, passes a piece of the cake to the guest of honor, Lt. Gen. George W. Smith, Deputy Commandant for Plans, Policies and Operations, during the 245th Marine Corps Birthday cake cutting ceremony at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Nov. 6, 2020. Marine Raiders also ran a collective 245 miles. COVID-19 restrictions have changed the way Marines across the globe are celebrating the Corps’ 245th birthday. The annual galas, held to commemorate the founding of Marine Corps, have been scaled back to ensure the health of the force while ensuring the most meaningful aspects of the festivities remain untouched. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jesula Jeanlouis)