MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Foreign Internal Defense is one of the primary special operations missions assigned the Leathernecks of Marine Special Operations Advisor Group, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command.
Although similar in some ways to missions performed by Mobile Training Teams in places like Iraq, in which U.S. forces are engaged in major military operations, FID missions are typically conducted in countries unfamiliar to the general public. The purpose of these missions is to improve the capabilities of foreign militaries so they are better able to prevent terrorism and insurgency from taking hold. Repeated visits from a small team of MSOAG Marines helps preserve stability and prevent situations that might require deployment of larger Marine forces in the future.
Successful FID requires a thorough understanding of local language, customs and culture – and subject-matter expertise in a wide range of military tactics and specialties.
MSOAG Marines and Sailors develop their required FID skills during a six month Marine Special Operations Advisor Course, which includes a five week Subject Matter Expert track during which each member of the MSOAG teams receives specialized training in one of several key areas including medical, communications, intelligence, weapons, logistics and demolitions.
According to Staff Sgt. Jimmy D. Talley, operations chief for MSOAC and primary instructor for the weapons section of the SME track, training in the various SME skills allows for versatility within the teams and prepares them to deal with a variety of FID issues. If one team member is absent, ill or injured, another can effectively step in to ensure the mission succeeds.
“Very often, our small teams will deploy to very austere locations,” said Capt. Dov Kawamoto, assistant officer in charge of standards and training at MSOAG. “They might be in Africa or Central Asia where the training area is simply wherever they find.”
In the weapons SME track, Marines take range development, range design, operational risk management and surface danger zone classes which prepare them to set up firing ranges in unconventional areas.
“They need to be able to conduct safe and professional live-fire training with partner nation forces,” said Kawamoto.
Most of the MSOAG team members are sergeants and corporals and the SME track is both demanding and challenging for them, but as is true throughout the Marine Corps, the NCOs consistently prove they are up to the challenge and ready for the increased responsibility.
“We’re teaching them how to conduct training in an expeditionary environment,” explained Kawamoto. “They’re getting technical training usually reserved for experienced staff non-commissioned officers and warrant officers.”
When the Marines complete the SME track of the advisor course, they resume training as a team, which then has an abundance of knowledge and skill to draw from.
“In the latter half of the course, when they come together again for team exercises, they are prepared,” said Kawamoto. “It’s there we see how much the SME tracks really contribute to training.”
The SME track is an integral part of the MSOAG training pipeline and ensures the Marines and Sailors are prepared to succeed at FID missions. When the teams deploy abroad to train and advise friendly foreign militaries, they build friendships, strengthen bonds and help preserve stability in keeping with the MARSOC precept that, the best time to win a war is before it ever begins.
Active duty Marines and Sailors interested in joining MARSOC can contact the Marine Special Operations School at (910) 450-3349/3123 (DSN 750-3349/3123) or visit us online at www.marsoc.usmc.mil/recruiting.