191014-M-IR546-0595.JPG - Marines with 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion from 1st Marine Division participated in Marine Forces Special Operations Command's unit readiness exercise, RAVEN. The training conducted provides exposure to small unit tactics they might not otherwise receive, particularly units like 3rd AABN, whose day-to-day responsibilities are focused on amphibious assault vehicle readiness, basic formations and water ops, and terrain driving. The exercise serves as the certification exercise for a soon-to-be deploying Marine Special Operations Company. It has evolved into a multilevel venue to integrate the various command structures and capabilities deployed by MARSOC. Each level of command, down to the team, is challenged in planning and executing, and command and controlling activities in urban environments. It is also an opportunity to enhance collaboration and strengthen our operational relationships between members of the SOF community, conventional Marine Corps units and other partners with whom Marine Raiders work closely, ensuring MARSOC provides the nation with an agile, adaptive force to meet the complex demands of the future operating environment.

171102-M-IL801-109.JPG - A critical skills operator with 1st Marine Raider Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, discusses simulated terrorist activity in the community with the mayor of the area during a Direct Action exercise in Picayune, Miss., Nov. 2, 2017. Marines with 1st MRB participated in RAVEN 18-02, a 10-day realistic military training exercise designed to assess the Marine Special Operations Companies and Marine Special Operations Teams’ capability to effectively complete their missions. RAVEN is the culminating exercise for MSOCs and subordinate MSOTs meant to enhance the battalion’s readiness for upcoming deployments. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Bryann K. Whitley)

171107-M-IL801-028.JPG - Marines with Marine Air Control Group-28 and 2nd Marine Information Group infiltrate a high value target building during an exercise with Marines from 1st Marine Raider Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command in Slidell, La., Nov. 7, 2017. Marines with 1st MRB participated in RAVEN 18-02, a 10-day realistic military training exercise designed to enhance the battalion’s readiness for upcoming deployments. Marines with MACG-28 and 2nd MIG played the role of partner nation forces during the exercise. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Bryann K. Whitley)