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Marines with U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command build targets before beginning the live fire portion of AK-47 weapons familiarization training aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 22, 2018. The training ensured Marines’ familiarity and proficiency in maintaining and firing the AK-47 weapon system through in-depth instructional courses and live fire drills. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Marine Sgt. Janessa K. Pon)

Marines with U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command build targets before beginning the live fire portion of AK-47 weapons familiarization training aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 22, 2018. The training ensured Marines’ familiarity and proficiency in maintaining and firing the AK-47 weapon system through in-depth instructional courses and live fire drills. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Marine Sgt. Janessa K. Pon)

Photo by Sgt. Janessa Pon

Master Chief Petty Officer Joseph Martin, command master chief of Marine Forces, Special Operations Command, receives the COVID-19 vaccine at Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune, Jan. 15, 2020. The COVID-19 vaccination plan is phaseidriven and designed to safely protect members within the Department of Defense as quickly as possible. (U.S. Marine Corps photo taken by Cpl. Jesula Jeanlouis)

Master Chief Petty Officer Joseph Martin, command master chief of Marine Forces, Special Operations Command, receives the COVID-19 vaccine at Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune, Jan. 15, 2020. The COVID-19 vaccination plan is phaseidriven and designed to safely protect members within the Department of Defense as quickly as possible. (U.S. Marine Corps photo taken by Cpl. Jesula Jeanlouis)

Photo by Cpl. Jesula Jeanlouis

Master Chief Petty Officer Joseph Martin, command master chief of Marine Forces, Special Operations Command, receives the COVID-19 vaccine at Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune, Jan. 15, 2020. The COVID-19 vaccination plan is phaseidriven and designed to safely protect members within the Department of Defense as quickly as possible. (U.S. Marine Corps photo taken by Cpl. Jesula Jeanlouis)

Master Chief Petty Officer Joseph Martin, command master chief of Marine Forces, Special Operations Command, receives the COVID-19 vaccine at Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune, Jan. 15, 2020. The COVID-19 vaccination plan is phaseidriven and designed to safely protect members within the Department of Defense as quickly as possible. (U.S. Marine Corps photo taken by Cpl. Jesula Jeanlouis)

Photo by Cpl. Jesula Jeanlouis

Maj. Gen. James F. Glynn, commander of Marine Forces, Special Operations Command, receives the COVID-19 vaccine at Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune, Jan. 15, 2020. “The opportunity to protect yourself, your family, friends and our unit is here,” said Glynn. “I encourage all to get vaccinated to ensure you’re ready for every mission - regardless of time or place.” The COVID-19 vaccination plan is phase-driven and designed to safely protect members within the Department of Defense as quickly as possible. (U.S. Marine Corps photo taken by Cpl. Jesula Jeanlouis)

Maj. Gen. James F. Glynn, commander of Marine Forces, Special Operations Command, receives the COVID-19 vaccine at Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune, Jan. 15, 2020. “The opportunity to protect yourself, your family, friends and our unit is here,” said Glynn. “I encourage all to get vaccinated to ensure you’re ready for every mission - regardless of time or place.” The COVID-19 vaccination plan is phase-driven and designed to safely protect members within the Department of Defense as quickly as possible. (U.S. Marine Corps photo taken by Cpl. Jesula Jeanlouis)

Photo by Cpl. Jesula Jeanlouis

Maj. Gen. James F. Glynn, commander of Marine Forces, Special Operations Command, receives the COVID-19 vaccine at Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune, Jan. 15, 2020. “The opportunity to protect yourself, your family, friends and our unit is here,” said Glynn. “I encourage all to get vaccinated to ensure you’re ready for every mission - regardless of time or place.” The COVID-19 vaccination plan is phase-driven and designed to safely protect members within the Department of Defense as quickly as possible. (U.S. Marine Corps photo taken by Cpl. Jesula Jeanlouis)

Maj. Gen. James F. Glynn, commander of Marine Forces, Special Operations Command, receives the COVID-19 vaccine at Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune, Jan. 15, 2020. “The opportunity to protect yourself, your family, friends and our unit is here,” said Glynn. “I encourage all to get vaccinated to ensure you’re ready for every mission - regardless of time or place.” The COVID-19 vaccination plan is phase-driven and designed to safely protect members within the Department of Defense as quickly as possible. (U.S. Marine Corps photo taken by Cpl. Jesula Jeanlouis)

Photo by Cpl. Jesula Jeanlouis

Maj. Gen. James F. Glynn, commander of Marine Forces, Special Operations Command, receives the COVID-19 vaccine at Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune, Jan. 15, 2020. “The opportunity to protect yourself, your family, friends and our unit is here,” said Glynn. “I encourage all to get vaccinated to ensure you’re ready for every mission - regardless of time or place.” The COVID-19 vaccination plan is phase-driven and designed to safely protect members within the Department of Defense as quickly as possible. (U.S. Marine Corps photo taken by Cpl. Jesula Jeanlouis)

Maj. Gen. James F. Glynn, commander of Marine Forces, Special Operations Command, receives the COVID-19 vaccine at Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune, Jan. 15, 2020. “The opportunity to protect yourself, your family, friends and our unit is here,” said Glynn. “I encourage all to get vaccinated to ensure you’re ready for every mission - regardless of time or place.” The COVID-19 vaccination plan is phase-driven and designed to safely protect members within the Department of Defense as quickly as possible. (U.S. Marine Corps photo taken by Cpl. Jesula Jeanlouis)

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)

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)

Photo by Cpl. Jesula Jeanlouis

Lt. Col. Michael S. Beames, assistant chief of staff, administration, with Marine Forces, Special Operations Command, reads the birthday message from Gen. John A. Lejeune, 13th commandant of the Marine Corps, during the 245th Marine Corps Birthday cake cutting ceremony at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Nov. 6, 2020. 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)

Lt. Col. Michael S. Beames, assistant chief of staff, administration, with Marine Forces, Special Operations Command, reads the birthday message from Gen. John A. Lejeune, 13th commandant of the Marine Corps, during the 245th Marine Corps Birthday cake cutting ceremony at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Nov. 6, 2020. 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)

Photo by Cpl. Jesula Jeanlouis

Marine Forces Special Operations Command participate in the annual Marine Corps Birthday Run on Camp Lejeune, California, Nov. 6, 2020. Groups of Marines each ran 2 miles totaling 245 miles in celebration of the 245th Marine Corps birthday. 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)

Marine Forces Special Operations Command participate in the annual Marine Corps Birthday Run on Camp Lejeune, California, Nov. 6, 2020. Groups of Marines each ran 2 miles totaling 245 miles in celebration of the 245th Marine Corps birthday. 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)

Photo by Cpl. Jesula Jeanlouis

Marine Forces Special Operations Command hosted the 245th Marine Corps Birthday cake cutting ceremony at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Nov. 6, 2020. Lt. Gen. George W. Smith, Deputy Commandant for Plans, Policies and Operations served as the guest of honor at the celebration intended to reflect on the traditions, history and legacy of the Marine Corps. 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)

Marine Forces Special Operations Command hosted the 245th Marine Corps Birthday cake cutting ceremony at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Nov. 6, 2020. Lt. Gen. George W. Smith, Deputy Commandant for Plans, Policies and Operations served as the guest of honor at the celebration intended to reflect on the traditions, history and legacy of the Marine Corps. 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)

Photo by Cpl. Jesula Jeanlouis

Marine Forces Special Operations Command hosted the 245th Marine Corps Birthday cake cutting ceremony at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Nov. 6, 2020. Lt. Gen. George W. Smith, Deputy Commandant for Plans, Policies and Operations served as the guest of honor at the celebration intended to reflect on the traditions, history and legacy of the Marine Corps. 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)

Marine Forces Special Operations Command hosted the 245th Marine Corps Birthday cake cutting ceremony at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Nov. 6, 2020. Lt. Gen. George W. Smith, Deputy Commandant for Plans, Policies and Operations served as the guest of honor at the celebration intended to reflect on the traditions, history and legacy of the Marine Corps. 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)

Photo by Cpl. Jesula Jeanlouis

A Marine Raider was awarded the Silver Star Medal for heroic actions while deployed to Afghanistan in 2019, at a ceremony aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. July 10, 2020. The master sergeant and Critical Skills Operator, was serving as a Team Chief with 2nd Marine Raider Battalion in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel when his team was engaged by enemy combatants. According to the award citation, during a heliborne raid into difficult enemy-controlled terrain in Southern Afghanistan, he led his team of Marine Raiders and partner nation forces in four hours of close combat with more than a dozen Taliban fighters occupying defensive strongholds. The Team Chief exposed himself to enemy fire to lead an assault across 30 meters of open terrain, attacking Taliban fighters entrenched in a bunker with his rifle and hand grenades. While he and his team took accurate enemy fire, the Team Chief again exposed himself by climbing on top a building to employ a roof charge in order to recover a wounded Afghan soldier. With enemy fighters barricaded just a few feet away, he heroically pulled the wounded man to a covered position in a valiant attempt to save his life, while allowing his team to engage the barricaded fighters with fragmentation grenades.

A Marine Raider was awarded the Silver Star Medal for heroic actions while deployed to Afghanistan in 2019, at a ceremony aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. July 10, 2020. The master sergeant and Critical Skills Operator, was serving as a Team Chief with 2nd Marine Raider Battalion in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel when his team was engaged by enemy combatants. According to the award citation, during a heliborne raid into difficult enemy-controlled terrain in Southern Afghanistan, he led his team of Marine Raiders and partner nation forces in four hours of close combat with more than a dozen Taliban fighters occupying defensive strongholds. The Team Chief exposed himself to enemy fire to lead an assault across 30 meters of open terrain, attacking Taliban fighters entrenched in a bunker with his rifle and hand grenades. While he and his team took accurate enemy fire, the Team Chief again exposed himself by climbing on top a building to employ a roof charge in order to recover a wounded Afghan soldier. With enemy fighters barricaded just a few feet away, he heroically pulled the wounded man to a covered position in a valiant attempt to save his life, while allowing his team to engage the barricaded fighters with fragmentation grenades.

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Lynn Kinney

A Marine Raider was awarded the Silver Star Medal for heroic actions while deployed to Afghanistan in 2019, at a ceremony aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. July 10, 2020. The master sergeant and Critical Skills Operator, was serving as a Team Chief with 2nd Marine Raider Battalion in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel when his team was engaged by enemy combatants. According to the award citation, during a heliborne raid into difficult enemy-controlled terrain in Southern Afghanistan, he led his team of Marine Raiders and partner nation forces in four hours of close combat with more than a dozen Taliban fighters occupying defensive strongholds. The Team Chief exposed himself to enemy fire to lead an assault across 30 meters of open terrain, attacking Taliban fighters entrenched in a bunker with his rifle and hand grenades. While he and his team took accurate enemy fire, the Team Chief again exposed himself by climbing on top a building to employ a roof charge in order to recover a wounded Afghan soldier. With enemy fighters barricaded just a few feet away, he heroically pulled the wounded man to a covered position in a valiant attempt to save his life, while allowing his team to engage the barricaded fighters with fragmentation grenades.

A Marine Raider was awarded the Silver Star Medal for heroic actions while deployed to Afghanistan in 2019, at a ceremony aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. July 10, 2020. The master sergeant and Critical Skills Operator, was serving as a Team Chief with 2nd Marine Raider Battalion in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel when his team was engaged by enemy combatants. According to the award citation, during a heliborne raid into difficult enemy-controlled terrain in Southern Afghanistan, he led his team of Marine Raiders and partner nation forces in four hours of close combat with more than a dozen Taliban fighters occupying defensive strongholds. The Team Chief exposed himself to enemy fire to lead an assault across 30 meters of open terrain, attacking Taliban fighters entrenched in a bunker with his rifle and hand grenades. While he and his team took accurate enemy fire, the Team Chief again exposed himself by climbing on top a building to employ a roof charge in order to recover a wounded Afghan soldier. With enemy fighters barricaded just a few feet away, he heroically pulled the wounded man to a covered position in a valiant attempt to save his life, while allowing his team to engage the barricaded fighters with fragmentation grenades.

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Lynn Kinney

A Marine Raider was awarded the Silver Star Medal for heroic actions while deployed to Afghanistan in 2019, at a ceremony aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. July 10, 2020. The master sergeant and Critical Skills Operator, was serving as a Team Chief with 2nd Marine Raider Battalion in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel when his team was engaged by enemy combatants. According to the award citation, during a heliborne raid into difficult enemy-controlled terrain in Southern Afghanistan, he led his team of Marine Raiders and partner nation forces in four hours of close combat with more than a dozen Taliban fighters occupying defensive strongholds. The Team Chief exposed himself to enemy fire to lead an assault across 30 meters of open terrain, attacking Taliban fighters entrenched in a bunker with his rifle and hand grenades. While he and his team took accurate enemy fire, the Team Chief again exposed himself by climbing on top a building to employ a roof charge in order to recover a wounded Afghan soldier. With enemy fighters barricaded just a few feet away, he heroically pulled the wounded man to a covered position in a valiant attempt to save his life, while allowing his team to engage the barricaded fighters with fragmentation grenades.

A Marine Raider was awarded the Silver Star Medal for heroic actions while deployed to Afghanistan in 2019, at a ceremony aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. July 10, 2020. The master sergeant and Critical Skills Operator, was serving as a Team Chief with 2nd Marine Raider Battalion in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel when his team was engaged by enemy combatants. According to the award citation, during a heliborne raid into difficult enemy-controlled terrain in Southern Afghanistan, he led his team of Marine Raiders and partner nation forces in four hours of close combat with more than a dozen Taliban fighters occupying defensive strongholds. The Team Chief exposed himself to enemy fire to lead an assault across 30 meters of open terrain, attacking Taliban fighters entrenched in a bunker with his rifle and hand grenades. While he and his team took accurate enemy fire, the Team Chief again exposed himself by climbing on top a building to employ a roof charge in order to recover a wounded Afghan soldier. With enemy fighters barricaded just a few feet away, he heroically pulled the wounded man to a covered position in a valiant attempt to save his life, while allowing his team to engage the barricaded fighters with fragmentation grenades.

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Lynn Kinney

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.

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.

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Lynn Kinney

Marine Raiders and Marines from 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion from 1st Marine Division conducted on-off drills during Marine Forces Special Operations Command's unit readiness exercise, RAVEN, which is conducted across a 100-mile area, with the exercise operations center at the National Guard Base in Gulfport, Miss. The exercise serves as the certification exercise for a soon-to-be deploying Marine Special Operations Company. 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. For this particular exercise, MARSOF integrated with conventional Marine Corps assets from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 366 from 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, and 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion from 2nd Marine Division and 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion from 1st Marine Division. There was also integration of Air Force Special Operations Command assets from the 73rd and 319th Special Operations Squadrons, and the 178th Attack Squadron; and Army Special Operations Task Force. These units were able to come together and execute missions beginning at the target development phase all the way through mission execution.

Marine Raiders and Marines from 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion from 1st Marine Division conducted on-off drills during Marine Forces Special Operations Command's unit readiness exercise, RAVEN, which is conducted across a 100-mile area, with the exercise operations center at the National Guard Base in Gulfport, Miss. The exercise serves as the certification exercise for a soon-to-be deploying Marine Special Operations Company. 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. For this particular exercise, MARSOF integrated with conventional Marine Corps assets from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 366 from 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, and 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion from 2nd Marine Division and 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion from 1st Marine Division. There was also integration of Air Force Special Operations Command assets from the 73rd and 319th Special Operations Squadrons, and the 178th Attack Squadron; and Army Special Operations Task Force. These units were able to come together and execute missions beginning at the target development phase all the way through mission execution.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Elias Pimentel

Marines with 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion from 1st Marine Division participated in Marine Forces Special Operations Command's unit readiness exercise, RAVEN. 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.

Marines with 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion from 1st Marine Division participated in Marine Forces Special Operations Command's unit readiness exercise, RAVEN. 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.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Elias Pimentel

Marines with 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion from 1st Marine Division participated in Marine Forces Special Operations Command's unit readiness exercise, RAVEN. 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.

Marines with 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion from 1st Marine Division participated in Marine Forces Special Operations Command's unit readiness exercise, RAVEN. 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.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Elias Pimentel

Detroit native, born in 1923, Cpl. Leonard B. Turner enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1942 following the example of two of his brothers who had already signed up for World War II military duty ahead of him. Turner, a 96-year-old War World II veteran and Marine Raider, affectionately nicknamed “Raider 96,” served with 2nd Marine Raider Battalion and was the oldest Marine in attendance at Marine Forces Special Operations Command’s 244th Marine Corps Birthday Ball in Wilmington, N.C., Nov. 2, 2019. Turner served under Lt. Col. Evan F. Carlson on New Caledonia; was sent to Guadalcanal, Efate, and Espiritu Santo; and was a part of the first waves during the battles of Bougainville, Guam and Okinawa. After the surrender of Japan, Turner served as a Military Policeman on the Island of Ryukyu, Japan until returning to the United States. After completing his military service, Turner returned to his hometown of Detroit and served in a supervisory capacity at General Motors Headquarters, retiring after 42 years. (Courtesy Photo)

Detroit native, born in 1923, Cpl. Leonard B. Turner enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1942 following the example of two of his brothers who had already signed up for World War II military duty ahead of him. Turner, a 96-year-old War World II veteran and Marine Raider, affectionately nicknamed “Raider 96,” served with 2nd Marine Raider Battalion and was the oldest Marine in attendance at Marine Forces Special Operations Command’s 244th Marine Corps Birthday Ball in Wilmington, N.C., Nov. 2, 2019. Turner served under Lt. Col. Evan F. Carlson on New Caledonia; was sent to Guadalcanal, Efate, and Espiritu Santo; and was a part of the first waves during the battles of Bougainville, Guam and Okinawa. After the surrender of Japan, Turner served as a Military Policeman on the Island of Ryukyu, Japan until returning to the United States. After completing his military service, Turner returned to his hometown of Detroit and served in a supervisory capacity at General Motors Headquarters, retiring after 42 years. (Courtesy Photo)

Photo by Courtesy Photo

Detroit native, born in 1923, Cpl. Leonard B. Turner enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1942 following the example of two of his brothers who had already signed up for World War II military duty ahead of him. Turner, a 96-year-old War World II veteran and Marine Raider, affectionately nicknamed “Raider 96,” served with 2nd Marine Raider Battalion and was the oldest Marine in attendance at Marine Forces Special Operations Command’s 244th Marine Corps Birthday Ball in Wilmington, N.C., Nov. 2, 2019. Turner served under Lt. Col. Evan F. Carlson on New Caledonia; was sent to Guadalcanal, Efate, and Espiritu Santo; and was a part of the first waves during the battles of Bougainville, Guam and Okinawa. After the surrender of Japan, Turner served as a Military Policeman on the Island of Ryukyu, Japan until returning to the United States. After completing his military service, Turner returned to his hometown of Detroit and served in a supervisory capacity at General Motors Headquarters, retiring after 42 years. (Courtesy Photo)

Detroit native, born in 1923, Cpl. Leonard B. Turner enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1942 following the example of two of his brothers who had already signed up for World War II military duty ahead of him. Turner, a 96-year-old War World II veteran and Marine Raider, affectionately nicknamed “Raider 96,” served with 2nd Marine Raider Battalion and was the oldest Marine in attendance at Marine Forces Special Operations Command’s 244th Marine Corps Birthday Ball in Wilmington, N.C., Nov. 2, 2019. Turner served under Lt. Col. Evan F. Carlson on New Caledonia; was sent to Guadalcanal, Efate, and Espiritu Santo; and was a part of the first waves during the battles of Bougainville, Guam and Okinawa. After the surrender of Japan, Turner served as a Military Policeman on the Island of Ryukyu, Japan until returning to the United States. After completing his military service, Turner returned to his hometown of Detroit and served in a supervisory capacity at General Motors Headquarters, retiring after 42 years. (Courtesy Photo)

Photo by Courtesy Photo