MARSOC : U.S. Marine Corps Special Operations Command

Pushies, a freelance photographer and author of books focusing on the elite units of the US Special Operations Forces, details the US Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC), established in 2006. He surveys the origins of the Special Operations Command from 1987 onward, the roles of the various armed forces, and its principal missions. He also relates the history of Marine Corps Special Operations and the creation and organization of MARSOC, discussing its battalions, operations, selection and training, weapons, tactical gear, tactics, and procedures, and its future. Many b&w and color photos appear throughout.;Origin of SOCOM -- History of Marine Corps special operations -- MARSOC creation and organization -- Selection and training -- Weapons -- Tactical gear -- Tactics, techniques, and procedures -- MARSOC into the future -- Abbreviations -- Terminology ("Marine Speak"). In 2006, the U.S. Marines officially became part of the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) with the creation of the Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC). Drawn from the ranks of the Force Recon companies, these highly skilled and combat-proven Leathernecks would take the war to al Qaeda and the Taliban in America's global war on terrorism. MARSOC is steeped in the heritage of the Marine Raiders of World War II, Force Reconnaissance companies of Vietnam, and Detachment-One, which stood up after the attacks on 9/11. Their mission is to win wars before they begin, taking the warfare beyond the front line. When America wants to display its might, the Commander in Chief will send in the Marines. With the creation of MARSOC, chances are they are already there.