MARSOC: U.S. Marine Corps Special Operations Command

by Fred Pushies

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.

Genres: Military Fiction, History

160 pages, Paperback

First published November 12, 2011

Reviews

[Scottsdale Public Library]

MARSOC: U.S. Marine Corps Special Operations Command presents an excellent general overview of the Marine Special Operations component of SOCOM (US Special Operations Command). The author/photographer highlights the origins & history, the training & missions as well as the special equipment & weapons used by this group of elite warriors. This oversized book is profusely illustrated with hundreds of color photographs which is reason enough to pick up this fantastic volume. MARSOC: U.S. Marine Corps Special Operations Command is highly recommended and the book would make an excellent research resource for high school students. – Leslie G.

[Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

For me, the most interesting parts were the history and selection process (and, shortly after reading about the Raiders, the new Commandant wants MARSOC to be known as the Raiders to carry on that legacy - it was cool to know the history); there's not a ton of detail, maybe because some of it is supposed to be secret? I got a bit lost in the weapons section, but for some people it could be an interesting discussion about the different uses and modifications of such and such a thing.

[Jeff Furgerson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an awesome reference guide as to how the USMC special operations forces work, it is a non-fiction, so if you are looking for action this book is not for you, very informative and interesting to someone who is curious how the USMC looks at Spec Ops and their great contribution to it.