Small Wars Past and Present: Marine Corps Development of Special Operations in Irregular Warfare
Abstract
Detailing the historical perspective and time-line of Marine Corps participation in small wars to the inclusion of Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC) into the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) is important because it highlights similarities between the two current military components. Marine Corps history during the Small Wars Period(1898-1940) is filled with what would be characterized today as special operations tactics, techniques and procedures in response to both irregular and conventional conflicts. In fact, it can be argued that the small wars doctrine developed by the Marine Corps during this time period was the basis of the development of USSOCOM. Despite the cultural and organizational differences that exist between the Marine Corps and USSOCOM both organizations share similar histories in developing small unit specialized tactics to solve irregular problems. Despite a long history in developing irregular tactics to solve unconventional problems, the Marine Corps has maintained an institutional aversion to elite Marine units within the ranks which has influenced the maturation of MARSOC within the USSOCOM hierarchy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 26, 2015
- Accession Number
- AD1176013
Entities
People
- James T. Rose
Organizations
- Marine Corps University