The Need to Increase Marine Corps Special Operations Command
Abstract
THESIS: As the U.S. leadership increasingly relies on Special Operations Forces (SOF) to prosecute the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), the U.S. Marine Corps must contribute more forces to USSOCOM in order to optimally support the US strategic objective of combating irregular threats. DISCUSSION: Irregular warfare (IW) is the form of warfare the United States faces for at least the next decade. U.S. conventional warfighting dominance has assured this reality. In 1987 Congress created the Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) in part for the purpose of countering the IW threat with the nation's most elite forces. The Marine Corps did not participate in the pioneering USSOCOM for a variety of reasons. Over time, the Marine Corps decision not to contribute forces proved to be illogical and not been in the best interest of the Marine Corps or the nation. Finally, in 2006, the Marine Corps reluctantly formed the Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC) much to the chagrin of many within the Corps. Despite overwhelming evidence that this Marine contribution to USSOCOM is in the best interest of the nation, parochialism is preventing MARSOC from receiving the support it needs to effectively support the U.S. global struggle against extremist threats. CONCLUSION: National leadership has clearly articulated its belief that SOF are the preferred forces to serve as main effort in the Global War on Terror. The Marine Corps must overcome its institutional bias against special operations forces and fully commit the resources required to ensure MARSOC success.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA508084
Entities
People
- Eric N. Thompson
Organizations
- Marine Corps University