The United States Marine Corps has a rich tradition of special operations, from World War II's famed Marine Raiders and Para Marines to Korea and Vietnam's legendary Marine Force Recon companies. Indeed, when Navy underwater demolition teams, the direct predecessor to the SEALs, performed the preinvasion reconnaissance of Iwo Jima, recon Marines were part of the mission. But when U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) was created in 1987 in the wake of the abortive Desert One hostage rescue mission, the Marines did not join in. Spec ops on land, sea, and air were covered by the Army, Navy, and Air Force; the Corps felt it needed to keep its top warriors with its conventional forces. In the post 9/11 world, however, the need for special operations forces dramatically increased. With the creation of the Marine special Operations Command (MARSOC) in 2006, Marines officially became part of USSOCOM. Initially drawn from the ranks of Force Recon companies, these highly skilled and combat-proven Leathernecks joined their spec ops brethren in taking the war to al-Qaeda and the Taliban in America's global war on terrorism. MARSOC's mission is to win wars before they begin, taking combat beyond the frontlines. When America needs to respond to aggression in distant lands, the call comes to send in the Marines. With the creation of MARSOC, chances are special operations Marines are already there.

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").