MARSOC - The Modern Raider

Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld directed the formation of a Marine component of U.S. Special Operations Command.

MARSOC activated at Camp Lejeune, N.C.  Photo by Sgt Sarah Wood

2^nd Marine Special Operations Battalion formally activated.

1^st Marine Special Operations Battalion formally activated.

Marine Special Operations School formally activated.

A and B Companies, Marine Special Operations Advisor Group redesignated as 3^rd and 4^th Marine Special Operations Battalions. Photo By: Lance Cpl. Stephen C. Benson

1st MARSOC unit deployment.

1^st Individual Training Course (ITC) class commences. Photo by L/Cpl Thomas Provost

MSOAG re-designated as the Marine Special Operations Regiment with the 1st, 2d, and 3d MSOBs as subordinate units. The newly designated 3d MSOB incorporated the structure and personnel from 4th MSOB. MARSOC also formed the Marine Special Operations Support Group.

1^st MARSOC led Joint Special Operations Task Force (JSOTF).

Enlisted ITC graduates receive the Military Occupational specialty (MOS) 0372 Critical Skills Operator (CSO) Photo by Cpl. Thomas Provost

Officer ITC Graduates receive the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) 0370 Special Operations Officer (0370) Photo by  Sgt. Scott Achtemeier

MARSOC Unit re-designated as Raiders. Photo by Cpl Steven Fox

MARSOC leads Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force — Iraq (CJSOTF-I)

Marine Special Operations School dedicated as “Gifford Hall” in honor of Raider and Navy Cross recipient GySgt Jonathan Gifford. Photo By Cpl Ryan Mains

ITC Class 16-1 are the first Raiders to receive the newly approved Marine Special Operators Insignia (MSOI). Photo by Cpl. Jesus Sepulveda Torres

Marine Special Operations School redesignated as Marine Raider Training Center. Photo by Sgt. Scott Achtemeier