MARSOC

MARSOC is the newest addition to the arsenal of Special Operations Forces. They were formally activated on February 24, 2006. The initial operators assigned to the newly formed MARSOC were taken from the then deactivated Force Recon Companies.

The relationship between US SOCOM and the Marine Corps started with the formation of an experimental unit referred to as Detachment 1. This detachment was formed in 2003 as a “proof of concept” for the Marine Corps formally standing up a SOCOM component. This Detachment lead to the formal formation of MARSOC.

Though they are not formally under MARSOC command, the Marines also have Recon Battalions and Force Recon Companies. These Recon units have long been considered Special Operations Forces throughout the community.