Marine Raider Regiment

Today's Raiders can trace their roots back to their World War II predecessors the Marine Raiders. The Marine Raiders were units established by the United States Marine Corps to conduct special amphibious light infantry warfare, particularly in landing in rubber boats and operating behind the lines. "Edson's" Raiders of 1st Marine Raiders Battalion and "Carlson's" Raiders of 2nd Marine Raiders Battalion are said to be the first United States special operations forces to form and see combat in World War II.{{Cite web|url=https://marsoc.com/raiders-of-wwii/|title=Marine Raiders of WWII|website=MARSOC Recruiting|language=en-US|access-date=2017-03-06}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.defensemedianetwork.com/photos/u-s-marine-raiders-in-world-war-ii-photos/|title=U.S. Marine Raiders in World War II {{!}} Photos {{!}} Defense Media Network|work=Defense Media Network|access-date=2017-03-06|language=en-US}}

Today's Marine Raiders first saw the light through a pilot program called the Marine Corps Special Operations Command Detachment One, also known as Det 1. In order to first assess the value of Marine special operations forces permanently detached to the United States Special Operations Command, a small unit of 86 men commanded by Col. Robert J. Coates, former commanding officer of 1st Force Reconnaissance Company, was activated on 19 June 2003 and had its headquarters at Camp Del Mar Boat Basin.{{Cite web|url=http://www.marines.mil/Portals/59/Publications/DET%20ONE%20U.S.%20Marine%20Corps_U.S.%20Special%20Operations%20Command%20Detachment,%202003-2006%20%20PCN%2010600001300_1.pdf|title=Det One: U.S. Marine Corps US Special Operations Command Detachment, 2003-2006|last=Piedmont|first=Lieutenant Colonel John P.|year=2010|website=marines.mil}} In 2006 it was disbanded and succeeded by the permanent Marine Corps Special Operations Command (MARSOC). Det 1 deployed to Iraq with Navy SEALs from Naval Special Warfare Group 1 in 2004, and Marines from the detachment took part in the Second Battle of Fallujah.Neville, Leigh, Special Forces in the War on Terror (General Military), Osprey Publishing, 2015 {{ISBN|978-1-4728-0790-8}}, p. 178

In February 2006, the Marine Corps Special Operations Command (MARSOC) was created at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. The 1st and 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalions were created along with the Marine Special Operations Advisor Group (MSOAG). The majority of the combat personnel assigned to the two battalions were drawn from the Marine Corps Force Reconnaissance community. In April 2009, the MSOAG was redesignated the Marine Special Operations Regiment which then built in a new level of command by making 1st and 2nd MSOB subordinate, and redesignated MSOAG's operational marines the 3rd Marine Special Operations Battalion.{{Cn|date=February 2024}}

The first deployment for Marine Raiders was in Afghanistan in 2007. This initial deployment was marked with controversy when elements from Fox Company, 2nd MSOB were involved in a shooting incident. The incident, that resulted in as many as 19 civilians killed, involved a complex ambush by insurgents that included a suicide VBIED and small arms fire. It was alleged that the MARSOC operators killed the civilians while attempting to suppress the enemy firing points. The marines were relieved from their operational charter in the country and their commander removed from duty by an Army General from USSOCOM after claims were made that the marines reacted inappropriately and caused excessive civilian casualties.Neville, Leigh, Special Forces in the War on Terror (General Military), Osprey Publishing, 2015 {{ISBN|978-1-4728-0790-8}}, p. 165{{cite web|url=http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2007/03/marine_specops_afghanistan070323/|title=Army general kicks Marines out of Afghanistan|work=Air Force Times|author=Gidget Fuentes}} The marines were later found by a military tribunal to be cleared of wrongdoing.{{cite web|url=http://www.militarytimes.com/story/military/2015/03/04/task-force-violent-the-unforgiven/23940295/|title=Task Force Violent|work=Military Times|author=Andrew deGrandpere|date=12 February 2018 }} Shortly after a deal was struck to send 2nd MSOB to Helmand province in lieu of the eastern provinces; in late 2007, Golf Company 2nd MSOB was sent to Helmand Province in Support of NATO operations.

File:SOTF-West returns from deployment 120403-M-EL893-009.jpg in Helmand Province,Neville, Leigh, Special Forces in the War on Terror (General Military), Osprey Publishing, 2015 {{ISBN|978-1-4728-0790-8}}, p. 313 15 April 2012.]]

In September 2009 the 1st MSOB returned to Afghanistan, this time in command of a joint special operations task force in the northwest of the country.{{cite web|url=http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2009/09/marine_marsoc_090709w/|title=MarSOC battalion to take joint command|work=Marine Corps Times|author=Trista Talton|access-date=27 December 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120223223105/http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2009/09/marine_marsoc_090709w/|archive-date=23 February 2012|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2009/dec/16/marines-take-training-role-afghanistan/|title=Pendleton Marines take on training role|work=The San Diego Union-Tribune|author=Jeanette Steele}} On 10 November 2009, a marine from 1st MSOB was awarded a Bronze Star with "V" device for his actions during a battle in Farah province. When the remote weapon on his vehicle was destroyed, he climbed on top to man its MK19 grenade launcher, according to his medal citation. As enemy rounds whipped by, Price stayed put—holding his position for four hours and killing "numerous" insurgents in the process.{{cite web|url=http://thefallen.militarytimes.com/marine-gunnery-sgt-daniel-j-price/6568289|title=Marine Gunnery Sgt. Daniel J. Price}}

Following General Petraeus's take over of command in Afghanistan in 2010, in support of the ALP/VSO programme (Afghan Local Police/Village Stability Operations), SOF in Afghanistan were task-organized into battalion level SOTF (Special Operations Task Forces), each with a geographic area of responsibility; for MARSOC, this was western Afghanistan and Helmand Province. In March 2012, Marine Raiders suffered several casualties to Green on Blue attacks. On 29 July 2012, a patrol of Afghan Army Commandos was ambushed by insurgents from a number of buildings in Badghis Province, three Afghans were wounded by small arms fire, Gunnery Sergeants Jonathan Gifford of 2nd MSOB and Daniel Price of 1st MSOB raced forward on an ATV to retrieve the wounded under direct fire from the enemy. After evacuating the wounded to an emergency HLZ (Helicopter Landing Zone) from where they were safely medevaced, they returned to the firefight and assaulted the enemy positions in a fierce close-quarter battle. While throwing grenades down the chimney of an insurgent-occupied building, they were struck and killed by PKM fire, for his actions that day Price was awarded the Silver Star.Neville, Leigh, Special Forces in the War on Terror (General Military), Osprey Publishing, 2015 {{ISBN|1472807901}} {{ISBN|978-1472807908}}, pp.161–162, pp.166–167

The Marine Raiders were deployed supporting the Global War on Terrorism in December 2013 alongside the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) where they conducted various special operations missions, ranging from direct action, reconnaissance and other mission sets.{{Cn|date=February 2024}}

In 2014, it was announced that the Marine Special Operations Regiment and its subordinate units would be renamed Marine Raiders.{{cite web|url=http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/article/20140806/NEWS/308060054/MARSOC-units-renamed-Marine-Raiders|title=MARSOC units renamed for the Marine Raiders | Marine Corps Times|publisher=marinecorpstimes.com|access-date=2015-08-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140806161319/http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/article/20140806/NEWS/308060054/MARSOC-units-renamed-Marine-Raiders|archive-date=6 August 2014|url-status=dead}} However, due to administrative delays the renaming did not become official until 19 June 2015.{{Cn|date=February 2024}}

A Raider from the 3rd Marine Raider Battalion was awarded the Silver Star for his actions during the terrorist attack, on Radisson Blu hotel in Bamako, Mali in November 2015. The Raider led a team that rescued nearly 150 people being held hostage by members of AQIM.{{cite web|url=https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2018/04/06/marine-raider-receives-silver-star-for-actions-during-terror-attack-in-mali/|title=Marine Raider receives Silver Star for actions during terror attack in Mali|work=Marine Corps Times|date=28 April 2018}}

Marine Corps Times reported that during Operation Inherent Resolve, Marine Raiders participated in the campaign to liberate Mosul in Iraq from ISIL. On 20 October 2016, after receiving small arms fire, a team of Raiders from the 2nd Marine Raider Battalion decided to occupy a point between two enemy controlled villages, later they were attacked by roughly 25 militants and an armored vehicle-borne improvised explosive device. A raider Staff Sergeant engaged and suppressed the dismounted enemy force with a sniper rifle, then exposed himself to enemy fire by climbing atop a vehicle to acquire an FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missile and eventually destroyed the explosive-laden armored vehicle. For his actions during the engagement, the raider was awarded the Silver Star.{{cite web|url=https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2019/02/12/a-marine-raider-was-awarded-a-silver-star-for-taking-out-an-armored-vehicle-ied-with-a-javelin/|title=A Marine Raider was awarded a Silver Star for taking out an armored-vehicle IED with a Javelin|work=Marine Corps Times|date=12 February 2019}} On 30 December 2016, a marine from the 2nd Raider Battalion was wounded as a result of enemy action in Iraq.{{cite web|url=http://www.militarytimes.com/articles/us-troops-wounded-iraq-syria-islamic-state|title=More U.S. troops are being wounded in Iraq and Syria, the Pentagon quietly acknowledges|date=5 January 2017|work=Military Times}}

Marine Corps Times reported that during 2017, Raiders assisted in liberating Marawi in Philippines from ISIS-P militants.

In February 2019, Marine Corps Times reported that since the formation of MARSOC 13 years before, it had conducted 300 operational deployments across 13 countries, awarded more than 300 valor awards, and that 43 Raiders, including two multipurpose canines, had been killed in training and combat operations.{{cite web|url=https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2019/02/22/marsocs-tab-after-13-years-43-deaths-more-than-300-valor-awards-and-300-operational-deployments-across-17-countries/|title=MARSOC's tab after 13 years: 43 deaths, more than 300 valor awards, and 300 operational deployments|work=Marine Corps Times|date=22 February 2019}}

A master sergeant from 2nd Marine Raider Battalion was awarded the Silver Star for his actions in a firefight while leading a joint US-Afghan team during a raid on a Taliban stronghold in southern Afghanistan in 2019. Three other Raiders were awarded the Bronze Star for their actions during the firefight.{{cite web|url=https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2020/07/14/marine-raider-awarded-silver-star-after-4-hour-firefight-in-afghanistan/#:~:text=On%20Friday%2C%20the%20Marine%20%E2%80%95%20with,heroics%20in%20the%20intense%20fight.|title=Marine Raider awarded Silver Star after 4-hour firefight in Afghanistan|work=Marine Corps Times|date=14 July 2020}}

In November 2020, Taiwanese media claimed that U.S. Marine Raiders were in Taiwan for four weeks to train members of the Republic of China Marine Corps, according to the ROC Naval Command,{{cite web |title=Taiwan Admits U.S. Troop Exercise for First Time in 40 Years Amid Growing China Threat |author=Feng, John |date=10 November 2020 |work=Newsweek |url=https://www.newsweek.com/us-marines-covert-training-operation-taiwan-defense-troops-1546213 }}{{cite web |title=US Marine special forces training on Taiwan: Report |author=Makichuk, Dave |work=Asia Times |date=11 November 2020 |url=https://asiatimes.com/2020/11/us-marine-special-forces-training-on-taiwan-report/ }} though the Pentagon stated that the claim is "inaccurate."{{cite web |title= Pentagon refutes reports that Marine Raiders are training forces on Taiwan |work=Stars and Stripes |author=Robson, Seth |date=11 November 2020 |url=https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/pentagon-refutes-reports-that-marine-raiders-are-training-forces-on-taiwan-1.651679?=/&subcategory=651%7CAttractions }}

File:MARSOC Helicopter exercise.jpg waits for a simulated Medical evacuation.]]

1st Marine Raider Regiment

• Headquarters Company
• 20px 1st Marine Raider Battalion
• 20px 2d Marine Raider Battalion
• 20px 3d Marine Raider Battalion{{cite web |title=MARINE RAIDER REGIMENT |url=https://www.marsoc.marines.mil/Units/Marine-Raider-Regiment/ |website=Marines.mil |access-date=18 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923171607/https://www.marsoc.marines.mil/Units/Marine-Raider-Regiment/ |archive-date=23 September 2022}}

The Marine Raider Regiment is made up of a Headquarters Company and three Marine Raider Battalions (MRB). Each MRB consists of four Marine Special Operations Companies (MSOC) and each company consists of four fourteen-man Marine Special Operations Teams (MSOT).{{Cite magazine |last=McKaughan |first=Jeff |date=2009 |title=CORPS ENABLER: Defining Marine Corps Special Operations Capabilities |url=http://www.special-operations-technology.com/sotech-archives/193-sotech-2009-volume-7-issue-6/1849-qaa-major-general-mastin-m-robeson.html |url-status=dead |magazine=Special Operations Technology |publisher=KMI Media Group |volume=7 |issue=6 |issn=1552-7891 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222204214/http://www.special-operations-technology.com/sotech-archives/193-sotech-2009-volume-7-issue-6/1849-qaa-major-general-mastin-m-robeson.html |archive-date=22 February 2012}}

The base unit of the Raiders is the fourteen-man Marine Special Operations Team (MSOT). Each 14-man MSOT is organized into three elements: a Headquarters (HQ) and two identical Tactical Squads. The HQ element consists of a Special Operations Officer Team Leader (SOO/Captain), Team Chief (Master Sergeant CSO), Operations SNCO (Gunnery Sergeant CSO), and a communication SNCO. Each Tactical Element consists of an Element Leader (Staff Sergeant CSO), three Critical Skills Operators (Sergeant/Corporal CSOs), and a Navy Special Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsman (SARC).{{cite web |title=Marine Corps Special Operations MCWP 3-05 |url=https://www.marines.mil/portals/1/Publications/MCWP%203-05%20GN.pdf |publisher=U.S. Marine Corps |access-date=18 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221018174024/https://www.marines.mil/portals/1/Publications/MCWP%203-05%20GN.pdf |archive-date=18 October 2022 |date=4 April 2018 |id=Publication 143 000178 00}} The organization allows a Team to operate on its own if needed but maintains the ability to operate as part of a bigger unit such as an MSOC or SOTF (Special Operations Task Force), similar to Army Special Forces ODA/B.{{Cn|date=February 2024}}

{{Reflist}}

{{commons category|Marine Raider Regiment (United States)}}

• [http://www.marsoc.marines.mil/Units/Marine-Raider-Regiment/ Marine Raider Regiment homepage]
• [http://www.marsoc.marines.mil/ MARSOC homepage]
• https://www.marsoc.com
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20130206151429/http://www.shadowspear.com/united-states-special-operations/marine-corps-special-operations/1110-marine-special-operations-advisor-group.html ShadowSpear Special Operations MSOR Page]
• http://www.military.com/special-operations/joining-marsoc-faq.html
• http://www.americanspecialops.com/marsoc/marsoc-selection-training.php
• http://sadefensejournal.com/wp/?p=1102

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Category:Marine Raiders

Category:Military special forces regiments

Category:Regiments of the United States Marine Corps

Category:Military counterterrorist organizations

Category:Special operations units and formations of the United States Marine Corps

Category:Military units and formations established in 2006