Special Operations Capable

Special Operations Capable (SOC) is a term used by the U.S. military that refers to the Marine Expeditionary Units which may be tasked with operations that range from the conventional to non-conventional. The concept of SOC is unique to the Marine Corps and is not associated with the special operations undertaken by United States Special Operations Forces. The term "special operations" in the non-SOF context, therefore, refers to special taskings of limited duration in support of a combat commander. These operations include:

1) Amphibious raids

2) Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations (NEO)

3) Security Operations

4) Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel (TRAP)

5) Direct Action

6) Humanitarian/Civic Assistance

Therefore, "the primary objective of the MEU(SOC)...is to provide the theater CINC's with an effective means of dealing with the uncertainties of future threats, providing a forward deployed unit that is inherently balanced, sustainable, flexible, responsive, expandable and credible."

Each Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) has MEUs. When specifically trained and operationally qualified to perform special operational duties, they are then known as a Marine Expeditionary Units (Special Operations Capable), or MEU (SOC); designed under the battle plans of combined maritime-based ground and air elements that make up a MAGTF.

Beyond those conventional missions assigned to a MEU, the specialized units within the Marine Corps's Special Operations Capable community are able to perform the following capabilities assigned:

The Marine Corps does not deploy traditional Special Operations Forces (SOF); the Marine Corps' Special Operations contribution, the Marine Raider Regiment, is directed by the United States Special Operations Command. Therefore, forward-operating MEU(SOC)s receive enhanced training and are specially equipped and organized to provide selected maritime special purpose capabilities complementary and in support of combat commanders. In addition to the conventional capabilities noted above, MEU(SOC)s will, upon deployment, possess the following skills and capabilities:

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