Introduction
Marine Corps Special Operations Command (MARSOC) is an elite branch of the United States Marine Corps tasked with conducting special operations. To shed light on the rigorous training and demanding operations of MARSOC, we turn to retired Marine Malik Mullino. With a wealth of experience in MARSOC operations, Mullino offers valuable insights into the challenges and the dedication required to become a MARSOC Marine Raider.
MARSOC Training: The Crucible of Excellence
The Marine Special Operations School plays a pivotal role in shaping MARSOC Marines. Its mission involves assessing and selecting personnel for MARSOC assignments, as well as providing comprehensive training in individual, basic, and advanced special operations. The ultimate goal is to ensure that MARSOC can deploy capable personnel who are well-prepared to undertake special operations missions.
Becoming a MARSOC Marine Raider
Becoming a MARSOC Raider is no easy feat. Prospective candidates must first serve as Marines for three years before embarking on their MARSOC journey. The centerpiece of their training is the nine-month Marine Special Operations Individual Course (ITC) held at the Marine Special Operations School in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
The ITC curriculum covers a broad spectrum of skills essential for highly capable Marine special operators. These skills include direct action, close-quarters battle, special reconnaissance, foreign internal defense, fire support, tactical casualty care, irregular warfare, survival evasion resistance and escape, and infantry weapons and tactics. For officers, there is an additional four-week Team Commanders Course (TCC) following successful completion of ITC.
Assessment & Selection: Phase 1 and 2
Before candidates embark on the ITC journey, they must undergo a three-week Assessment and Selection Preparatory and Orientation Course (ASPOC). This phase mentally and physically challenges candidates, helping them understand the requirements and assess their commitment to becoming a MARSOC Raider. While the attrition rate is relatively low due to the seasoned Marines entering the course, surviving ASPOC is no guarantee of advancement to the subsequent phases.
Assessment & Selection: Phase 2 (A&S2) continues the evaluation process. It is a three-week phase designed to identify Marines with the attributes and personalities best suited for special operations missions.
Individual Training Course (ITC) Phases
The ITC itself comprises four phases, each progressively more demanding:
- Phase 1 – Basic Skills: Here, students receive training in fundamental skills such as land navigation, patrolling, mission planning, survival, evasion, resistance, and escape (SERE), tactical combat casualty care (TCCC), fire support, and communications.
- Phase 2 – Small Unit Tactics: Building upon the foundation laid in Phase 1, this phase covers small boat and scout swimmer operations, crew-served weapons, demolitions, photography, and information collection and reporting. Students are evaluated in full-mission profiles focused on patrolling, combat operations, and urban and rural reconnaissance.
- Phase 3 – Close Quarters Battle: Rifle and pistol combat marksmanship are honed, and students learn the tactics, techniques, and procedures needed for assault operations as part of a Marine Special Operations Team (MSOT). The phase culminates in precision raids on rural and urban objectives.
- Phase 4 – Irregular Warfare: The final phase instructs students on irregular warfare (asymmetric warfare) operations, requiring them to apply all the skills mastered throughout the course while training, advising, and operating with a partner nation and irregular force. Graduates of ITC will be assigned to one of the three Marine Raider Battalions.
The ITC Motto – “Vis gregis est lupus” – encapsulates the essence of MARSOC’s teamwork and camaraderie, emphasizing that the strength of the wolf is the pack. Graduates of ITC emerge with the mental, physical, and leadership skills necessary to be a vital asset to their Marine Special Operations Teams (MSOTs).
Conclusion
Becoming a MARSOC Marine Raider is a journey that demands unwavering commitment, resilience, and unwavering dedication. Retired Marine Malik Mullino’s insights provide a glimpse into the intense training and preparation required for these elite warriors. As MARSOC continues to operate on the cutting edge of special operations, individuals like Malik Mullino and the dedicated candidates they train ensure that the strength of the wolf indeed remains the pack.
