US Marine Corps' Maritime Special Purpose Force

Introduction

Each deploying Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), or MEU(SOC) contains a specialized sub-unit known as the Maritime Special Purpose Force (MSPF). The MSPF is a unique organization drawn from the MEU major subordinate elements. The MSPF provides the enhanced operational capability to complement or enable conventional operations or to execute selected maritime special missions. The MSPF can't operate independently of its parent MEU.

It relies on the MEU for logistics, intelligence, communications, transportation, and supporting fire. Command of the MSPF remains under the control of the MEU commander. The MSPF is organized and trained to be rapidly tailored to the specific mission. The MSPF does not duplicate the other services dedicated Special Operations Forces.

MSPF Tasks include:

*Deep Reconnaissance

*In Extremis Hostage Rescue (IHR) in an Urban Environment

*Special Demolition Operations

*Clandestine Recovery of Personnel and Equipment

*Gas and Oil Platform (GOPLAT) Operations

*Clandestine Reconnaissance and Surveillance

*Direct Action (DA) and Close Quarters Battle (CQB)

*Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO)

The MSPF is Composed of the Following:

·         A command element.

·         A covering element - consisting of one or more reinforced rifle companies - usually a specially trained platoon from the MEU(SOC) boat company.

·         An assault element - the deployed Force Reconnaissance Direct Action Platoon (DAP). Organized to conduct on-scene command, assault, security, and support functions.

·         A reconnaissance and surveillance (R&S) element composed of the MEU(SOC) Battalion Landing Teams (BLT) and Surveillance and Target Acquisition (STA) Platoon. A Radio Reconnaissance Team (RRT) from the MEU(SOC) Radion Battalion Detachment, and elements of the MEU(SOC) intelligence section. The R&S element is organized to conduct reconnaissance and surveillance, sniper control and support, counter-intelligence, human and signal intelligence, and electronic warfare.

·         An aviation support element to provide assault support, and close air support (CAS).

·         A Naval Special Warfare element - the MEU(SOC)'s deployed SEAL Strike Platoon.

MSPF Training

Initial Training Phase

During the Initial Training Phase, the MSPF receives instruction in the special skills necessary to conduct the special operations missions associated with the MEU(SOC) program. Training and evaluation during this phase will focus on individual and small unit skills. Instruction provided and/or coordinated by the Special Operations Training Group (SOTG) includes:

Specialized Demolitions Course

A period of instruction that provides selected elements of the MEU with the capability to conduct the precision destruction of targets.

Breachers Course

A period of instruction designed for the assault element of the MSPF. Provides the ability to conduct explosive and non-explosive entry into a designated target. This training should include participation by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel.

Urban Sniper/Designated Marksman Course

This course provides training for qualified 8541 Scout/Snipers, designated marksmen, and supervisory personnel responsible for the planning and employment of urban snipers within the MEU's MSPF. Course material will include: sniper initiated assault, surgical shooting, live night fire engagement, urban movement, counter-sniper operations, rapid/multiple threat engagement, Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO), and covering force operations. Only snipers that have successfully completed this course are eligible to participate in live fire Situational Training Exercises during training in an Urban Environment (TRUE) and Special Operations Capable Exercises (SOCEX).

Urban Reconnaissance and Surveillance Course

A course designed to train personnel from the Division Reconnaissance Detachments, the  Surveillance and Target Acquisition Platoon, Radio Battalion Detachment, and Intelligence Company Detachments in the conduct of Urban Reconnaissance and Surveillance (R&S).

The course will cover at a minimum, an introduction to R&S, intelligence considerations, R&S planning, urban route planning and movements, introduction to Direct Action (DA) operations, evasion-and-escape techniques, surveillance/counter-surveillance techniques and equipment, and urban communication procedures. Training will focus on reconnaissance in support of special operations and conventional missions with specific emphasis on urban operations. This course provides an outstanding opportunity to intergrate with the Amphibious Squadron's (PHIBRON) Naval Special Warfare Detachment (NAVSPECWAR Det.)

Security Element Training

This course is designed for a platoon sized force. It develops the skills necessary for the force to function in support of the MSPF assault element. The training of this platoon will include: limited Close Quarters Battle (CQB) skills, internal security procedures, hostage handling procedures, and other capabilities required to support the assault element.

Close Quarters Battle Training

This course is for the assault element of the MEU's MSPF with a focus on advanced marksmanship, surgical shooting, and CQB tactics.

Initial Training Phase Evaluations

The following are recommended areas of evaluation during this phase:

*Specialized Demolition

*Urban Sniping

*Assault Breaching

*Reconnaissance and Surveillance

*Close Quarters Battle

Intermediate Training Phase

The MSPF's goal during this phase is to integrate all elements of the MSPF in order to conduct operations with the MSE's and PHIBRON. Training will focus on special operations skills and capabilities, (eg: sniper proficiency, CQB, specialized demolitions, clandestine R&S, MIO, GOPLAT, clandestine recovery, DA, and IHR in an urban environment). Remedial and sustainment training will be conducted as required to improve deficiencies.

MSPF Interoperability Training

The purpose of this training is to integrate the command and control, reconnaissance and surveillance, assault, security, and aviation assault elements. This can be conducted off-site

or locally. This training is a logical prerequisite for TRUE and may provide an opportunity to conduct basic level training with the PHIBRON NAVSPECWAR Det.

TRUE

TRUE provides the MEU an invaluable opportunity for training in unfamiliar urban environments, along with the MSPF. TRUE provides an opportunity to integrate unique MSPF capabilities in conjunction with the MEU's increased proficiency in Rapid Response Planning (R2P2). This event presents realistic opportunities for R&S in an urban environment, and interaction with the external agencies that may assist in conducting clandestine R&S operations.

GOPLAT and MIO Training

GOPLAT and MIO training provide an opportunity for the MSPF to execute its special skills on unique target platforms. This training can be accomplished unilaterally or in conjunction with the PHIBRON's NAVSPECWAR Det. SOTG coordination with civilian GOPLAT operators and merchant shipping agencies is required.

Intermediate Training Phase Evaluations

The following are recommended evaluations during this phase:

*Interoperability

*Intelligence Collection

*Clandestine R&S

*Amphibious Raids

*Initial Terminal Guidance

*R2P2

*DA Mission

*IHR

*GOLPAT and MIO

Final Training Phase/Evaluation

During its final training phase the MSPF will continue to focus on remedial and sustainment training as required to improve deficiencies. During the SOCEX, the MSPF must demonstrate

the capability to concurrently support/execute MEU(SOC) assigned missions, capabilities, and skills.