The USMC special operations is a bit confusing to me. I know about Force Recon, but how are MSOR and MARSOC affiliated with each other? Is there a direct route to MARSOC or even Force Recon as a civilian? For example an 18x or bud/s contract? Is USMC MARSOC now apart of SOCOM? And will USMC ever have an elite tier 1 in JSOC, like Delta or DEVGRU?
I’ll try to answer your questions in order. MSOR (Marine Special Operations Regiment) is a sub-unit of MARSOC (Marine Special Operations Command). The MSOR houses the MSOBs (Marine Special Operations Battalions) and ultimately the MSOTs (Marine Special Operation Teams). There is no direct route to MARSOC as a civilian. MARSOC operators are generally in the Marine Corps for several years before they begin the screening process. Force Recon specifically does not have a direct route from the civilian sector either, although you can sign a basic reconnaissance Marine contract when you enlist. Yes, MARSOC is the Marine representative in SOCOM. As far as the USMC ever having its own Tier 1 operators (it’s funny how everyone knows what this means after this new Medal of Honor game), probably not. The Marine Corps is too small and just doesn’t have the kind of funding necessary to create its own Tier 1 unit. Besides, our current Tier 1 units do they’re job exceptionally well and there doesn’t seem to be any gap to fill.