Special Forces are about to get more, well, special. This could rock.
Eighty-six men have begun a one-year trial to determine if the Marines will join Navy SEALs, Green Berets and Air Force Special Operations Forces in the military's special operations forces. The Marine Corps Special Operations Command Detachment One was activated during a ceremony Friday at Camp Pendleton, where it will begin training next week. In October, the commando force will join Naval Special Warfare Group One in Coronado, Calif., to train with the Navy. It will go overseas in April, likely for combat missions in the war on terror.Unlike other special operations forces, the Marines unit will have a deep roster of specialists in areas including fire support, counter-intelligence, linguistics and communications. Marine Lt. Col. Robert J. Coates, a seasoned reconnaissance officer, is heading the unit.
The mix of troops "provides the type of light mobile and lethal forces critical to success in the global war on terrorism,'' said Lt. Gen. Earl B. Hailston, who commands all Marine Corps forces in the Pacific region.
via AP and the Longview News-Journal
Posted by Alan at June 21, 2003 03:34 PM