Many of the new equipment programs planned as combat operations in Southwest Asia were being reduced have now been delayed or canceled. How will MARSOC deal with repairing and upgrading legacy equipment rather than replacing it with next generation systems?
MARSOC will continue to do what it and the Marine Corps have done in the past, which is to be efficient stewards of America’s resources. We will maximize the use of current equipment while continuing to seek out game-changing capabilities.
Your predecessors said one of their top goals after Afghanistan was to get rid of MARSOC’s mine-resistant ambush protected vehicles (MRAPs) and replace them with new, lighter platforms. How are you dealing with those legacy vehicles and future Raider combat operational requirements?
A valid requirement remains for mine-resistant vehicles. MARSOC has the ability to leverage Marine Corps and SOCOM programs as required for the mission. Our current light vehicle capability is provided by SOCOM through the Light Tactical All-Terrain Vehicle (LTATV) and Ground Mobility Vehicle (GMV) 1.1 programs that provide an aircraft internally transportable capability.
MARSOC will continue to do what it and the Marine Corps have done in the past, which is to be efficient stewards of America’s resources. We will maximize the use of current equipment while continuing to seek out game-changing capabilities.
Despite all that, what is your “wish list” for new equipment and capabilities for MARSOC, from senior command down to individual operators in the field?
MARSOC will look for capabilities that increase our interoperability and integration with conventional forces.
The first female Marines have applied for MARSOC in the wake of the Department of Defense’s opening of all combat posts to women. How are you adjusting to that in terms of training, field infrastructure, unit structure, and schooling both men and women in proper conduct?
Currently, we (MARSOC) have not accepted any applications, but there have been a number of female Marines who have expressed interest. Upon the Secretary of Defense’s approval of the service’s and SOCOM’s implementation plans, we will begin implementation, to include accepting applications. We remain committed to sustaining and improving our combat effectiveness through the systematic application of our standards.
With clearly articulated and codified standards, MARSOC will enhance its ability to screen and select the best and most fully qualified Marines to become critical skills operators and special operations officers, increasing the overall combat readiness of our force. No matter the gender, all CSOs and SOOs will receive the same level of training as before.
Do you see a need and place within MARSOC for a manned aviation unit? If so, comprising what? If not, why?
No. We are able to leverage the capabilities of a wide variety of units for that support.