To what extent and in what ways do you see MARSOC adopting and implementing robots in the field, such as:

• UAVs – including resupply rotorcraft
• Ground systems for medevac, to accompany small units and lessen the load each warfighter must carry, logistics support, recon/mine detection, lethal weapons platforms
• Surface and subsurface water platforms

MARSOC lives by the SOF Truth: “Humans are more important than hardware.” But there is no denying that technology in the areas of robotics are enabling the accomplishment of more on the battlefield. MARSOC employs small unmanned aerial systems (SUAS) in support of operations, but not specifically for resupply. MARSOC works closely with SOCOM to search for a SUAS “swarm” capability, logistics augmentation and resupply, and an advanced counter-improvised explosive device capability.

As the U.S. military moves from a heavy focus on Southwest Asia to an almost Cold War-level multi-area-of-responsibility status, what role do you see for MARSOC in particular and SOF in general?

From my perspective, MARSOC will maintain a forward-deployed MSOC-Reinforced in AFRICOM, CENTCOM, and PACOM, particularly so that we can build and maintain long-term relationships with key partner nation forces in certain critical sub-regions. Recent events in CENTCOM have not altered MARSOC’s commitment to provide forces to AFRICOM or PACOM.

By developing a defined career path, MARSOC and the Marine Corps writ-large will be better able to retain and sustain the operational experience and capability necessary to meet operational requirements and reinvest special operations talent and experience where it is needed most.

Special operations in the Corps has grown from a temporary assignment to a career track. How has that change affected recruitment, retention, and morale?

Approval of the Primary Military Occupational Specialty (PMOS) allows the Marine Corps the ability to develop CSOs (0372) and SOOs (0370) over the course of their careers, as both fully proficient special operations professionals and well-rounded MAGTF Marines. Having what we call a “closed loop” PMOS for both our CSOs and SOOs allows MARSOC to manage our Raiders with a development strategy that facilitates talent management of SOF skills, standardized training, retention, promotions, command, professional military education, and career progression.

Once designated with the PMOS, a CSO or SOO will predominantly fill billets within MARSOC, but will also serve in billets throughout the Marine Corps and across the special operations enterprise. By developing a defined career path, MARSOC and the Marine Corps writ-large will be better able to retain and sustain the operational experience and capability necessary to meet operational requirements and reinvest special operations talent and experience where it is needed most.

Raiders already are among the most highly trained members of the U.S. military, with requirements covering combat medicine, languages, culture and religion, negotiations, training host nation troops, etc. How would you describe the training and capabilities of an operator by MARSOC’s 20th anniversary in 2026?

Over the next decade, MARSOC will continue to develop capabilities rapidly, based on the operational demands of the Geographic Combatant Commands (GCCs) and Theater Special Operations Commands. However, MARSOC is striving to maintain the leading edge on leveraging emerging technologies that provide our forces a comparative advantage against enemy networks globally.

The integrated, cross-functional manner in which we train our forces ensures that we continue to innovate, experiment, and adapt operational and tactical concepts to ensure theater SOF remain capable of staying ahead of any influencing emerging enemies and assisting partners globally to defeat those threats to security and stability.

This interview first appeared in The Year in Special Operations 2016-2017 Edition.