SpecWarNet -Marine Corps Special Purpose Force

USMC MSPF

Maritime Special Purpose Force

(USMC Photo)

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 cannot operate independently of its parent MEU. It relies on the MEU for logistics, intelligence, communications, transportation and supporting fires. 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 dedicated Special Operations Forces.

MSPF tasks include:

Deep Reconnaissance
In Extremis Hostage Rescue in an urban environment
Special Demolition Operations
Clandestine Recovery of Personnel and Equipment
GOPLAT Operations
Clandestine Reconnaissance and Surveillance
Direct Action and CQB
Maritime Interdiction Operations

(USMC Photo) MSPF Force Recon Direct Action Platoon (DAP) conducting Fast Rope sustainment training.

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 Recon 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) Surveillance and Target Acquisition (STA) Plt. a Radio Recon Team (RRT)form the MEU(SOC) Radio Battalion Det., and elemnts 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 Plt.

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 Special Operation Capable (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
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 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 Operation Capable Exercise (SOCEX).
Urban Reconnaissance Surveillance Course
A course designed to train personnel from the Division Reconnaissance Detachments, the GCE's Surveillance and Target Acquisition Platoon, Radio Battalion Detachment and the Intelligence Company Detachments in the conduct of Urban Reconnaissance and Surveillance (R&S). The course will cover at a minimum, an introduction into R&S, intelligence considerations, R&S planning, urban route planning and movements, introduction to direct action operations, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Center operations, Escape and Evasion techniques, surveillance/counter surveillance techniques and equipment, and urban communication procedures. The 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 integrate 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 Quarter Battle (CQB) skills, internal security procedures, hostage handling procedures, and those other capabilities required to support the Assault Element.
CQB Training
This course is for the Assault Element of the MEU's MSPF with a focus on advanced marksmanship skills and tactics.
Initial Training Phase Evaluations.
The following are recommended areas of evaluation during this phase:

Specialized demolition.
Urban sniping.
Assault breaching.
R&S.

CQB.
Intermediate Training Phase
The MSPF's goal during this training phase is to integrate all elements of the MSPF in order to conduct operations with the MSE's and the PHIBRON. Training will focus on special operations skills and capabilities, (e.g., sniper proficiency, CQB, specialized demolitions, clandestine reconnaissance and surveillance, MIO, Gas and Oil Platform (GOPLAT), clandestine recovery, direct action and In-Extremis Hostage recovery (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
TRUE
TRUE provides the MEU an invaluable opportunity for training in unfamiliar urban environments. Participants are comprised of the CE and elements of the GCE, ACE, CSSE, along with the MSPF. TRUE provides an opportunity to integrate unique MSPF capabilities in conjunction with the MEU's increased proficiency in the R2P2. This event presents realistic opportunities for reconnaissance and surveillance (R&S) in an urban environment, and interaction with the external agencies that may assist in conducting clandestine R&S operations.
GOPLAT & MIO Training
GOPLAT and MIO training provide an opportunity for the MSPF to apply 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 Evaluation.
The following are recommended evaluations during this phase:

Interoperability
Intelligence Collection
Clandestine R&S
Amphibious Raids
Initial Terminal Guidance
Rapid Response Planning (R2P2)
Direct Action Mission.
In-extremis Hostage Rescue (IHR)
Gas and Oil Platform (GOPLAT) and Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO).

Final Training Phase/Evaluation.
During its final training phase the MSPF will continue to focus on remedial/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.
-Dominique Sumner