via MARSOC press release
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- During World War II, four Marine Raider battalions and two Raider regiments were formed and saw action in the Pacific Theater between 1942 and 1944. Formed to conduct amphibious raids and guerrilla operations behind enemy lines, the Raider battalions were the United States’ first special operations units.Window dressing.
The Raiders went on to participate in campaigns across the Pacific Ocean and earned more than 700 decorations, including seven Medals of Honor, before disbandment approximately two years later.
Though the units’ existence was short-lived, they left a lasting impression. The Marine Raider battalions were the inspiration for what would become modern day special operations.
But when U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command was established in 2003, the unit did not officially carry-on the moniker.
Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James F. Amos made official the title in a proclamation he released Wednesday, which calls for “the official continuation of our Corps’ special operations heritage from the Raiders of World War II to our modern day Marines.”
“United States Marines take great pride in our special operations and irregular warfare heritage…From this point forward, the Marines of MARSOC will be officially aligned with the Marine Raiders of World War II and are charged with maintaining the high standards and traditions that accompany such distinction,” as stated in the proclamation read during the unit’s change-of-command ceremony held at Stone Bay aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C.
While MARSOC is adopting the name Marine Raiders, the command’s official title will remain MARSOC. However, Major Subordinate Elements of the unit will reflag with the Raider name. For example, subordinate commands will reflag as Marine Raider Regiment, Marine Raider Support Group, Marine Raider battalions, etc.
Legacy building.
It means nothing. What you should know is that the WW2 veterans of the Marine Raiders offered up the idea that MARSOC should and could use the name but HQMC refused.
Now this. I'm unimpressed.
Note: Doubt me on the fact that Amos initially refused to allow MARSOC to use the name Raiders? Check out these articles here, and here.
Had it been the incoming Commandant, this might have credence and would be taken as a sign of the force going back to its roots. But since it is Captain Dipshit, this is an attempt at distracting from his tarnished legacy.
ReplyDeletespot on. i wonder how many of Amos' initiatives are gonna get trashed by Dunford? i'm betting quite a few.
DeleteAlso, that pick in the upper right: what MARSOC guys use HK G3 and AI sniper rifles? Did they f*** up their own PR photos with a non-USMC 'operator'?
ReplyDeleteNo. He is a CSO.
DeleteThe Commandant of Parris Island when I went through there was a Marine Raider General Peatross Oscar F. USMC I never gave the tought any mind until one day long after my RELACDU I read a book detailing the Marine Raiders of WW2 and saw his name he was a young Lt then, his rubber boat's motor failed on the run in and he became separated from the rest of the Raiders. After locating himself and hearing the sound of firing he determined he and his men would march to the sound of conflict. Just as they formed up on the road they heard a bicycle coming all hell bent for leather down the road from the direction of the fighting, it was a Japanese bike messenger, Lt Peatross quickly thinking raised his shotgun and killed the Japanese, then after searching him they once again set out on the road and again heard a bicycle racing their way, boom, one more messenger bites the dirt. So thoroughly motivated by now the raiders once again set out on the road when low and behold here comes another bike messenger. Boom, boom out go the lights. Never making contact with the rest of the unit Lt Peatross displaced back to the boats and retrograded to the sea. Thinking his foray a failure.
ReplyDeleteYears later the Makin commander was quoted as saying, "I had the Marines where I wanted them and sent several messengers by bicycle to arrange a counter attack, but they never got there" The counter attack did not work and the rest is history.
I cannot say for sure this related story is true but from what I recall it went something like this.
Stone Bay, I did Individual combat training there with Uniform company, in the boonies back then but damn close to the RR mess hall which was an excellent place to take chow!
I wanta be a RECON Raider, jump into the face of danger, stand up, hook up, shuffle to the door, chutes gonna open on the count of four, if that chute don't open wide I gotta little one by my side, if that chute don't open round I will be the first to the ground.
ReplyDeleteOld RECON/RAIDER Jody I heard once near the Onslow beach RECONDO training area.
No I wasn't ever RECON nor a Raider.
FUCK AMOS!! Worst CMC EVER!!
ReplyDelete