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- Marine expeditionary unit (special operations capable) (MEU(SOC)) was a program created by the United States Marine Corps and the United States Navy in 1985 for Marine expeditionary units (MEU). As of 2013 the term MEU(SOC) is obsolete. The program enhanced MEUs providing them with additional training and equipment to become certified as special operations capable with a Maritime Special Purpose Force (MSPF). The designation special operations capable was unique to the Marine Corps and meant in relation to special operations. The role of a MEU(SOC) however was not equivalent to the special operations role of special operations forces. Although considered special operations capable a MEU(SOC) did not form part of the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) established in 1987 or the United States Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) later established in 2006. The theory behind the MEU(SOC) was to provide continuous and perpetual maritime & amphibious force projection. Such units were expected to be able to respond to a variety of crises, most notably incidents that conventional units may not be able to properly handle. A MEU(SOC) was also expected to be capable of providing various forms of security or a military presence to any region worldwide, within 24–72 hours of receiving orders. Such crises may range from natural disasters to civil or national discord, or total invasion of forces into a hostile area. The term "special operations" in the Non-SOF context, therefore, refers to special taskings of limited duration in support of a combat commander. These operations include:
* Amphibious raids
* Non-combatant evacuation operations (NEO)
* Security operations
* Tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel (TRAP)
* Direct action
* Humanitarian/civic assistance Therefore, "the primary objective of the MEU(SOC)...is to provide the theater CINC's with an effective means of dealing with the uncertainties of future threats, providing a forward deployed unit that is inherently balanced, sustainable, flexible, responsive, expandable and credible." (en)
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