Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable)

Definition/Scope: (JP 1-02) The Marine Corps standard, forward-deployed, sea-based expeditionary organization. The MEU[SOC] is a Marine expeditionary unit, augmented with selected personnel and equipment, that is trained and equipped with an enhanced capability to conduct amphibious operations and a variety of specialized missions of limited scope and duration. These capabilities include specialized demolition, clandestine reconnaissance and surveillance, raids, in-extremis hostage recovery, and enabling operations for follow-on forces. The MEU(SOC) is not a special operations force but, when directed by the Secretary of Defense, the combatant commander, and/or other operational commander, may conduct limited special operations in extremis, when other forces are inappropriate or unavailable.

Acronym:

MEU(SOC)

Broader Terms:

Marine Air-Ground Task Force
Marine Expeditionary Force

Narrower Terms:

Command Element
Ground Combat Element

Related Terms:

Aviation Combat Element
Combat Service Support Element
Marine expeditionary force (forward)