Netherlands Maritime Special Operations Forces
NLMARSOF
Nederlandse Maritieme Special Operations Forces
Emblem of NLMARSOF
Active2013-present
Country Netherlands
AllegianceHM The King
Branch Royal Netherlands Navy
TypeSpecial forces
RoleCounter-terrorism
Direct dction
Military assistance
Special reconnaissance
Hostage rescue
Part ofNetherlands Marine Corps
Garrison/HQDoorn and Den Helder
Motto(s)Nec timide, nec tumide ("Without fear, without overconfidence")
Insignia
Frogman insignia and NLMARSOF-trident
AbbreviationNLMARSOF

The Netherlands Maritime Special Operations Forces (NLMARSOF, also simply referred to as MARSOF) is the special forces unit of the Marine Corps of the Royal Netherlands Navy. It is one of the three principal units tasked with special operations in the Netherlands (the others being the Korps Commandotroepen (KCT) of the Royal Netherlands Army and the Brigade Speciale Beveiligingsopdrachten (BSB) of the Royal Marechaussee). The unit can be deployed worldwide to conduct special operations, including counter-terrorism both overseas and domestically, with a maritime focus.[1] Its operations are planned and coordinated by the Netherlands Special Operations Command (NLD SOCOM), as are the operations of the KCT.

The unit was created in 2013 with the merger of the Unit Interventie Mariniers (UIM) and the Maritime Special Operations (MSO)-company.[2]

History

Until 2008, the Dutch maritime special forces capability consisted of three distinct units: the Dutch Frogmen Platoon, the Mountain Leader Reconnaissance Troop, and the Unit Interventie Mariniers. The Dutch Frogmen Platoon has historically had a strong connection with the UK Special Boat Service, and was informally often named "7th Troop SBS". The Mountain Leader Reconnaissance Troop (ML Recce Troop), was established in 1990 and modeled after the Brigade Patrol Troop of the UK Royal Marines.[3] The Unit Interventie Mariniers (UIM), named Bijzondere Bijstandseenheid (Special Support Unit) until 2006, was formed on 22 February 1973, in response to a rising threat of terrorist attacks in both Europe and domestically. The main goal of this unit is the countering of large scale and/or complex domestic terrorist attacks.[4]

Since 2006 the operational command of UIM is executed by the Dienst Speciale Interventies of the Dutch National Police. In 2008, the Dutch Frogmen Platoon and the ML Recce Troop merged into the Maritime Special Operations Company (MSO-Coy) and were tasked with all amphibious operations for the Royal Netherlands Navy. While commencing in an informal manner in 2009, since 2013 NLMARSOF was officially established as a new operational unit. The MSO-Coy was renamed Conventional-Squadron (C-Squadron), and is tasked with the full spectrum of special operations outside of the Netherlands.[3]

UIM was renamed Maritime-Squadron (M-Squadron), and is dedicated to national counter-terrorism missions under operational command of the DSI. Training-Squadron (T-Squadron) will support both M-Squadron and C-Squadron, and is responsible for all training and the recruitment of new operators.[3]

Structure

NLMARSOF currently consists of three operational squadrons, and one dedicated operational support group:[5]

  • Conventional Squadron (C-Squadron): Tasked with executing the full spectrum of special operations outside of the Netherlands, with an emphasis on long-range reconnaissance patrols. Consists of conventional operators, Mountain Leaders and Frogmen.
  • Maritime Counter-Terrorism Squadron (M-Squadron): Tasked with conducting domestic counter-terrorist operations under the command of the DSI. M-Squadron trains extensively on the neutralisation of complex terrorist attacks, for example on off-shore oil platforms.
  • Training Squadron (T-Squadron): Tasked with training of both C- and M-Squadron and the recruitment of new personnel within the Netherlands Marine Corps ranks.
  • Special Operation Forces Support Group (SOFSG): Tasked with providing material and logistical support for all operations conducted by NLMARSOF.

Tasks

NLMARSOF carries out four main types of operations:[6]

  • Direct Action (DA): Conducting small-scale offensive operations such as raids, ambushes and sabotage.
  • Military Assistance (MA): Supplying military support to foreign military units. This support can consist of both providing training and providing assistance during actual operations.
  • Special Reconnaissance (SR): Conducting special reconnaissance behind enemy lines, for example monitoring hostile troop movements, while avoiding direct contact with the enemy.
  • Counter-terrorism (CT): Conducting both national and international counter terror operations, where NLMARSOF, compared to its army counterpart Korps Commandotroepen, emphasises training for operations in a maritime setting.

Recruitment and training

All new personnel for NLMARSOF is recruited from within the Netherlands Marine Corps ranks, there is no possibility for civilians or military personnel from other branches to join NLMARSOF.[7]

The training starts with a three-week pre-selection course, the Aptitude. Recruits must endure this pre-selection to qualify for the twenty-week MSOF-course, which will transform the recruits into NLMARSOF-operators. After the MSOF-course, all recruits must complete the fourteen-week Nationale Interventie Opleiding (National Intervention Course), which focuses on domestic counter-terrorist scenarios. The operators that have completed both of these courses are then fully operational to serve in M-Squadron. Operators bound for C-Squadron will have to complete the Mountain Leader or the twelve-week Frogmen course to obtain operational status within C-Squadron.[8]

Units

Members of M-Squadron in 2020

M-Squadron

M-Squadron was founded as the Bijzondere Bijstandseenheid (BBE, Special Support Unit) in 1972 and was the first dedicated counter-terrorism unit in the Netherlands. Its establishment was deemed necessary after a rise of the terrorist threat level in Europe, such as the Munich Massacre, and domestically, such as the terrorist attacks committed by Moluccans.[9]

Domestic operations conducted by M-Squadron take place under the command of the Dienst Speciale Interventies (DSI) of the Dutch National Police since 2006. While the operational command resides with the DSI, M-Squadron continues to be an organisational unit of NLMARSOF and the Netherlands Marine Corps.[10]

C-Squadron

C-Squadron conducts operations outside of the Netherlands and consists of regular NLMARSOF-operators that have completed the MSOF- and NIO-training, and operators that have completed the additional Mountain Leader and/or Frogmen training.[11]

  • The Mountain Leader troop consists of operators who have successfully completed the nine-month training provided by the Mountain Leader Training Cadre of the 3 Commando Brigade of the UK Royal Marines. This intense course, which partly takes place in northern Norway, trains the aspiring operators in conducting operations in high altitude and arctic environments.[12]
  • The Frogmen troop consists of operators that have successfully completed the twenty-three-week Kikvorsman (Frogman) course which is provided by the Defensie Duikgroep (Defence Diving Group). During this course, the aspiring frogmen receive extensive training on conducting underwater assaults, reconnaissance, demolition and operating from one of the Walrus-class submarines of the Royal Netherlands Navy.[13]

Operations

NLMARSOF operators in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan during their deployment as part of NATO's Resolute Support Mission.

Since its establishment M-Squadron, and its predecessors BBE and UIM, and C-Squadron, and its predecessor MSO-Company, have conducted various famous operations. An overview of some notable operations the units have been involved in:

Equipment

Weaponry

NLMARSOF operators have access to a wide variety of weapons. These include the following:

Name Origin Type Cartridge Image Details
Glock 17  Austria Semi-automatic pistol 9×19mm Parabellum Standard issue pistol within NLMARSOF. Fitted with a laser light module.
Mossberg 590  United States Pump-action shotgun 12 gauge Used with buckshot ammunition and fitted with a pistol grip, optimised for door breaching.
FN P90  Belgium Personal defense weapon FN 5.7×28mm Fitted with a suppressor, optics and a laser light module. Used by M-Squadron for domestic counter-terrorism operations.[22]
Heckler & Koch MP7  Germany Personal defense weapon HK 4.6×30mm Fitted with a suppressor, optics and a laser light module.
SIG MCX   Switzerland Assault rifle .300 AAC Blackout Fitted with the SIG Sauer Suppressed Upper Receiver (SUR), an integral suppressor. In addition, it is fitted with a Magpul stock, SIG Sauer optics and a laser light module.[23]
Heckler & Koch HK416  Germany Assault rifle 5.56×45mm NATO Standard-issue assault rifle within NLMARSOF. Fitted with a suppressor, optics and a laser light module.[24]
FN MINIMI  Belgium Light machine gun 5.56×45mm NATO Used by C-Squadron during foreign deployments in high-risk environments.
Accuracy International AWM/AXMC  United Kingdom Sniper rifle .300 Winchester Magnum
.338 Lapua Magnum		 Anti-personnel sniper rifle in use with NLMARSOF sniper team. AXMC rifles, successor to the AWM, have recently been acquired to replace the aging AWM rifles.[25]
Barrett M82  United States Sniper rifle .50 BMG Anti-materiel rifle in use with NLMARSOF sniper teams.[26][27]
Heckler & Koch UGL  Germany Grenade launcher 40mm grenade Undersling grenade launcher that can be fitted to the HK416 assault rifle.[24]

Watercraft

Vehicles

  • Suzuki KingQuad: Used for long-range reconnaissance patrols that require a higher grade of maneuverability and approachability.[20] Can be fitted with the FN MAG general purpose machine gun.
  • Snowmobile: Used for operations in mountainous and/or arctic environments.[30]
  • Defenture VECTOR: Dutch-made special operations vehicle developed for, and in co-operation with the Korps Commandotroepen. Currently part of joint NLD SOCOM vehicle pool.[31]
  • Toyota Land Cruiser: Armored tactical vehicle that is used by M-Squadron for domestic counter-terrorism operations.

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Netherlands Maritime Special Operations Forces.
  1. 1 2 ten Voorde, Gerard (2016-02-12). "Specialiteit Marsof ligt op grens van water en land". Reformatorisch Dagblad.
  2. ↑ van Oosbree, Gerard (2013-12-01). "NLMARSOF: 'Het beste van drie werelden in een eenheid'". Dutch Defence Press.
  3. 1 2 3 Kraag, Andy (2012-06-01). Forging Netherlands Maritime Special Operations Forces. Monterrey, California: Naval Postgraduate School.
  4. ↑ van der Spek, Christiaan (October 2009). Een wapen tegen terreur: De geschiedenis van de Bijzondere Bijstandseenheid Krijgsmacht 1972-2006. Uitgeverij Boom. ISBN 9789085068242.
  5. ↑ "Kerngegevens Defensie: Feiten en cijfers" (PDF). Ministerie van Defensie (Netherlands Ministry of Defence).
  6. ↑ Margés, Joost (2016-05-23). "MARSOF niet voor niets op Malta: Trojan Footprint mixt oefening met ware wereld". Alle Hens.
  7. ↑ ten Voorde, Gerard (2015-12-18). "Elite-militair Marsof ziet een vogeltje op z'n loop". Reformatorisch Dagblad.
  8. ↑ Twigt, André (2018-12-09). "De lat ligt gewoon hoog". Alle Hens.
  9. ↑ van Oosbree, Gerard (2012-03-17). "Unit Interventie Mariniers". Dutch Defence Press.
  10. ↑ Timmer, Jaap (2018). "Krijgsmacht en politietaken" (PDF). Justitiële verkenningen: 79.
  11. ↑ van Nee, Jur (December 2015). "Netherlands Maritime Special Operations Force: Van toen naar nu en verder" (PDF). Marineblad. No. 125. KVMO.
  12. ↑ "Mountain Leader Troops MARSOF". www.youtube.com. Ministry of Defence (Netherlands).
  13. ↑ van Oosbree, Gerard (2016-02-29). "De kikkeropleiding, heimelijk leren opereren op de grens van land en water". Dutch Defence Press.
  14. 1 2 Schoonhoven, Silvan; van Joolen, Olof (November 2018). Liggen blijven! - Achter de schermen bij de mariniers van De Punt en de terreuracties van 1973-1978. Nieuw Amsterdam. ISBN 9789046824337.
  15. ↑ Meeus, Jan; Schoorl, John (2005-02-05). "Kom ons maar halen". De Volkskrant.
  16. 1 2 3 Dimitriu, G.R.; Tuinman, G.P.; van der Vorm, M. (2012). "Operationele ontwikkeling van de Nederlandse Special Operations Forces, 2005-2010" (PDF). Militaire Spectator. 108 (3).
  17. ↑ "Boardingteam Hr.Ms. Tromp ontzet bemanning gekaapt schip". Ministerie van Defensie (Netherlands Ministry of Defence). 30 April 2010.
  18. ↑ Daane Bolier, Klaas (2015-07-07). "Als ze denken dat je zwak bent, lopen ze over je heen: MARSOF in Mali". Alle Hens.
  19. ↑ "Militaire bijdrage Nederland in Irak". www.defensie.nl. Ministry of Defence (Netherlands). 20 October 2020.
  20. 1 2 van Beveren, Arthur (2019-09-10). "Trainen, adviseren én operaties ondersteunen: MARSOF helpt Afghaanse collega's". Alle Hens.
  21. ↑ van Unen, Bernie (2020-02-17). "Defensievakbond: 'Ook elite-eenheid van het Korps Mariniers gaat weg uit Doorn'". Algemeen Dagblad.
  22. ↑ Bode, Jessica (2017-06-16). "Skywave mariniers: Levensechte anti-terreuroefening op Schiphol". Defensiekrant (11).
  23. ↑ "Dutch MARSOF officially purchase .300 BLK SIG MCX Rifles". The Firearm Blog. 2016-12-09.
  24. 1 2 "HK416-aanvalsgeweer en HK417-scherpschuttersgeweer". www.defensie.nl. Ministerie van Defensie (Netherlands Ministry of Defence). 27 November 2020.
  25. ↑ "Accuracy-scherpschuttersgeweer (antipersoneel)". Ministerie van Defensie (Netherlands Ministry of Defence). 4 November 2013.
  26. ↑ "Barrett-scherpschuttersgeweer (antimaterieel)". www.defensie.nl. Ministerie van Defensie (Netherlands Ministry of Defence).
  27. ↑ "Mountain Leader Troops MARSOF". www.youtube.com. Koninklijke Marine (Royal Netherlands Navy).
  28. ↑ Oosthoek, Jack (2017-06-14). "'Controle behouden, dáár draait alles om': MARSOF-mariniers duiken op vanuit Caribische diepten". Alle Hens (6).
  29. ↑ "FRISC-motorboot". www.defensie.nl. Ministerie van Defensie (Netherlands Ministry of Defence). 4 November 2013.
  30. ↑ de Weger, Michiel (December 2011). "Steeds ergens anders: De organisatie en de operaties van de Nederlandse militaire speciale eenheden" (PDF). Faculteit Militaire Wetenschappen van de Nederlandse Defensie Academie: 33.
  31. ↑ "Vector-terreinwagen (SOF)". Ministerie van Defensie (Netherlands Ministry of Defence). 2 December 2019.
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