of his unit and the deployment cycle stage of his team. Advanced training The training of CSOs continues at assigned battalions for another 18 months. CSOs may qualify for advanced training and certifications in areas such as foreign language and emergency medical care based on future assignments. CSOs also attend the United States Army Airborne School and the United States Marine Corps Combatant Diver Course. The MSOS also offers advanced-level courses in a number of subject areas: special reconnaissance, close-quarters battle, sniper, breaching and weapons employment. Weapons and gear When Det One, the pilot program for MARSOC, was officially activated in 2003, there were concerns that Marines would not have the specific weapons, body armor, optics and other personal protective equipment required for their tasks. Much of the SOCOM gear was beyond the standard USMC equipment issue and was mission essential. The same or closely similar state-of-the-art equipment would be necessary to enable any future detachment to be interoperable and sufficiently able to conduct special operations with other SOCOM units. References External links Critical skills operator webpage United States Marine Corps personnel