A critical skills operator (CSO) is a United States Marine in the primary special operations career field of the United States Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC). CSOs, colloquially known as "Raiders", are awarded the Military Occupational Specialty 0372. CSOs are assigned to Marine Special Operations Teams (MSOT), Companies (MSOC) and Battalions (MSOBs). CSOs are trained to execute a variety of missions. Specialized training also provides capabilities in language fluency necessary for crossing cultural barriers, allowing CSOs to connect with local forces and civilians. It takes, at a minimum, four and a half years to create a Marine CSO; a Marine must have served a minimum of three years or achieved the rank of at least lance corporal before being considered a MARSOC candidate. The 0372 MOS was created on October 1, 2011. MARSOC's initial requirement for manning was 850 CSOs to outfit 48 fully operational Marine Special Operations Teams. Background After the successful Det One program, the Marine Corps authorized the creation of a Marine Corps contingent at the United States Special Operations Command. The new command, United States Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC), drew substantial numbers from the Marine Corps Recon community at the battalion level and from Force Reconnaissance Companies. Initially, the career path of these Marines was similar to that of the existing Recon community; Marines were assigned to MARSOC for a period of five years, after which they would be rotated to a new unit. The creation of the 0372 MOS was a response to the desire of MARSOC Marines to remain at MARSOC with an MOS that would allow them a special operations-dedicated career path. MARSOC CSO creed My title is Marine, but it is my choice and my choice alone to be a Special Operations Marine. I will never forget the tremendous sacrifice and reputation of those who came before me. At all ranges, my fire will be accurate. With surprise, speed and violence of action, I will hunt enemies of my country and bring chaos to their doorstep. I will keep my body strong, my mind sharp and my kit ready at all times. Raider and Recon men forged the path I follow. With determination, dependability and teamwork, I will uphold the honor and the legacy passed down to me. I will do the right thing always and will let my actions speak for me. As a quiet professional, I will