Rangers, SEALs, now Raiders: Marines resurrect historic name

By JONATHAN DREW
Associated Press

RALEIGH, NC (AP) — From now on, an elite branch of the US Marine Corps will officially be known as Raiders – similar to names like Army Green Berets and Navy SEALs.

The Marines will rename several special operations units Marine Raiders at a ceremony on Friday.

The move resurrects a moniker used by famous World War II units that carried out risky amphibious and guerrilla operations. The exploits of the original Marine Raiders were captured in books and movies including “Gung Ho!” in 1943 and “Marine Raiders” in 1944.

The name will give a unique identity to the Marines’ branch of US Special Operations Command, which includes special forces from the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines. The Marines’ Special Operations Command was formed more than a decade ago as part of the global fight against terrorism.

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