The Netherlands Maritime Special Operations Forces (NLMARSOF) are the Marine Corps elite units. The Maritime Special Operations Forces are divided into three squadrons and a Support Group. The Maritime Counter Terrorism Squadron (M Sqn) consists of two troops and is a special forces unit. The Conventional Squadron (C Sqn) is special operations unit operating mostly at sea, but also used as advance landing force in amphibious operations. C Squadron fields two troops, one specialized in underwater operations and the other trained in mountain warfare. C Squadron can be deployed by submarine, parachute, various underwater transport and snowmobiles. The Training Squadron (T Sqn) trains all men which are part of the Maritime Special Operations Forces. The Special Operations Forces Support Group (SOFSG) provides logistic support and equipment to the Netherlands Maritime Special Operations Forces.
The Maritime Special Operations Forces was created by merging the Mountain Leader Reconnaissance Platoon, the Unit Interventie Mariniers and the frogman (combat divers) platoon. The Maritime SF training takes about 40 weeks, and eligible marines are trained to become long-range reconnaissance/SF operators and maritime counter-terrorism specialists, with emphasis on maritime special operations (special operations conducted in water-rich environments, and conducted from sea to land). Those who wish to specialise for Mountain Leader or ‘frogman’ can apply for these specialisations following completion of the SF training. NLMARSOF is modelled after the British Special Boat Service.
