WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 (UPI) -- An elite 2,600-man U.S. Marine unit has been created to augment a shortage of troops for counter-terrorism operations and special missions.
In an unusual departure from the norm, the new unit will report not to the Marine leadership but to the multi-service command responsible for other Special Operations troops, reports The Washington Post.
The move follows months of difficult negotiations between the Marines and Special Operations community, the report said.
U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld approved the new structure. A senior Marine officer told the Post his service's change of mind was based on recognition the new arrangement will afford a larger role for Marines in counterterrorism efforts.
The bulk of the new force will be based at Camp Lejeune, N.C., and one battalion will be located at Camp Pendleton, Calif. The force will be led initially by Marine Brig. Gen. Dennis J. Hejlik.
