[CPTAUSRET]

Originally Posted by Basenshukai

I know that the "the Army doesn't like us" answer can make some folks sleep better at night since they won't have to feel "irrelevant", or otherwise not as effective as other options. But, I don't think that the reasons for the unit not being continued are that simple.

Duplication of efforts might be one issue. Is it smarter to spend more money to stand up a costly elite unit, provide it with infracstructure, etc., instead of spending that same money expanding the existing programs of units that provide the same capabilities? In light of what the SEALs do (to include their SMU), it seems that they can fit the bill for what the Marine unit was created to do. If that's the case, spend those funds expanding the SEAL programs, for instance.

The men of that "proof of concept" were, I'm pretty sure, superb operators. However, in a world where dollars are not infinite and where existing SOF units are trying to expand their own existing programs (SEALs and SF teams attempting to fill to 100% of their MTOEs and trying to stand up new battalions / teams), decision-makers have a lot to think about. I don't think, in as much as I know that inter-service rivalries exist, that high-level SOF generals are just saying: "I don't like the way those guys roll-up their BDU sleeves ... deactivate the unit."

You make a lot of sense to me, and if I had to allocate sparse funding I would do as you suggest.

Terry