MARSOC - VBSS Training

A Critical Skills Operator (CSO) with Bravo Company, 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion (1 MSOB) takes aim with a MK-18 carbine from aboard a rigid hull inflatable botat (RHIB) as it approaches a vessel for boarding during during Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) training.

VBSS is a form of Maritime Interdiction Operation (MIO) that a MARSOC Marine Special Operations Company (MSOC) may be tasked for perform when deployed 'on the float' i.e. at sea as part of a naval task force.

VBSS may involve routine searches of vessels as part of sanction enforcement operations.

It may also involve storming a vessel being used by pirates or smugglers.

the VBSS mission is also carried out by U.S. Navy SEALs, Force Recon, Maritime Raid Force and specialized Coast Guard units such as MSSTs and LETDETs.

The formemost MSOB operator's MK18 is fitted with a SU-231A/PEQ holographic sight, AN/PEQ-15 laser and Insight WMX200 Visible Bright Light.