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Maj. Michael Cariello Noblit

MS in Defense Analysis, Special Operations Forces Irregular Warfare ‘24

Maj. Michael Cariello Noblit graduated from Villanova in 2013 and was commissioned as a Marine Infantry Officer.  In 2017, he assessed into MARSOC and subsequently commanded a detachment for nearly four consecutive years, with deployments to the Philippines and Northern Iraq.  He recently graduated from the Special Operations and Irregular Warfare Program (699) at NPS. Next, he will serve a utilization tour in the MARSOC G5.  Maj. Cariello Noblit's research intends to answer: To what extent does MARSOC have the requisite warfighting concepts, skills, and resources necessary to provide and enable decisive battlefield effects in the event of complex, dynamic, and kinetic combat operations in INDOPACOM?  His thesis examines historical two Littoral Irregular Warfare case studies and then uses analogical prediction to assess MARSOC’s potential future range of operational possibilities and deductive analysis to determine concepts, skills, and resources required.

MARSOC and Marine Corps Force Design. Maj. Michael Cariello Noblit published “MarSOC Marines Are Still Marines” in Proceedings, a notable achievement. MARSOC’s role has not yet been maximized in the Marine Corps’ new Force Design, partially because of misperceptions that MARSOC drains talent from the rest of the force and members of the command lose their identity as Marines. The service must educate the overall force on the mutual benefits that MARSOC already generates, such as diversification, technological innovation, and the integration and interoperability of special operations forces (SOF) and conventional forces.

Awards: Marine Corps Association Superior Service Award for Outstanding U.S. Marine Student

"My experience in the Defense Analysis Department gave me a firsthand look at the importance of diversity in thought and experience. Working with professors of civilian backgrounds, as well as students from every branch of service, SOF tribe, and international partners, led to creative problem-solving approaches that pulled from the diverse backgrounds and experiences of everyone present. My most valuable takeaway is that, as a leader, creating cohesive teams of individuals with varying experiences and an environment of creative discussion and problem-solving sets the foundation for overcoming defense challenges."

How did your experience in the Defense Analysis Department at NPS, shape your approach to leadership and overcoming defense challenges? What was the most valuable takeaway?

My experience in the Defense Analysis Department gave me a firsthand look at the importance of diversity in thought and experience. Working with professors of civilian backgrounds; as well as students from every branch of service, SOF tribe, and international partners led to creative problem-solving approaches that pulled from the diverse backgrounds and experiences of everyone present. My most valuable takeaway is that, as a leader, creating cohesive teams of individuals with varying experiences and an environment of creative discussion and problem solving sets the foundation for overcoming defense challenges.

Drawing from your time commanding a MARSOC detachment and leading teams in high-pressure environments, what perspectives or challenges did you bring into your studies at NPS, and how did they shape your goals during your time there?

I believe that I was able to bring the perspective of how Marine Raiders look at and seek to solve problems; and educate my peers on how MARSOC contributes to the joint force. During my time in the operating forces, my observation was that there is a lack of understanding between the various USSOF tribes, both in how they are alike and how they are different. One of my goals was to help bridge that gap alongside my peers and generate relationships and understanding that will lend to more cohesive joint-SOF warfighting teams in the future.

Your research at NPS examined MARSOC’s warfighting concepts, skills, and resources for complex combat operations in INDOPACOM. How do you see your findings influencing MARSOC’s strategies or training programs for future missions?

For my research, I think it is important to say that I am just one person who chose to look deeply at a relatively specific problem. There are many others with greater intellect and experience than me; their own perspectives will lead to different interpretations of my findings. I am not expecting that my findings are the complete answer, but rather I hope they provide value-added context and discussion points as the command seeks to properly man, train, and equip our Raiders for future operational success in support of the joint force.

Soon, you'll be starting your new position at MARSOC G5, which will focus on planning and strategy development for the Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command. What lessons or skills from your time at NPS will you take with you into this new position?

Once I check in, I plan to use the analytic skills NPS has provided to frame and identify problems; if one does not have the problem correctly identified from the outset, then the solution will not be helpful.  Additionally, NPS exposed me to the world of research, where if you have an idea, there are likely others who are thinking the same thing. I will use my research skills to find current literature about topics that I am exploring to validate, refute, or strengthen my own thoughts. Finally, I plan to use the awesome network of professors and peers across all branches of the military as resources to strengthen ties to move forward with unity of effort across the joint force.

As MARSOC continues to evolve within the Marine Corps’ Force Design 2030 framework, how do you see your role in the G5 contributing to innovation and operational readiness?

Wherever the command decides to assign me within the component, I believe I can contribute to innovation and operational readiness through my perspective, reinforced by my research and education at NPS, to bring innovative and effective solutions to the table. MARSOC’s unique SOF capabilities are perfectly situated to support, reinforce, and complement Marine Corps Force Design operating concepts such as Stand in Forces and Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations; myself and others are ready and willing to work with the larger force to ensure that we are integrated and optimized to dominate and win in potential future conflicts.

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