This United States Marine Corps USMC manual, Marine Corps Warfighting Publication MCWP 3-05 Marine Corps Special Operations January 2025, describes the roles and responsibilities of Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARFORSOC) and the relationship the Marine Corps has with United States Special Operations Command. This publication is intended for officers, enlisted, civil service employees and other personnel involved with the planning, execution, or support of special operations. This publication will assist the joint forces; international, governmental, and nongovernmental organizations; and allied and partner nations with integrating MARFORSOC into planning, exercises, and operations. This publication includes a new set of capabilities and operations associated with strategic shaping and reconnaissance operations as reflected in the updated Joint Publication 3-05, Joint Doctrine for Special Operations. These changes reflect the essence of MARFORSOC activities in response to Great Power Competition requirements and evolves the legacy Global War on Terrorism focus of previous doctrine. Marine Forces Special Operations Command can provide an array of MARFORSOC element deployment options that support the joint force through strategic shaping and reconnaissance as the operating environment and threat continue to evolve. Additionally, this publication includes an update on United States Special Operations Command's provision of the amphibious ready group-Marine expeditionary unit special operations force liaison element to accurately reflect operations and command and control in practice. This publication illuminates the Marine Corps' role in special operations to meet the nation's most complex challenges. While there is a uniqueness to special operations, there are more similarities with the Marine Corps and MARFORSOC than other Services; this can be capitalized upon for greater effect in future operational environments. This publication enhances our understanding of MARFORSOC and provides a current and historical look at how the Marine Corps and special operations forces have and will continue to interface.