There are several fine lines involved here, IMO. The biggest unknown, however, is..... where are they now ; )
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/ac95bc775efc34c685256ab50049d458/154d4d92befbb7f685256feb00467d00?OpenDocument
http://www.armedforcesjournal.com/2005/12/1222996
For nearly 20 years, however, the Corps has remained outside the spec ops world, working hard to avoid creating an elite cadre within a force that considers itself already elite.
“the Corps has remained outside the spec ops world, working hard to avoid creating an elite cadre within a force that considers itself already elite.”
There is a big difference between being an elite fighting force and being a special operations unit. The Marines are an elite force but would be better suited to the urban environment in either Afghanistan or Iraq.