What does a Marine Recon do?
Marine Recon, also known as Marine Raiders, is a specialized branch of the United States Marine Corps that conducts reconnaissance and counter-reconnaissance operations to gather information about enemy forces and support friendly forces in various theaters of operation. In this article, we will explore the roles and responsibilities of Marine Recons, the training they undergo, and the types of missions they undertake.
Roles and Responsibilities
Marine Recons are trained to operate in small teams, usually 3-6 Marines, to conduct reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence-gathering operations. Their primary responsibility is to gather tactical intelligence on enemy forces, including:
- Combatant unit identification: Marine Recons identify and classify enemy combat units, including their numbers, equipment, and tactics.
- Location and movement: They track enemy movement and positions to support friendly forces.
- Order of Battle: They gather information about enemy units, including their structure, organization, and command and control systems.
In addition to gathering intelligence, Marine Recons are also trained to conduct operations such as:
- Insertion and Extraction: They can conduct insertion and extraction operations using various methods, including parachuting, diving, and landing via helicopter or boat.
- Obstacle Breaching: They can breach obstacles to access areas denied to friendly forces.
- Patrols and Interdiction: They conduct patrols to disrupt enemy lines of communication and interdict supply chains.
Training
Marine Recons undergo some of the toughest training in the military to prepare them for their duties. The training program is divided into three phases:
- Phase 1: Marines attend the Infantry Training Battalion (ITB) course, where they learn basic infantry skills.
- Phase 2: Marines attend the Advanced Reconnaissance Course (ARC), where they learn specialized reconnaissance skills, including language training, first aid, and basic medical skills.
- Phase 3: Marines attend the Reconnnaissance Course (RTC), where they learn advanced skills such as parachute training, survival, evasion, resistance, and escape (SERE) training.
Missions
Marine Recons conduct various missions to support friendly forces and disrupt enemy operations. Some examples of missions include:
- Reconnaissance by Fire: Marines conduct reconnaissance operations using live fire to gather information and neutralize enemy forces.
- Covert Reconnaissance: Marines conduct reconnaissance operations undetected to gather information about enemy forces without alerting them to their presence.
- Surveillance and Target Acquisition: Marines conduct surveillance to identify and acquire targets for friendly forces.
- Unconventional Warfare: Marines conduct operations to disrupt enemy infrastructure and support unconventional warfare operations.
Operational Considerations
Marine Recons operate in various environments, including jungles, deserts, and urban areas. They must consider factors such as:
- Terrain and Weather: Marines must operate in a variety of environments and adjust their tactics to accommodate the terrain and weather.
- Enemy Strength and Composition: Marines must consider the strength and composition of enemy forces to ensure successful missions.
- Friendly Force Coordination: Marines must coordinate with friendly forces to ensure successful integration of their operations.
Table: Marine Recon Equipment
| Equipment | Description |
|---|---|
| Night Vision Goggles | Enables Marines to conduct operations at night |
| Communications Equipment | Allows Marines to stay in contact with friendly forces |
| Survival and Evasion Kits | Provides Marines with basic tools to survive in hostile environments |
| First Aid Kits | Allows Marines to render basic medical aid |
| Rifles and Machine Guns | Standard-issue weapons used by Marines |
| Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) | Used for reconnaissance and surveillance |
Conclusion
Marine Recons play a critical role in modern warfare, providing critical information to support friendly forces and disrupt enemy operations. They undergo some of the toughest training in the military to prepare them for their duties and operate in a variety of environments. Their versatility, expertise, and tactical proficiency make them an essential component of the Marine Corps and the US military.
