What is marine force recon?

What is Marine Force Recon?

The United States Marine Corps’ Force Reconnaissance (MARSOC’s Marine Raider Regiment) is a special operations force tasked with conducting reconnaissance, targeting, and surveillance (TS) missions in support of Marine Corps and joint Task Force commanders. As an elite special operations force, Marine Force Reconnaissance battalions are trained to operate in the most unforgiving environments, carrying out critical missions that aid in the success of overall military operations.

Roles and Responsibilities

Marine Force Reconnaissance battalions have several key roles and responsibilities, including:

• Reconnaissance: Conducting reconnaissance patrols to gather intelligence on enemy forces, terrain, and weather conditions.
• Targeting: Identifying and validating targets for airborne and ground-based firepower assets.
• Surveillance: Conducting surveillance to maintain situational awareness and to detect enemy movements.
• Exfiltration and Insertion: Conducting exfiltration and insertion operations to move personnel or equipment into or out of hostile or denied areas.

Organization

Marine Force Reconnaissance battalions are organized into units of varying sizes, typically consisting of:

• Reconnaissance Teams (RTs): Three- to five-man teams that conduct reconnaissance, surveillance, and targeting missions.
• Reconnaissance Patrols (RPs): Larger teams consisting of 8-20 personnel that conduct longer-term reconnaissance and surveillance missions.
• Reconnaissance Companies (RECON COMPANY): The parent company that manages and deploys the RTs and RPs.
• HMX-1: VIP Detachment: The Marine Corps’ elite presidential helicopter squadron provides air support for Marine Force Reconnaissance missions.

Training and Selection

Candidates for Marine Force Reconnaissance must undergo rigorous training and selection, including:

• Initial Training: Training at the School of Infantry (SOI) in Camp Geiger, NC, followed by a challenging 5-week training package at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCC) in Twentynine Palms, CA.
• Recconnaissance Indoctrination Company (RIC): Two-week course that focuses on reconnaissance techniques, first aid, and survival skills.
• Counter-reconnaissance (COUNTER-RECCE): A five-day course that teaches soldiers how to detect and track enemy reconnaissance teams.
• Combatant Diving: A 14-week course that teaches soldiers the skills needed to operate and survive underwater.
• Advanced Training: Specialized training in areas such as parachuting, sniper rifles, and advanced first aid.

Equipment and Kit

Marine Force Reconnaissance personnel are equipped with the following:

• Stealthy Camouflage: High-tech camouflage wear designed to blend in with the surrounding environment.
• Personal Protective Equipment: Body armor, helmets, and ballistic glasses to reduce the risk of injury from small arms fire.
• Communications: Unencrypted and encrypted communication equipment, including satellite phones, radios, and handheld encryptors.
• Scout Snipers: Master Sergeant-rated sharpshoots with the M40 and M107 sniper rifles, capable of engaging targets out to 1,100 meters.
• Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP): Vehicles designed to resist mines and ambushes while providing a safe and armored platform for personnel.
• Watercraft: Folding kayaks, inflatable rubber boats, and rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) for insertion, extraction, and patrolling.

Operations

Marine Force Reconnaissance missions can take place in any environment, from the most remote jungles to urban areas, and involve conducting:

• Patrolling: Long-range reconnaissance, surveillance, and targeting operations in foot or by ground vehicle.
• insertion and Extraction: Deploying personnel or equipment through airborne or waterborne insertions, and exfiltrating personnel or equipment when the mission is complete.
• Surveillance: Conducting surveillance operations in support of ground units or as part of a counter-reconnaissance mission.

Notable Missions

Marine Force Reconnaissance has played a pivotal role in several significant missions, including:

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• Operation Desert Storm: 1991 – Conducted reconnaissance missions in support of coalition forces during the Persian Gulf War.
• Operation Iraqi Freedom: 2003-2011 – Conducted reconnaissance missions in support of coalition forces during the Iraq War.
• Operation Enduring Freedom: 2001-2014 – Conducted reconnaissance missions in support of coalition forces during the war in Afghanistan.

Legacy and Future

Marine Force Reconnaissance has played a critical role in maintaining the strategic advantage of the United States military, while also pushing the boundaries of what is possible for warfighters. As the maritime environment continues to evolve, Marine Force Reconnaissance units will remain at the forefront of reconnaissance, surveillance, and targeting operations, staying ahead of the curve by maintaining constant modernization of techniques, equipment, and procedures.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Marine Force Reconnaissance is a unique special operations force that conducts high-risk, high-reward missions in support of naval and joint Task Force commanders. With their advanced training, specialized equipment, and unwavering commitment, these Marine reconne-some warriors remain an integral component of the United States Marine Corps’ special operations team, playing a critical role in shaping the course of military operations around the world.