United States Marine Corps Reconnaissance Battalions

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Marine Division Reconnaissance
MarDiv Recon.png
Division Recon badge
Active1958 – present
CountryFlag of the United States.svg  United States of America
BranchFlag of the United States Marine Corps.svg  United States Marine Corps
TypeReconnaissance unit
RoleDirect support of the Ground Combat Element for
SizeFour battalions: three active duty and one reserve
Garrison/HQ Camp Pendleton, California
Camp Lejeune, North Carolina
Camp Schwab, Okinawa
Motto(s)"Swift, Silent, Deadly"
ColorsBlack & gold
Engagements Vietnam War
Gulf War
Kosovo War
Operation Iraqi Freedom
Operation Enduring Freedom
Insignia
Identification
symbol		Recon Jack

A United States Marine Corps Reconnaissance Battalion (or commonly called Marine Division Recon) is a reconnaissance unit within the Ground Combat Element (GCE) of a Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) that conducts amphibious reconnaissance, underwater reconnaissance, advanced force operations, battlespace shaping, ground reconnaissance, surveillance, raids and direct action in support of the Marine division (MARDIV), subordinate division elements, or a designated MAGTF. [2] [1] [3] [4]

Contents

Although reconnaissance companies are conventional forces they do share many of the same tactics, techniques, procedures and equipment of special operations forces. [a]

Role

USMC Combat Diver Badge. Diver Badge (USMC).jpg
USMC Combat Diver Badge.

Reconnaissance forces are an asset of the MAGTF that provides military intelligence to command and control for battlespace, allowing the MAGTF to act, and react, to changes in the battlefield. [7] While Marine reconnaissance assets may operate in specialized missions, they are unlike their United States Special Operations Forces counterparts. Both division and force are solely reserved for supporting the infantry, which are directly involved in the commander's force of action in the battlefield, or battlespace shaping. [8]

Many of the types of reconnaissance missions that are conducted by Marine Recon units are characterized by its degree in depth of penetration. This greatly increases the mission time, risk, and support coordination needs. Division reconnaissance are in charge of the commander's Area of Influence, the close and distant battlespace; the force reconnaissance platoons are employed farther in the deep battlespace, or the Area of Interest.

These are the main missions that are outlined to some, or all of, the reconnaissance assets in the Marine Corps:

History

The Marine Corps's division-level reconnaissance was first conceived in 1941 by Lieutenant Colonel William J. Whaling. He needed a group of specialized scouts and skilled marksmen to form a "Scout and Sniper Company". Two of the newly established Marine divisions, 1st and 2nd Marine Division contained their own scout company. Larger infantry regiments called for more recon, scouts and sniper assets. By 1945, the divisions had instituted and organized their own scout-sniper, light armored reconnaissance (LAR), and division reconnaissance assets.

As a result of MCO 5401.5, dated 24 August 1952, the USMC Force Restructure and Implementation Plan, the Marine Corps shrunk its forces and as a result reconnaissance battalions were eliminated and reconnaissance companies became a part of infantry regiments.

2nd Reconnaissance Battalion was formed on 22 January 1958. [9] 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion was formed on 15 April 1958. [10] 1st Reconnaissance Battalion was formed on 1 May 1958. [11] 4th Reconnaissance Battalion was formed on 1 July 1962. [12] 5th Reconnaissance Battalion was formed in 1966. [13]

In July 1974, Force Reconnaissance was downsized to one active duty company. As a result, in March 1975 both 1st and 3rd Reconnaissance Battalions received a 23-man Force Reconnaissance platoon. [14]

In February 2006, the Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC) was formed. [15] In August 2006, 2nd FORECON company was deactivated with the majority of its personnel transferred to MARSOC with two platoons reassigned to 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion to establish D Company. [16] [15] [17] Two months later in October, 1st FORECON met the same fate, with the majority of its personnel transferred to MARSOC with two platoons reassigned to 1st Reconnaissance Battalion to establish D Company. [18] The D companies in the Division Reconnaissance Battalions were designed to maintain and preserve a deep reconnaissance capability for the Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF). [19] [20] In 2007, 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion deactivated its D Company. [19] [20]

In 2008, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, directed that Force Reconnaissance companies be re-established from Division Reconnaissance Battalion personnel to support the three MEFs: I MEF, II MEF and III MEF. [21] [22] The companies were placed under the operational command of the MEF and under the administrative control of the Division Reconnaissance Battalion. [23] [24] In December 2008, 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion activated its Force Reconnaissance Company. [19]

Organization

Active

LogoNameParent divisionLocation
1st Recon Bn Color.jpg
1st Reconnaissance Battalion 1st Marine Division Camp Pendleton, California
2ndReconBnLogo.png
2nd Reconnaissance Battalion 2nd Marine Division Camp Lejeune, North Carolina
3rdreconbatt.svg
3rd Reconnaissance Battalion 3rd Marine Division Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan
4thReconBattalioninsignia.png
4th Reconnaissance Battalion 4th Marine Division
Marine Forces Reserve 		San Antonio, Texas

Deactivated

5th Reconnaissance Battalion.jpg
5th Reconnaissance Battalion 5th Marine Division Camp Pendleton, California

Structure

Each active duty reconnaissance battalion consists of five companies: a headquarters and service company, three reconnaissance companies and one force reconnaissance company. [25] Each reconnaissance company has a company headquarters section and four reconnaissance platoons. [25]

The reserve duty 4th Reconnaissance Battalion consists of six companies: a headquarters and service company and five reconnaissance companies. [26] Each reconnaissance company has a company headquarters and three reconnaissance platoons. [27]

Platoons normally consist of three reconnaissance teams and a headquarters team. A reconnaissance platoon is composed of 1 officer, 21 enlisted Marines, and 1 Navy corpsman for a total strength of 23 personnel. The platoon commander is a first lieutenant, the team leaders are sergeants and the platoon sergeant is a gunnery sergeant. [28]

Reconnaissance Training Company logo Recon Training Co, SOI (West).png
Reconnaissance Training Company logo

Training

Table of equipment

All amphibious recon Marines [Force and Division] and Corpsmen [IDC Corpsmen and SARC] are provided general issued equipment, these are the weapons that are generally used by both MAGTF Recon assets. These weapons are generally used by most other Marines in the infantry, except with minor modifications. Although Force Recon units receive the same equipment as their division recon counterparts, they also have equipment similar to that issued to comparable USSOCOM units. Force Recon are assigned to missions remote from any available fire support and fully rely on specialized weapons that are versatile enough to be flexible in the commander's area of interest.

Weapons

Combat and protective gear

The combative and protective gear is used by both recon assets of MAFTF. However, again, there are 'additional' equipment in the Force Recon's T/E to meet their assignments in deep operations and/or direct action missions. And to include FORECON's necessary equipment that are capable of being jumped out of aircraft; and long-range communications due to their operability at greater distances than Division Recon geographically-assigned boundaries.

Marines wearing the full combat gear US Marines Talisman Saber 07.jpg
Marines wearing the full combat gear

Special equipment

Recon Marines training with the Draeger MK 25 rebreather. USMC combatant diving (2nd Recon Bn).jpg
Recon Marines training with the Draeger MK 25 rebreather.

Most of the recon patrols or insertions are either in maritime, amphibious environments or on the ground. They have to rely on equipment that is essential to their mission. Both recon assets contain a Table of Equipment (T/E) that has combatant diving equipment. A Marine within a recon platoon will be assigned as the "Special Equipment NCO", fully responsible for the procurement and maintenance of the equipment when operating in the field.

Force Recon's Parachute Loft, or Paraloft section has in addition to their "mission-essential" equipment, the Parachutist Individual Equipment Kit (PIEK) and Single Action Release Personal Equipment Lowering Equipment (SARPELS) for their parachute capabilities.

Combatant diving

The scuba equipment listed under the T/E set by the US Navy for the Marine Corps reconnaissance:

  • Draeger MK 25 rebreather unit – The rebreather unit is a pure oxygen SCUBA system that scrubs the diver's exhalation of carbon dioxide and recycles the remaining oxygen into the breathing loop. Since it is closed-circuit, it does not release a trail of bubbles unless the diver is surfacing faster than the oxygen is consumed. Bubbles could reveal the presence and location of the diver and compromise the mission.
  • Deep See Squeeze Lock – diving knife with a 3 in (7.6 cm) beta-titanium blade. Useful when snagged in fishing nets or other submerged entanglements, many of which are nearly non-visible underwater.
  • Aqua Lung Military Snorkel Flex Tube – Standard-issue snorkel.
  • Aqua Lung Rocket Fin – Standard-issue swimfins.
  • Aqua Lung Look Mask and Mythos Mask – Standard-issue diving mask. Mythos mask contains a blow-out, one-way valve at the nasal piece to expel water that is in the goggles.
  • Diver's Weight Belt, (WB67/WB68) – Weight belt is used to neutralize excess buoyancy under the water.
  • Case Soft Diving Weights, (September-M-2/Sep-M-5) – Additional weights that can be released individually to proper buoyant level.[ clarification needed ]
  • Scubapro Twin Jet Fins – Split fins are fairly new to the Marine Corps T/E, since 2000. They have been tested to prove that the split fin design allows slightly better maneuverability if one had to immediately run during unexpected enemy contact once ashore. It also has excellent water propulsion to push the recon Marines and Corpsmen to shore.[ citation needed ]
  • Aqua Lung Impulse 2 Snorkel – This snorkel contains a one-way valve that prevents water from entering the diver's mouth.[ citation needed ][ clarification needed ]
  • UDT life preserver – Standard-issued life preserver.

Creed

Realizing it is my choice and my choice alone to be a Reconnaissance Marine, I accept all challenges involved with this profession. Forever shall I strive to maintain the tremendous reputation of those who went before me.

Exceeding beyond the limitations set down by others shall be my goal. Sacrificing personal comforts and dedicating myself to the completion of the reconnaissance mission shall be my life. Physical fitness, mental attitude, and high ethics—The title of Recon Marine is my honor.

Conquering all obstacles, both large and small, I shall never quit. To quit, to surrender, to give up is to fail. To be a Recon Marine is to surpass failure; To overcome, to adapt and to do whatever it takes to complete the mission.

On the battlefield, as in all areas of life, I shall stand tall above the competition. Through professional pride, integrity, and teamwork, I shall be the example for all Marines to emulate.

Never shall I forget the principles I accepted to become a Recon Marine. Honor, Perseverance, Spirit and Heart. A Recon Marine can speak without saying a word and achieve what others can only imagine. [29]

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ Marine Corps ground reconnaissance units are not special operations forces (SOF), although they do share many of the same tactics, techniques and procedures (TTP), and terms and equipment. [5] [6]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United States Marine Corps Force Reconnaissance</span> USMC deep reconnaissance unit

Force Reconnaissance (FORECON) are United States Marine Corps reconnaissance units that provide amphibious reconnaissance, deep ground reconnaissance, surveillance, battle-space shaping and limited scale raids in support of a Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF), other Marine air-ground task forces or a joint force. Although FORECON companies are conventional forces they share many of the same tactics, techniques, procedures and equipment of special operations forces. During large-scale operations, Force Reconnaissance companies report to the Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) and provide direct action and deep reconnaissance. Though commonly misunderstood to refer to reconnaissance-in-force, the name "Force" Recon refers to the unit's relationship with the Marine Expeditionary Force or Marine Air-Ground Task Force. Force reconnaissance platoons formed the core composition of the initial creation of the Marine Special Operations Teams (MSOTs) found in Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) Raider battalions, though Marine Raiders now have their own separate and direct training pipeline.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">3rd Marine Logistics Group</span> Military unit

The 3rd Marine Logistics Group is the Logistics Combat Element (LCE) for III Marine Expeditionary Force currently headquartered on Camp Kinser, Marine Corps Base Smedley D. Butler, Okinawa, Japan. 3rd MLG provides combat service support (CSS) to III MEF units above the organic capability. CSS is the essential capabilities, functions, activities, and tasks necessary to sustain all elements of operating forces in theater at all levels of war. Combat service support includes, but is not limited, to supply, maintenance, transportation, general engineering, health services, and other services required by aviation and ground combat forces to permit those units to accomplish their missions.

In the United States Marine Corps, a Marine air–ground task force is the principal organization for all missions across the range of military operations. MAGTFs are a balanced air–ground, combined arms task organization of Marine Corps forces under a single commander that is structured to accomplish a specific mission. The MAGTF was formalized by the publishing of Marine Corps Order 3120.3 in December 1963, "The Marine Corps in the National Defense, MCDP 1-0". It stated:

A Marine air–ground task force with separate air ground headquarters is normally formed for combat operations and training exercises in which substantial combat forces of both Marine aviation and Marine ground units are included in the task organization of participating Marine forces.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">3rd Reconnaissance Battalion (United States)</span> Military unit

The 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion conducts amphibious and ground reconnaissance in support of the 3rd Marine Division and Marine Forces Pacific (MarForPac), operating in the commander's areas of influence. The battalion is based out of Camp Schwab, a satellite base of Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler. It is geographically located on the Okinawa Prefecture in Japan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1st Reconnaissance Battalion</span> US Marine unit

The 1st Reconnaissance Battalion is a reconnaissance battalion in the United States Marine Corps. It is a stand-alone battalion with no parent regiment. Instead, it falls directly under the command of the 1st Marine Division. 1st Recon Bn is located at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in San Diego, California.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion</span> Military unit

4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion is a United States Marine Corps Light Armored Reconnaissance battalion of the Marine Corps Reserve. Their primary weapon system is the LAV-25 and they are part of the 4th Marine Division and Marine Forces Reserve. The unit headquarters is at Camp Pendleton, California, but other units in the battalion are located throughout the United States. 4th LAR Bn is the largest combat battalion in the Marine Corps, with 7 companies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2nd Reconnaissance Battalion</span> Military unit

The 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion is a reconnaissance battalion in the United States Marine Corps. Located at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, the battalion falls under the command of the 2nd Marine Division and the II Marine Expeditionary Force.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Organization of the United States Marine Corps</span>

The United States Marine Corps is organized within the Department of the Navy, which is led by the Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV). The most senior Marine commissioned officer is the Commandant of the Marine Corps, responsible for organizing, recruiting, training, and equipping the Marine Corps so that it is ready for operation under the command of the unified combatant commanders. The Marine Corps is organized into four principal subdivisions: Headquarters Marine Corps, the Operating Forces, the Supporting Establishment, and the Marine Forces Reserve.

In the United States Marine Corps, the ground combat element (GCE) is the land force of a Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF). It provides power projection and force for the MAGTF.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maritime Special Purpose Force</span> United States Marine Corps specialized sub-unit of a Marine expeditionary unit

A Maritime Special Purpose Force (MSPF) is a United States Marine Corps specialized sub-unit of a Marine expeditionary unit. A MSPF is deployed to give the commanders low profile, two-platoon surgical emplacement in the accessible littoral regions. The MSPF provides the enhanced operational capability and precision skills to complement, enable, and execute selected conventional, maritime special operations. They can also perform operations not resident in traditional amphibious raid companies.

The reconnaissance mission within the United States Marine Corps is divided into two distinct but complementary aspects; Marine Division Recon and Force Reconnaissance.

The United States Marine Corps Scout and Sniper companies and the Scouts (Tank) companies of the tank battalions were the first among the division's reconnaissance assets. They existed around the same exact moment when 1st and 2nd Marine Division were created. In 1941, each regiment had a scout and sniper platoon. They were assigned to the regimental Headquarters and Service Company. These companies were used in variety of tasks and, on occasion in severe combat, were used as "spare" rifle companies. When 6th Marine Division deactivated after the end of World War II, its recon assets also deactivated. Only the current Marine Division Recon Battalions that exist today hold history reference to the Scout and Sniper Companies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1st Force Reconnaissance Company</span> Unit of the United States Marine Corps

1st Force Reconnaissance Company conducted deep reconnaissance and direct action raids in support of I Marine Expeditionary Force requirements across the range of military operations to include crisis response, expeditionary operations and major combat operations. 1st Force Recon Company was deactivated on 26 October 2006 and the majority of the personnel were used to establish the 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2nd Force Reconnaissance Company</span> Military unit

The Second Force Reconnaissance Company was the deep reconnaissance/direct action that was assigned to the Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic and its subordinate elements of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Surveillance, Reconnaissance, Intelligence Group</span>

Surveillance, Reconnaissance, Intelligence Groups (SRIG) were Marine Corps Intelligence, reconnaissance, and communications units of the United States Marine Corps from 1988 to 1997. The SRIG command structure combined units of Radio Battalion, ANGLICO, Force Reconnaissance, remotely piloted aircraft, counterintelligence, and other intelligence elements of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United States Marine Corps Reconnaissance Selection and Indoctrination</span> Reconnaissance asset of the USMC

The two amphibious/ground reconnaissance assets of the United States Marine Corps, Division and Force Reconnaissance, are generally trained in the same aspect and environment of intelligence collection for a Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Commander, regardless of their difference in tactical area of responsibility (TAOR). However, in light of their distinctive responsibilities in their assigned areas of operations—whereas Division Recon conducts close and distant operations, Force Recon conducts deep operations—these two separate reconnaissance assets manage their own training protocols to fit their mission-oriented objectives.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">U.S. military doctrine for reconnaissance</span>

The United States armed forces classify reconnaissance missions as "close" or "short-range"; "distant" or "medium-range"; and "deep" or "long-range".

Ground Intelligence Officer is a primary military occupation code of a U.S. Marine Corps intelligence officer. Ground intelligence officers serve as staff officers and commanders in the operating forces and are responsible for analyzing intelligence and planning, deployment and tactical employment of ground surveillance and reconnaissance units. The Ground Intelligence Officer can be a Recon Marine after their training is done.

References

PD-icon.svg This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Marine Corps .

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 United States Marine Corps (4 April 2018). Ground Reconnaissance Operations (PDF). MCRP 2-10A.6. United States Marine Corps. 2–4. PCN 14400023800. Retrieved 4 January 2025.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 United States Marine Corps (23 July 2020). Organization of the United States Marine Corps (PDF). MCRP 1-10.1. United States Marine Corps. 5–23. PCN 144 00005000. Retrieved 4 January 2025.
  3. ↑ United States Marine Corps (26 July 2017). Marine Corps Operations (PDF). MCDP 1-0 (w/change 1,2,3). United States Marine Corps. 11–4. PCN 14200001400. Retrieved 4 January 2025.
  4. ↑ Department of the Navy (29 May 2013). "Reconnaissance (Recon) Training and Readiness (T&R) Manual" (PDF). NAVMC 3500.55B. Official Website of the US Marine Corps. 2-2. Retrieved 5 January 2025.
  5. ↑ MCRP 2-10A.6 2018, p. 2-6.
  6. ↑ United States Marine Corps (4 April 2018). Marine Corps Special Operations (PDF). MCWP 3-05. United States Marine Corps. Glossary-5. PCN14300017800. Retrieved 6 January 2025. conventional forces — those forces other than designated special operations forces.
  7. ↑ FM 7–92, The Infantry Reconnaissance Platoon and Squad (Air assault infantry, Airborne forces, and Light infantry)
  8. ↑ MCRP 2-1C, Marine Air-Ground Task Force Intelligence Dissemination
  9. ↑ "Lineage of 2d Reconnaissance Battalion" (PDF). Marine Corps University . United States Marine Corps. 27 November 2017. Retrieved 6 January 2025.
  10. ↑ "Lineage of 3d Reconnaissance Battalion" (PDF). Marine Corps University . United States Marine Corps. 2 April 2013. Retrieved 6 January 2025.
  11. ↑ "Lineage of 1st Reconnaissance Battalion" (PDF). Marine Corps University . United States Marine Corps. 2 April 2013. Retrieved 6 January 2025.
  12. ↑ "Lineage of 4th Reconnaissance Battalion" (PDF). Marine Corps University . United States Marine Corps. 28 September 2012. Retrieved 6 January 2025.
  13. ↑ Melson, Charles D.; Hannon, Paul; Johnson, Lee (1994). Marine Recon 1940-90. Elite series, 55. London: Osprey Publishing. p. 63. ISBN   1855323915.
  14. ↑ Melson, Hannon & Johnson 1994, p. 19.
  15. 1 2 "Chronologies - 2006". Marine Corps University . USMC History Division. Archived from the original on 20 March 2021.
  16. ↑ Cpl. Ken Melton (11 August 2006). "2nd MSOB activates, Force Recon evolves". United States Marine Corps (Press release). Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command. Archived from the original on 15 June 2008.
  17. ↑ Hart, Maj. Matthew R. (4 July 2021). Marine Corps Multi-Domain Reconnaissance in Great Power Competition (PDF) (Masters thesis). Marine Corps University. p. 13. Retrieved 9 January 2025.
  18. ↑ "1st MSOB stand up marks evolution of 1st Force Recon". United States Marine Corps. 13 December 2006. Archived from the original on 15 June 2008.
  19. 1 2 3 Cpl. Chris Lyttle (22 December 2008). "Force Reconnaissance Company Activates". United States Marine Corps (Press release). 2nd Marine Division. Retrieved 9 January 2025.
  20. 1 2 Capt. Byron Owen (November 2011). "Force Reconnaissance". Marine Corps Gazette . Vol. 95, no. 11. Marine Corps Association. p. 68. ISSN   0025-3170. Archived from the original on 2 February 2018.
  21. ↑ Carr, Maj. Bardford R. (13 March 2012). Force Reconnaissance: A Key Enabler in the Marine Air Ground Task Force & Beyond (PDF) (Masters thesis). Marine Corps University. p. 19. OCLC   913586369 . Retrieved 9 January 2025.
  22. ↑ Davis, Maj. Daniel J. (8 April 2019). Integrating Expeditionary Ground Reconnaissance into an Optimized Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group (PDF) (Masters thesis). Marine Corps University. pp. 17–18. Retrieved 9 January 2025.
  23. ↑ Carr 2012, p. 30.
  24. ↑ Davis 2019, p. 18.
  25. 1 2 MCRP 1-10.1 2020, p. 5-24.
  26. ↑ MCRP 1-10.1 2020, p. 12-16.
  27. ↑ MCRP 1-10.1 2020, p. 12-17.
  28. ↑ MCRP 2-10A.6 2018, p. 2-15.
  29. ↑ "Basic Reconnaissance Course Preparation Guide" (PDF). Training and Education Command . United States Marine Corps. 2011. p. 2. Retrieved 6 January 2025.
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