United States Marine Corps Force Reconnaissance

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The United States Marine Corps Force Reconnaissance (FORECON) is a special operations capable force within the United States Marine Corps. FORECON is tasked with providing reconnaissance and direct action capabilities to support the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) and other special operations missions.

History

FORECON was established in the 1950s to provide the Marine Corps with a dedicated reconnaissance capability. The unit has evolved over the years, adapting to new technologies and mission requirements. FORECON has participated in numerous conflicts, including the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and the Global War on Terrorism.

Mission

The primary mission of FORECON is to conduct deep reconnaissance and direct action operations. This includes gathering intelligence, conducting raids, and providing target acquisition for artillery and air strikes. FORECON teams are trained to operate independently behind enemy lines, often in small teams.

Organization

FORECON is organized into several companies, each consisting of multiple platoons. These companies are typically assigned to the Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) and can be deployed globally. The companies are:

• 1st Force Reconnaissance Company
• 2nd Force Reconnaissance Company
• 3rd Force Reconnaissance Company

Training

FORECON Marines undergo rigorous training to prepare for their specialized missions. This includes the Basic Reconnaissance Course (BRC), SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape) training, and various advanced courses in parachuting, diving, and close-quarters combat.

Equipment

FORECON Marines are equipped with a variety of specialized gear to support their missions. This includes advanced communications equipment, night vision devices, and specialized weapons such as the M4 carbine and the M40 sniper rifle.

Notable Operations

FORECON has been involved in numerous high-profile operations, including:

• Operation Starlite during the Vietnam War
• Operation Desert Storm in the Gulf War
• Various operations in the Global War on Terrorism

Related Pages

• United States Marine Corps
• Marine Air-Ground Task Force
• Special Operations Capable
• Basic Reconnaissance Course
• SERE
• M4 carbine
• M40 sniper rifle