The U.S. Woodland is a camouflage pattern that was used as the default camouflage pattern issued to the United States Armed Forces from 1981, with the issue of the Battle Dress Uniform , until its replacement in the mid to late 2000s. It is a four color, high contrast disruptive pattern with irregular markings in green, brown, sand and black. It is also known unofficially by its colloquial moniker of " M81 " after the Battle Dress Uniform it was first used on, though this term was not officially used by the U.S. military.
75-416: Although completely phased out of frontline use in the U.S. Armed Forces, U.S. Woodland is still used on some limited level by some branches such as MOPP suits, equipment and vests left over while some modernized uniforms (either BDU or commercial) were worn specifically by special forces such as USMC Forces Special Operations Command and United States Navy SEALs . The woodland pattern is nearly identical to
150-658: A gunnery sergeant as element leader. MARSOC is based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and is split into three subordinate commands: All Marines are screened to ensure that the Marines joining MARSOC meet the established prerequisites for duty within the command. Selection of the right personnel begins with a rigorous screening process designed to identify the right Marines for the right billet within MARSOC. Operational billets are open to females as of 2016. Screening takes place in 3 stages: record screening, physical screening, and
225-599: A "hot" area, extraction techniques needed to be developed. Bruce Meyer's 1st FORECON , along with 1st Recon Company and 1st Marine Aircraft Wing were aware of the McGuire and STABO systems that were used by the United States Army's Special Forces, though they agreed that they had defects and disadvantages. Instead, the Marine Corps created a system that was a more simplified rig that had greater capacity,
300-578: A FORECON detachment. In July 2023, II Marine Expeditionary Force certified the first MEU(SOC) in over decade, including an MSPF. Two mission sets emerged during the Vietnam War : Key Hole ( deep reconnaissance ) and Sting Ray ( direct action ). These mission sets continue to be important missions for Force units. Key Hole patrols were designed purely around reconnaissance and surveillance. Usually lightly equipped and armed with defensive weapons , they employ evasive techniques to break away from
375-627: A meeting between him, the SOCOM commander General Bryan D. Brown , and the Marine Corps Commandant General Michael Hagee on 28 October 2005. MARSOC was officially activated on 24 February 2006 with ceremonies at Camp Lejeune , North Carolina. The potential participation of the Marine Corps in SOCOM has been controversial since SOCOM was formed in 1986. At the time, Marine Corps leaders felt that their Force Reconnaissance (FORECON) units were best kept in
450-515: A multitude of special operations in Iraq alongside their special operations brothers of the sister services. SOCOM conducted a study of the unit's deployment, which clearly indicated success and strong performance. Det One was disbanded in 2006 soon after the creation of MARSOC. The first of many Marine Special Operations Companies stood up in June 2006. MARSOC's initial deployment to Afghanistan in 2007
525-466: A not combat ready readiness status. Headquarters Marine Corps transferred several Officers and numerous Staff Non Commissioned Officers immediately after the detachment departed. In mid-June the company (-) was alerted to deploy immediately. Due to the reduced personnel readiness status, HQMC changed the deployment plan and ordered that a platoon be assigned to deploy with First Battalion, 26th Marines that had been activated at Camp Pendleton. The remainder of
600-474: A platoon-sized element with heavy firepower (mortars, machine guns, etc.) at their disposal since they were greatly outnumbered and isolated from other major Marine forces, which were still embarked on the destroyer-transport ships. By the end of World War II , the Amphib Recon Battalion disbanded its command; its Marines either filled the ranks of other infantry platoons, or integrated into
675-732: A psychological and medical evaluation. The Special Operations Training Course (SOTC) is six weeks of unhindered, realistic, challenging basic and intermediate Special Operations Forces (SOF) warfighting skills training. During STC, the Special Operations Capabilities Specialists will also attend Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) training along with a MARSOF Level 1 Course specific to their MOS: Explosive Ordnance Disposal (6 weeks), Communications (12 weeks), Intelligence (14–17 weeks), Joint Terminal Attack Controller (4 weeks), Multi-Purpose Canine (10 weeks). Critical Skills Operators (CSOs) are
750-520: A strong partner in SOCOM and proven itself able to conduct full-spectrum special operations. They have successfully conducted both long-term counterinsurgency under the VSO program and carried out complex direct action tasks. The base unit of MARSOC is a fourteen-man Marine Special Operations Team (MSOT), commanded by a captain as team commander, assisted by a master sergeant as team chief. Each team has two identical squads, or tactical elements, each led by
825-471: A task organized Special Purpose group carried out a prisoner rescue attempt. The remainder were sent to Khe Sanh where they developed the intelligence of a large enemy buildup, that was the prelude to The Hill Fights that occurred in April 1967. Reunited, what was left of the three platoons, returned to Phu Bai to await the arrival of the company(-). Having been brought up to strength and operational readiness,
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#1732787942602900-459: A wide spectrum of reconnaissance but primarily the FORECON operators conduct deep reconnaissance . The Force Recon platoons operate farther inland than their Division Recon counterparts, penetrating deeper into enemy territory from their assigned littoral (coastal) region within a force commander's tactical area of responsibility (TAOR). They operate at such great distances that they are beyond
975-641: Is a component command of the United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM) that comprises the Marine Corps' contribution to SOCOM, originating from Marine Force Recon (FORECON). Its core capabilities are direct action , special reconnaissance and foreign internal defense . MARSOC has also been directed to conduct counter-terrorism and information operations . Its creation was announced on 23 November 2005 by U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld , following
1050-569: Is based on a two-year platoon cycle. Training is ongoing and continuous, and functions as if it were a loop. Before FORECON operators are "Special Operations Capable" they follow the Company's MTP, which underlines the training protocol of the Pre-deployment Training Program (PTP) . The Marine candidates who had passed the initial yet vigorous indoctrination exam must undergo and complete a series of courses required for
1125-577: Is demonstrated through switching between deep reconnaissance patrols to direct action engagements, in certain situations. Green operations are the principal mission of Force Recon, to collect any pertinent intelligence of military importance, observe, identify and report adversaries to MAGTF commanders. Like Division Recon (also known as the Marine Recon Battalions), they employ a mixed element of amphibious reconnaissance and ground reconnaissance . This practice fundamentally covers
1200-491: Is no longer a Force Recon mission task. In the past, early Force Reconnaissance companies in the Marine Corps had made numerous titular changes to its table of organization (T/O), so much so that it can be difficult to describe its primary command structure in detail. However, the companies initially were designed to function under the echelon of the Navy/Marine force commanders (e.g. under the direct operational control of
1275-514: Is the volition of the individual Marine to remain another two-year detachment to the Force Reconnaissance Company. Those that had chosen to remain in the company will proceed to the advanced course of instructions, and again during the next FMF rotational training cycle, and forth. This is due in respects to their status of having already completed and qualified in the appropriate course required for MOS 0321; which otherwise,
1350-894: The Command Elements (CE) of the Marine Air-Ground Task Forces , and the immediate commander of the Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF). They were re-organized or reserved for 'special reconnaissance' assignments that would otherwise help shape the outcome of his battlefield. These companies, for a few times in their existence, had either folded into the Marine Division, its Regiment's Recon Battalions, or dissolved entirely to only resurface during conflicts, or when other similar reasons had arisen. The creation of Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC) on February 24, 2006 marked
1425-726: 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 . The companies were placed under the operational command of the MEF and under the administrative control of the Division Reconnaissance Battalion. In December 2008, 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion activated its Force Reconnaissance Company. The three Force Reconnaissance companies of I, II, and III MEF are currently
1500-502: The Commander, Amphibious Task Force (CATF) and Landing Force (CLF), and Fleet Marine Force ) during amphibious landing operations or expeditionary engagements—to provide timely intelligence without exhausting their reconnaissance assets from the Marine Division without hampering their valuable support to its infantry regiments. Due to these changes, FORECON has been detached and reported to multiple commanders of Marine divisions ,
1575-728: The Observer Group , under the command of Major James L. Jones , they were among the first—along with the early Navy Combat Demolition Units (the predecessor to the Underwater Demolition Teams [i.e., the Navy SEALs])—to embark from submarines; most of their missions complemented those of the NCDU and the UDT. The 'amphibious reconnaissance' doctrine clearly outlined that the recon Marines' duties consisted of scouting
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#17327879426021650-665: The Scout (Tank) companies, and the newly formed division reconnaissance companies. This force-level reconnaissance element was not re-established until the early 1950's, when the Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalions were assembled for preliminary operations in Korea. Their efforts proved that gaining the knowledge of the enemy before a major operation was crucial to safeguarding the men, and provided better operational planning. The Korean War introduced
1725-571: The Special Personnel Insertion and Extraction (SPIE) rig. The CIA 's highly secretive Special Activities Division (SAD), and more specifically its elite Special Operations Group (SOG), recruit operators from Marine Force Recon. In addition, joint Force Recon and CIA operations go back to the famed Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group ( MACV-SOG ) during the Vietnam War and still exist to this day. The Reconnaissance/Surveillance Section of
1800-699: The Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Intelligence Group (SRIG), was formed within the III Marine Amphibious Force (IIId MAF). The obsolete pathfinding operations were taken over by the newer beacons and homing devices. 3rd Force Reconnaissance Company was activated, trained, fought, and deactivated during the Vietnam War . Activated in September 1965 as one of the first group of add-on units to meet demands of operations in Vietnam,
1875-758: The United States Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command in 2011 and was also worn by MARSOC forces in the War in Afghanistan. The Air Force phased out the woodland pattern battle dress uniform in 2011 when they went to the Airman Battle Uniform (ABU) which used a pixelated version of the tiger stripe pattern. It was in turn replaced by the Army's OCP by 2021. The Civil Air Patrol ,
1950-749: The command element of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF). Force Reconnaissance companies report to the Marine expeditionary force (MEF) and provide direct action and deep reconnaissance during large-scale operations. The Marine Forces Special Operations Command ( MARSOC ) Raider battalions were originally composed of Marine Special Operations Teams formed from Force Recon platoons in 2006 ( Det One ). MARSOC now has its own separate training pipeline. Force Recon companies continue to operate and focus primarily on direct action , intelligence gathering and maritime raid operations in
2025-534: The guidance of ordnance, laser rangefinders , and many more were tested. During the Vietnam War, one of the reconnaissance officers of Code 121, then-Major Alex Lee, brought most of his testing experience to 3rd Force Reconnaissance Company when he was assigned as the commanding officer from 1969 to 1970. He formed Force Recon's missions that are still distinct today: remote sensor operations . The Surveillance and Reconnaissance Center (SRC), predecessor to
2100-402: The liberation of Marawi from ISIS militants. In February 2019, Marine Corps Times reported that since the formation of MARSOC 13 years before, it had conducted 300 operational deployments across 13 countries, awarded more than 300 valor awards and that 43 Raiders (including two military dogs ) had been killed in training and combat operations. Since MARSOC's first deployment, it has become
2175-554: The visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) of ships during Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO), as well as orchestrating close air support , a vital skill exercised in DA missions; Force Recon operators forward observe from static positions and spider holes for artillery and naval gunfire support , or ordnance and payload delivery. They provide personal security detail (PSD) for critically important personnel. They are capable of performing In-Extremis Hostage Rescue (IHR), but this
2250-548: The visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) role. A force recon detachment had, since the mid 1980s, formed part of the Maritime Special Purpose Force (MSPF), a specialized sub-unit of a Marine expeditionary unit (special operations capable) MEU(SOC). From 2013-2023, MEU(SOC) were defunct, including the integral MSPF. A MEU had a Maritime Raid Force (MRF), the successor of the MSPF built around
2325-485: The 'Recon Platoon' and evaluated their results for use in parachuting and pathfinding missions, in addition to using its heliborne and aircraft wing assets to add 'deeper' reconnaissance penetration capabilities. This new-found capability gave reconnaissance Marines the advantage of operating further behind enemy lines. The MCTU#1's Reconnaissance Platoon, commanded by Captain Joseph Taylor, founded and adopted
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2400-479: The ALP/VSO program (Afghan Local Police/Village Stability Operations), special forces in Afghanistan were task-organized into battalion level SOTF (Special Operations Task Forces), each with a geographic area of responsibility—for MARSOC, this was western Afghanistan and Helmand Province . In March 2012, MARSOC teams suffered several casualties to Green on Blue attacks . In July 2012, a patrol of Afghan Army commandos
2475-811: The Caribbean and Panama. Returning to North Carolina in March, final preparations were carried out to meet the projected deployment date in May 1966. The expected deployment of the entire company did not occur, but a two platoon detachment embarked on the USS Boxer, transited through the Suez Canal, and arrived in country in time to be introduced to combat in Operation Hastings as part of The Special Landing Force in early July 1966. The company (-) dropped to
2550-789: The DMZ, while the Battalion Company was targeted south of Highway Nine to the Thua Thien border. Occasional circumstances caused deviation from that concept, but, for the most part, those deviations were rare. Third Force continued that operational commitment until the Third Division left country in November 1969. Third Force was placed under command of The Third Marine Expeditionary Force and operated in general support of IIId MAF until deactivated in mid-1970. On 9 September 2010,
2625-404: The FORECON are not part of 4th Reconnaissance Battalion , which is itself a separate unit reporting directly to the 4th MarDiv CG. Each Force Reconnaissance company is basically the same; they all contain a command element and Force Recon platoons. Each company is commanded by a company commander and his executive officer . The historical roots of 'Force Recon' companies can be traced back to
2700-623: The Fleet Marine Force (the highest command echelon of the United States Marine Corps). At first, the concept was to be formed into a "Force Recon Battalion"—this battalion would have as many 'force recon' companies as there were division-wing MAGTF's in the Marine operating forces. Recognizing the limited budget during the fiscal year of 1957, it was instead recommended that it be formed at company-sized elements for
2775-715: The Force Reconnaissance platoon assigned to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (special operations capable) (MEU(SOC)) on the USS Dubuque (LPD-8) conducting the USMC's first opposed VBSS recapturing the MV Magellan Star from Somali pirates in the Gulf of Aden . In 2010, a Force Reconnaissance team from the 24th MEU won the 2010 2nd Annual Warrior Competition against tactical units from all over
2850-1538: The MOS code 0370. Officer candidates trying to obtain this MOS have to be rank of first lieutenant or higher and must go through similar training and more compared to enlistees. SOO candidates will attend Assessment & Selection (A&S) Phase 1 and 2 together with their enlisted counterparts. Upon successful A&S Phase 1 and 2 completion, Marines selected for assignment as CSOs or SOOs attend Individual Training Course (ITC). Officers attending ITC will also attend MARSOC Team Commander's Course (MTCC), which coincides with ITC. Once all training has been completed, SOOs will be sent to their Marine Special Operations Teams, Companies, and Battalions. Special Operations Combat Service Specialists (SOCS-Ss) are combat service support Marines who serve one standard tour with MARSOC in their primary MOS. Their training includes core skills for joint and interagency work as well as enhanced SOF combat skills training to enable their successful integration and survivability in special operations environments. Special Operations Capabilities Specialists (SOCSs) are combat support Marines who are able to join MARSOC based upon their MOS skill. They receive advanced special operations forces training and certification. SOCSs are operational and tactical force multipliers and frequently deploy alongside CSOs. SOCS billet fields include intelligence, communications, explosive ordnance disposal , dog handlers, and fire-control specialists. SOCSs are awarded
2925-424: The MOS of 8071 and return to the operating forces after an extended tour of service with MARSOC. In August 2016, the Marine Corps approved a new Marine Special Operator Insignia for wear by graduates of the five-phase Individual Training Course (ITC). The pin device will first be issued to the next ITC graduating class of critical skills operators. Critical skills operators and special operations officers already in
3000-470: The Marine Corps to operate strategically, in concert with or against, the use of nuclear weapons . Many of the conceptual ideas for Force Recon were pioneered by Major Bruce F. Meyers, the test unit's "Reconnaissance/Pathfinder Project Officer" from MCTU #1's Plans and Development (P&D) Section. His position can be seen as an unillustrated subsidiary to an 'operations' (G-6) and 'training' (G-7) officer. Major Meyers tested various innovative techniques for
3075-522: The Marine Corps to work towards integration with SOCOM. The establishment of MARSOC represented the most significant step towards that goal and followed the establishment of Detachment One ( Det One ), a small Marine Corps detachment formed as a pilot program to test Marine Corps integration into SOCOM. It was made up of mostly Marines from 1st and 2nd Force Reconnaissance Battalions along with other hand-picked support men and served with Navy SEALs under Naval Special Warfare Group One. Det One conducted
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3150-515: The Marine Corps' Marine Air-Ground Task Force command structure and that the detachment of an elite Marine special operations unit would be to the detriment of the Marine Corps as a whole. A re-evaluation following the September 11 attacks and the Global War on Terrorism , along with new policy established by Secretary Rumsfeld and Commandant General James L. Jones at The Pentagon , caused
3225-815: The U.S. Air Force's civilian auxiliary, also used woodland patterned BDUs until being discontinued 15 June 2021. Several state defense forces use the Woodland Pattern on their BDUs. Members of the Virginia Defense Force wear a Woodland version of the Army Combat Uniform (ACU). The pattern also sees use among police departments, such as the Rhode Island State Police . United States Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command United States Marine Forces Special Operations Command ( MARSOC )
3300-554: The United States Marine Corps' first commitment to the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). On August 11 2006, 2nd FORECON was deactivated with the majority of its personnel transferred to MARSOC to establish 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion (2nd MSOB) with two platoons reassigned to 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion to establish D Company. Two months later in October, 1st FORECON met
3375-563: The Weapons Planning Group, Landing Force Development Center at Quantico introduced Force Recon to new technological methods of achieving their objective. Many of its tests and evaluations resembled the tests of MCTU #1. However, MCTU #1 were testing methods of inserting reconnaissance teams "deep" into the battlefield. The Weapons Planning Group (Code 121) provided the equipment that would become instrumental to recon Marines. Beacons for helicopter guidance, laser designators for
3450-450: The West and East Coast. In July 1957, The MCTU #1 was amalgamated into the existing 1st Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion. The next day, the battalion cased its colors and re-designated it as 1st Force Reconnaissance Company. Although the test unit was no longer operating, Meyers continued to research and test more innovative methods. Major Meyers and his top swimmers and senior officers of
3525-596: The Woodland pattern. Most of the Navy has transitioned to the Navy Working Uniform , which uses digital patterns in either a woodland colorway (NWU Type III) or, for some deployed tactical units only, a desert version (Type II). The Woodland Pattern BDU was phased out by the Marine Corps with the introduction of the digital MARPAT Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform in 2002, although it was reintroduced for
3600-470: The antecedent Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion , whose numerous pre-D–Day reconnoitering of enemy beaches during the Pacific campaigns of World War II proved the vitality of the Fleet Marine Force's amphibious reconnaissance doctrine . This unique unit reported directly to the landing force commander, providing him important intelligence at his disposal. Formed initially as a company-size element from
3675-473: The boundaries, or fan, of any artillery and/or naval gunfire support (NGFS); unlike their Division Recon brethren, whose operations are primarily within the artillery and gunfire support fan. Silence and stealth are vital in reducing chances of compromising their position—if a single round is fired, the mission is deemed to have failed. The United States Marine Corps Force Reconnaissance detachments, or FORECON, operate in deep reconnaissance, direct action, and
3750-603: The brown-dominant version of the ERDL pattern , only differing in that it is enlarged by 60 percent. The enlargement was made in order to extend the effectiveness of the camouflage pattern to as close to 350 meters as possible These changes reflected a shift in the tactical focus of the United States military from fighting an extremely close-range war such as the one in South Vietnam to a longer-range one such as on
3825-566: The chimney of an insurgent-occupied building, they were struck and killed by PKM fire; for his actions that day Price was awarded the Silver Star . On 6 August 2014, MARSOC claimed and officially bestowed the prestigious Marine Raider moniker upon their subordinate combat units ( Marine Special Operations Regiment ) in commemoration of the fabled and elite amphibious light infantry unit that operated during World War II . Marine Corps Times reported that in 2017, Marine Raiders assisted in
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#17327879426023900-574: The company formed at Camp Lejeune, N.C. and satellite on Second Force Reconnaissance Company that was under strength due to the demands for trained Force Recon Marines assigned to First Force in country. Facilities, cadre and equipment for training were provided by Second Force. Volunteers were solicited from throughout the Marine Corps and the first four months were devoted to bringing the company up to strength in personnel. Beginning in January 1966 all operational personnel departed Camp Lejeune to train in
3975-752: The company was ordered to move to Camp Pendleton to refit. At the conclusion of Hastings the detachment was attached to Third Reconnaissance Battalion that had just arrived in Phu Bai from DaNang, having been replaced by the First Reconnaissance Battalion that had just begun arriving with the First Marine Division. Shortly, they were joined by the platoon that had come in country with 1/26. They patrolled in Thua Thien Province until early January, 1967, when
4050-538: The company was reunited on April 27, 1967, just in time for the NVA offensive to seize Quang Tri Province. The logistics element arrive at the "Ramp" at Dong Ha just in time for the opening salvos of the NVA artillery attacks that would continue daily until late autumn. The operational element experienced a mortar attack in Phu Bai at the same time resulting in several shrapnel wounds, only one of which, required evacuation. The new arrivals were integrated with combat veterans and
4125-432: The company would test and train in submarine lock-in and lock-out methods and ascending techniques. After being cross-trained by the Navy's Master Divers, they learned the operation of the early rebreather systems and advanced open water swimming. Meyers understood that his recon Marines would be operating 50 to 150 miles away from their littoral or operating area, or from any naval support. In order to get his Marines out of
4200-1094: The control of supporting arms; to convey military intelligence beyond the means of a commander's area of influence on the battlefield. They are capable of operating independently in combined methods of amphibious and ground operations by utilizing methods of conventional and unconventional warfare in defense of the United States. Although Force Recon has never been part of the United States Special Operations Command, their missions slightly differentiate them from other United States Special Operations Forces units. Colloquially, they are specialized in all tactical areas of warfare. Force Recon will train with other Special Operations forces, such as United States Navy SEAL's , United States Army Special Forces , and United States Air Force Pararescue , in order to master all skill sets. The Marine Corps has seen fit to train versatile specialists rather than specialists in individual areas of combat. Their reconnoitering roles (whether amphibious or ground) include preliminary (or "pre–D-Day") and post-assault reconnaissance. Some examples are: Black operations are
4275-446: The designated MOS 0326 [formerly 8654 ], "Reconnaissance Marine, Parachutist/Combatant Diver Qualified," known as the 'accession pipeline.' Their courses to its various schools are intertwined with the Pre-deployment Training Program (PTP), a training protocol of the Fleet Marine Force –its task forces –that are conducted yearly in a perpetual, continuous cycle. The reconnaissance Marines within FORECON community are unique in that it
4350-507: The desired target, thereby prolonging the garment's useful life. In the U.S. Army, the woodland-patterned Battle Dress Uniform was replaced by the digital Universal Camouflage Pattern (UCP) found on the Army Combat Uniform , introduced in 2004. UCP itself was replaced by the Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) in 2019. The pattern is still used on MOPP suits and some older models of body armor yet to be retired, such as PASGT vests and Interceptor Body Armor. The U.S. Navy no longer uses
4425-409: The enemy should the need arise; avoiding enemy contact is paramount. Conversely, Sting Ray operations have goals more closely in line of offensive strikes. In a Sting Ray operation, the FORECON operators are heavily armed and use artillery and/or naval gunfire support, if available. However, what began as a 'keyhole' patrol could become a 'stingray' patrol with little warning. The versatility of FORECON
4500-428: The entire eighteen teams conducted a zone reconnaissance in the Cobi Than Tan Valley east of Hue City before displacing to Dong Ha. Upon arrival at Dong Ha in early May the Commanding Officer assumed command of Third Recon Battalion (Forward), which had reconnaissance responsibility for all of Quang Tri Province except the Khe Sanh TAOR (Tactical Area of Operations). The company patrolled the area north of Highway nine to
4575-400: The field will receive their pins later. [REDACTED] This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Marine Corps . United States Marine Corps Force Reconnaissance Joint Task Force Force Reconnaissance ( FORECON ) are United States Marine Corps deep reconnaissance companies that provide military intelligence to
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#17327879426024650-419: The fields of Europe. Near InfraRed compliance Many old M81 Woodland BDUs are made with Nyco. It is not labeled as NIR compliant however testing done on the material and dyes used in the creation process found it to be effective in camouflaging under InfraRed light. Coloring The US Woodland pattern was printed slightly darker than ERDL for two key reasons. First, the chosen colors complemented
4725-437: The initial training, e.g. the accession pipeline, are reserved for the candidates. The first phase in FORECON's Mission Training Plan takes place within the MEU's Initial Training Phase . During the "Individual Training Phase", the candidates are undergoing the accession pipeline to become qualified MOS 0321 (Reconnaissance Marine). After further training, the already-billeted Force Recon operators (who had already completed
4800-412: The littoral areas, or beachhead, and inland; to test the soil permeability for a possible beach landing; to clear any obstacles that may hinder an amphibious assault; and to observe any sign of enemy activity. The Navy UDT were tasked with providing the same, but from off the coastline to the littoral, or adjacent beach areas. Jones and his Recon Marines scouted the Japanese-fortified beaches and observed
4875-451: The missions that require direct action (DA). They are the opposite of green operations missions, where the Force Recon operators "look for trouble." Depending on the situation and the target location, the FORECON operators usually conduct direct action missions within the artillery and naval gun support fan; these operations demonstrate "small-scale" shock and awe . Examples are the seizures and occupation of gas/oil platforms (GOPLAT) and
4950-431: The more modern 'force reconnaissance' doctrine, methods which were instrumented by Major Meyers. They were developing and performing innovative clandestine insertion methods before the Navy SEAL's , and the Army's "Green Berets" , such as the submarine locking -in and -out methods, and underwater "blow-and-go" ascents. The USMC concluded that parachute reconnaissance and pathfinding capabilities would exist at force level,
5025-421: The new concept of using rotary-wing aircraft to the Marine Corps in combat employment for logistics and rapid troop transport. Also, the atomic age was emerging and caused concern among the military leaders. The Commandant of the Marine Corps , General Lemuel Shepherd created a test unit, the Marine Corps Test Unit 1 (MCTU #1), to research and experiment on new and improved combat tactics and on methods to prepare
5100-450: The only active components of force- level reconnaissance; whereas the 3rd and 4th FORECON are the Selected Reserve force reconnaissance assets available to augment and reinforce the Fleet Marine Force. In the Marine Corps Reserve, the FORECON are separate units reporting directly to the 4th Marine Division Commanding General (4th MarDiv CG), unless mobilized and ordered detached to a Gaining Force Commander. Additionally, as separate units,
5175-409: The pattern sizing, creating a monotone appearance at greater distances and enhancing the effectiveness of the pattern. Second, there was a strategic consideration for large-scale production, where fabrics tend to be lighter than intended due to the production process. By starting with slightly darker colors, the eventual fading of the fabric through use, and washing would result in colors moving closer to
5250-512: The primary special operations Marines within MARSOC. They are trained to execute a variety of missions. Specialized training also provides capabilities in language fluency necessary for crossing cultural barriers, allowing CSOs to connect with the local forces as well as civilians. Marines designated CSOs are awarded MOS code 0372. CSOs are assigned to Marine Special Operations Teams (MSOT), Companies (MSOC), and Battalions (MSOB). Special Operations Officers (SOOs) are Marine Corps officers awarded
5325-464: The same fate, with the majority of its personnel transferred to establish 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion (1st MSOB) with two platoons reassigned to 1st Reconnaissance Battalion to establish D Company. The D companies in the Division Reconnaissance Battalions were designed to maintain and preserve a 'deep reconnaissance' asset for the Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF). In 2007, 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion deactivated its D Company. In 2008,
5400-414: The terrain, materials, or other entities, primarily reporting to the force commander any vital intelligence of mission-oriented importance. Although Jones's Marines were all skilled surface swimmers, they usually inserted by boats—mostly due to the multiple radios (primary and contingent) they carried, as relaying communication to the landing force commander was paramount, and as a timely means of sending in
5475-489: The world. Training within the company is outlined by the mission training plan (MTP). It is used in conjunction with the training and exercises that are conducted by the Marine Expeditionary Units for their " Special Operations Capable " certification. It follows a systematic approach to training, and the emphasis is to "train as they expect to fight". The mission training plan has five phases, and
5550-513: Was ambushed by insurgents from several buildings in Badghis Province and three Afghans were wounded by small arms fire. Gunnery Sergeants Jonathan Gifford and Daniel Price raced forward on an ATV to retrieve the wounded under direct fire from the enemy. After evacuating the wounded to an emergency helicopter landing zone, they returned and assaulted the enemy positions in a fierce close-quarter battle . While throwing grenades down
5625-707: Was mired in controversy when its Fox Company was sent back to the United States and its commander relieved from duty after a shooting incident . The incident that resulted in as many as 19 civilians killed involved a complex ambush by insurgents that included a suicide car bomb and small arms fire. Allegations later arose that the MARSOC operators killed the civilians while suppressing enemy fire, but these allegations proved false. MARSOC Marines also took part in Operation Enduring Freedom – Philippines . Following U.S. Army General David Petraeus' assumption of command in Afghanistan in 2010, in support of
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