USMC Force Recon

[Tom.G]

Does froce recon work on a Battalion or regimental level?

[James]

Force Recon is a company that works for the Marine Expeditionary Unit.

There is some good info at:

www.forcerecon.org

[Ratamacue]

As James said, Force Recon is organized into companies but normally doesn't work in ops beyond the platoon level. Recon, however, is organized by battalions if I'm not mistaken.

[Tom.G]

No I mean does it do Recon for Regiments or Brigades. Like the Scout Snipers in Jarhead are scouts for 2nd battalion 7th Marines.

[USMarine3521]

They do it for the MEU which is about 2,000 Marines. (correct me if I'm wrong)

[Ratamacue]

Each platoon is assigned to an MEU, and does operations for that MEU, though I suppose it will support the MEF when forces are that sizeable (as in Iraq).

[Tom.G]

Thanks boys.

[James]

1st Force Reconnaisance Company is assigned to I MEF. Individual platoons from Force get chopped to MEU(SOC)s for deployments.

Battalions have STA platoons, Regiments (sometimes) have their own recon platoons, Division has a Reconnaisance Battalion, and MEF has Force.

If my facts are outdated, forgive me - they are six years old... :)

Edit in bold.

[Ratamacue]

Heh, well, as I've seen pictures captioned on usmc.mil, it's always been something to the effect of "the Force Recon platoon assigned to 26th MEU(SOC)" or "the 31st MEU(SOC)'s Force Reconnaissance platoon."

But I haven't served in the Marine Corps yet, I just want to be a Recon Marine :P , so don't take my word for it.

[James]

I haven't served in the Marine Corps yet, I just want to be a Recon Marine :P

Good luck to you. Get in awsome shape, so you can max a Marine PFT 3 times in a row, back to back, with boots and utilities. Become a great swimmer. Develop mental toughness. Learn everything you can. Never ever quit. Ever.

[Tom.G]

I think its too bad the Marines didn`t get to see much action in either Gulf Wars. I think they would have ****ed some **** up.

[USMarine3521]

I think its too bad the Marines didn`t get to see much action in either Gulf Wars. I think they would have f*** some **** up.

what do you mean Marines didn'get to see much action..

[Ratamacue]

Sloth, did you maybe notice that the entire 1st MEF was engaged in combat all along southeastern Iraq while the Army blitzed its way to Baghdad? Marines saw plenty of action (some in Basra, plenty in An Nasiriyah, Umm Qsar, among others.

[FallenAngel]

Yeah, it was the Marines who liberated Kuwait in GWI, and they saw action every day from day one in GWII. The Army on the other hand went a full day or two without seeing any action. So really, the Marine were pry in MORE action than the Army. woot

Just because you don't see it on CNN doesnt mean it didn't happen :)

[Dmitri]

So really, the Marine were pry in MORE action than the Army. woot

Wow, that's just wonderful, go Marines!!! Yee-ha :roll:

[GLax]

Seemed like the Marines were cleaning up everything behind the Army advance in GW2. Like the Army bulldozed anything stupid enough to try and take on the 3rdID the the Marines came through and kicked the survivors in the ass. i could be wrong, just how i interpreted it, but hey Both Army and Marines did a damn good job working together you have to admit despite all this 'service rivalry'. we're all on the same team fellas :hug: both can be proud, they each destroyed a division in one day... ironically enough on the same day...

[Ratamacue]

but hey Both Army and Marines did a damn good job working together you have to admit despite all this 'service rivalry'. we're all on the same team fellas

Very true. Is it just me, though, or has interservice rivalry gone up drastically in recent history? It just seems like they coexisted better back in WW2/Korea/etc.

[FallenAngel]

Very true. Is it just me, though, or has interservice rivalry gone up drastically in recent history? It just seems like they coexisted better back in WW2/Korea/etc.

There might be something to that though. For the past 10 years or so, the Army has been trying to become more and more like the Marine Corps- the US's 911 "First to Fight" attack force instead of a occupying force. The Stryker brigades are a perfect example of that. Also, the Marines have sorta been getting the shaft as far as funding and equipment goes since Vietnam compared to what seems like unlimited funding and new equipment (e.g. the army gets new Bradleys and Strykers while the Marines use AAVs that are 30+ years old.) I think the Marines just don't want to be seen as "obsolete" or "second tier" to the Army. ;)

[stryker182]

So does Force Recon only do Recon for the MEU their with.

[James]

So does Force Recon only do Recon for the MEU their with.

No. The Force Platoon platoon assigned to the MEU worrks with them, but the rest of the company remains attached to MEF.

[Tom.G]

Yeah, it was the Marines who liberated Kuwait in GWI, and they saw action every day from day one in GWII. The Army on the other hand went a full day or two without seeing any action. So really, the Marine were pry in MORE action than the Army. woot

Just because you don't see it on CNN doesnt mean it didn't happen :)

Dude, the Gulf was not combat like WW2 or Vietnam. I meen in conparisson. The GW1 was a turkey shoot (for the most part). Read Into the Storm by Tom Clancy and Jarhead by Anthony Swoford and you`ll understand what I meen.

P.S. I think 7th Corps (An Army Armored Corps), the one that almost annihilated the Repebilcan Guard, saw more action thanb the Marines in GW1.

[Tom.G]

Sloth, did you maybe notice that the entire 1st MEF was engaged in combat all along southeastern Iraq while the Army blitzed its way to Baghdad? Marines saw plenty of action (some in Basra, plenty in An Nasiriyah, Umm Qsar, among others.

Dude, they slaughtered the Iraqis, they took very few casualties comparitivly. When they say "Heavily Enganged", it meens they are killing a lot of enemy. 28 marines were KIA in GW1, nothing compared to the thousands of Iraqis who died in their sector (Many due to the Air Campaign.).

[Seraphim]

The highway of death...and the infamous picture of a chared skeleton in a vehicle, still gripping the wheel and teeth bearing.

[Tom.G]

Thats a sick picture dude. Do you have it?

[Tom.G]

UCT_Sinasta, What city are you from?

[Dmitri]

'service rivalry'
What gets me is the marines always trying to outdo army to set themselves apart and then blow smoke up peoples ass about it. Don't get me wrong, i respect Marines and everything they do, it is a great organization just like the rest of the military, but come on, this rivalry thing is just rediculous. I'm yet to hear from anybody in the Army anything about Marines, much less competing with them... people just don't care about it, yet it seems that Marines try to show themselves in all the shining glory and always compare themselves to everybody else.
So really, the Marine were pry in MORE action than the Army.

And that is just from a wannabe, yet to go through all the brainwashing.
Don't want to change the facts, but are there any marines in Iraq now (I really don't know)? It seems that army and national guard, who are scheduled to take over the active for the rest of the time there, are taking more hits, which also tells me they are more on the streets and on the front lines.
Army has been trying to become more and more like the Marine Corps
Like I said, the army, at least the actual soldiers, not to include the high command, don't care about marines! Army has its own goals to fulfill, which are usually broader and long-range since it has to also stay and occupy the territory, it needs its own equipment for its own purpose. Or is it just marines getting jealous that army is getting more mobile??
This is just my opinion, i won't bet on any facts I'm not sure of, so if there is any information i misinterpreted, please correct me. I don't mean to offend anybody either, just had to say this.

[Ratamacue]

Don't get me wrong, i respect Marines and everything they do, it is a great organization just like the rest of the military...

But aren't they the only ones with service rivalry?

...yet it seems that Marines try to show themselves in all the shining glory and always compare themselves to everybody else.

[Dmitri]

But aren't they the only ones with service rivalry?
It looks like they take it to another level... Rivalry has always and will exist. Yet nowhere did I say that it makes them bad soldiers or whatever you mean by this quotes

[James]

What gets me is the marines always trying to outdo army to set themselves apart and then blow smoke up peoples ass about it.

The vast majority of Marines I served with were not like this at all. Those who were were usually just immature or felt that they had something to prove. I think the same can be said of the Army or any other branch of service. Perhaps you've had different experiences than I have, though.

Don't want to change the facts, but are there any marines in Iraq now (I really don't know)? It seems that army and national guard, who are scheduled to take over the active for the rest of the time there, are taking more hits, which also tells me they are more on the streets and on the front lines.

There are still some, though many have been withdrawn. Part of the reason the Army is in "more" action is due to the parts of Iraq they are operating in. The Marines were operating south of Baghdad, which appears to be a safer area for Americans to be in. Also, one must remember that at the height of the war, there were 4 or 5 times as many soldiers in Iraq as there were Marines.

The Marine Corps and the Army, while similar, have different missions.

The Army's mission is:


(1)preserving the peace and security, and providing for the defense, of the United States, the Territories, Commonwealths, and possessions, and any areas occupied by the United States;
(2) supporting the national policies;
(3) implementing the national objectives; and
(4) overcoming any nations responsible for aggressive acts that imperil the peace and security of the United States.
- U.S. Code 10 B I 307 sec3062

The Marine Corps Mission:


The Marine Corps shall be organized, trained, and equipped to provide fleet marine forces of combined arms, together with supporting air components, for service with the fleet in the seizure or defense of advanced naval bases and for the conduct of such land operations as may be essential to the prosecution of a naval campaign. In addition, the Marine Corps shall provide detachments and organizations for service on armed vessels of the Navy, shall provide security detachments for the protection of naval property at naval stations and bases, and shall perform such other duties as the President may direct.

US Code 10 C I 507 sec. 5063.

The Marine Corps has never been meant to undertake long land campaigns or occupy territory. The Marines go in, take care of business, and get out to prepare for the next time action is needed.

[Dmitri]

There are still some, though many have been withdrawn. Part of the reason the Army is in "more" action is due to the parts of Iraq they are operating in.
Thanks James, I wasn't sure about that.
I guess the problem is that potential recruits from the beginning join something that they think sets them apart, something special compared to the rest (which I agree Marines are unique in their ways and I thought about joining them too p-) ), but that mentality will be there for the rest of their life, and they might even look down on other soldiers. Am I wrong?

[James]

Well, I was an active duty Marine for 4 years, and I certainly don't look down on people who choose a different branch. Hell, if I was to do it all over I'd probably go Army and try for SF. I think it all depends on the individual. There are some things about being a Marine that will stick with me for good, but arrogance isn't one of them.

[Dmitri]

Cool, a perfect example for some of the wannabees.

[GLax]

i can speak from recent experience, i think the whole rivalry thing is more of a recruitment tool, everybody wants you to join there branch so theyll say things to make the othr guy look bad, theyre just doin there job. i dont think i would stop and think about jumping in a foxhole just cuz there was a Marine in there, like i said, we're all on the same team, we're all Americans... i think the only guys that really get made fun of really bad are the Airforce guys... even they admit theyre spoiled during deployments...

A Soldier, standing in the rain, digging his 3rd foxhole of the day thinks to himself, man this sux...

A Marine, sitting in a mosoon, sleeping in the mud, eating an MRE thinks to himself, man this sux...

An Airman, sitting on his bed in the hotel, with airconditioning shouts at the TV, What? No cable?!?!?

haha, an Airforce reservist told me this joke, good times...

[GLax]

ok one more...

An Army Ranger went on a week long leave and decided to visit Louisiana because he wanted some authentic alligator boots. He drove out to the swamps and talked to a man who was going to sell him some alligator boots. the man said theyll be $150, the Ranger said in protest 'thats highway robbery! i'll kill an alligator and make my own boots!' the man said 'good luck. oh by the way, 2 Marines came by here earlier today and also refused to pay, theyre out in the swamp somewhere' the Ranger went on his way looking for his alligator. a few hours later he came across the Marines who were in the water. just then, an alligator lunged out of the water after one of the Marines, the Marine turned around and jammed his K-Bar into its head, killing it instantly... the other marine came over and flipped the alligator on its back and said 'mother f*cker, this one doesnt have any alligator boots either'

haha, couldnt help myself

[James]

rofl rofl rofl

[Tom.G]

A Marine and an Air Force guy taking a piss in the bathroom. The Airman finishes first and starts washing his hands. The Marine finishes and heads for the door. Suddenly, the Airman says:

-You know, in the Air Force they teach us to wash our hands.

The Marine replys: Well, in the Marines they teach us not to piss on our hands!

rofl

[Seraphim]

Does your english teacher teach you how to spell "teach"?
Man thats alot of teach.
p-)

[Tom.G]

Does your english teacher teach you how to spell "teach"?
Man thats alot of teach.
p-)

My bad.

[Deuterium]

Without a doubt the Marines have the Army beat in the PR department. There is never an instance of the Marines being the "quiet professionals". The Marines are very quick to hype the 911 force bull*hit. When truth is told its usually SpecOps that get there first or to "rescue" Marines in embassies. The rivalry does have a negative aspect concerning the equipment side. Both sides are leery of projects that the other service is developing or using. This is crazy. The Marines and the Army both have some good kit that the other side won't touch because it's tainted with a globe-n-eagle or US ARMY stamped on it. It's a shame. When it comes down to it I wouldn't want to be on the other side of either the Marines or the Army.

[Scrim]

I think it depends on which side of the fence you are on, as a Marine it always seems to me that someone from the Army starts the ****, and we have to defend ourselves. To someone in the Army, it must seem the other way round. I know of three Marines on this forum, James, Cpl Stumps and myself. None of us have ever made a war-face and beaten our chests, unless provoked or in jest. Like some one else said, its usually the wannabees who start all the **** flying.
Personally I would disband the entire Army and Marine Corps and leave it up to a couple of hundred SF, because as everyone knows they are the only reason we win any conflicts at all. :roll:

[Deuterium]

Nah we need the Marines and the Army. I totally agree about the perspective part. I can't wait till the "Who kicked ass more" or "Who won Baghdad" arguments start. Besides, someone has to go on those floats.

[Dmitri]

"Who won Baghdad"
Air Force ;)

[ibstolidude]

I could have sworn it was Foxnews.

[Deuterium]

Wacky Shack won Baghdad.

[Smoothie104]

For Ratamacue.....


http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=2326&highlight=

[USMarine3521]

oh yeah ive seen that one...its turn off for recon lol

[Ratamacue]

Seen it. Not something I'm looking foward to, but I bet the NCO's are. :lol:

[James]

Is that the thing about getting wings "pinned"? Don't tolerate that crap. It's stupid.

When I was promoted from Private to PFC, I had to "run the gauntlet" - every Marine in my platoon who outranked me was given a chance to slug me in the arm. I didn't like that at all. When I was promoted to Lance Corporal, I was expected to do the same thing. I told the platoon, NCOs included, that they were welcome to hit me, but that I would hit them back. They quickly lost interest in the ritual. Granted, I was bigger than most of them. :D

[GLax]

wow, thats quite rediculous, you do all that training and then you have to go to the hospital to get stitches :cantbeli: seems like a self defeating ritual. James is rite, as soon as they say theyre gonna hurt you and you say u'll hurt them rite back, the hazing usually stops... at least thats been my experience

[Dmitri]

Yea, unless they are bigger than you and you don't think you can handle them all at one time. ;)

[GLax]

i takes only 1 kick to the balls to knock any man down :lol:

[Tom.G]

Who here has actually been in the Marines?

[James]

Who here has actually been in the Marines?

I was, 1993-1997.

[Tom.G]

So you didn't fight in any major wars?

[James]

None. I was lucky.

[96B]

The Marine recruiters seem to basically ride on the opportunity to "claim the title Marine" instead of things like benefits, money, tuition assistance etc. Although it is a great thing to have such an intangible that nobody can take away from you, it is very interesting to me how many either only stay in for one enlistment or would join another service if they could do it again. The retention rate for the Marines is about 16-18%, the Army is about 26%, Air Force around 58% and the Navy is about 80%. Those numbers are a testiment to quality of life, job, and all around satisfaction of those who serve in their respective services.

[James]

I returned to college after I was discharged and got a degree in 1999. If I was to rewind to age 19 right now and start over, I would go Army, get in the Rangers, go SF, and probably stay there.
Be a renaissance man... :D

Okay Marines, you can flame me. Bring it on. :P

[Deuterium]

Hard to believe those retention rates. From what I've seen in my career the Airforce has the other three beat hands down for quality of life. When I went to the "Q" course in 86 I took a cab ride from the Fayetteville airport to the unit. I rode with a fresh from AIT(?) E-2 airman. We dropped him off first at the airbase. He was going to a two man room, dormatory, with his own bathroom. I went to world war II open bay barracks.

[NcDeuce]

Ay :cantbeli: , makes you wonder about those Marines.

[Scrim]

Semperfi2003, dont know where you got those numbers, you were close except for the Navy(80%?!). The military study I looked at showed the very best years since 1990. The Airforce at 63% retention in 1995, Army at 54% in 1997, Navy at 41% in 1991 and USMC at 26% in 2000. Would be interested to see a study of 2003 if anyone can find one.

[Dominique]

Does froce recon work on a Battalion or regimental level?

Force Reconnaissance is organized into companies, and assigned to a Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF-which is roughly the size of a US Army Corps). There are currently two active duty units (1st & 2nd) and two reserve (3rd & 4th). 3rd & 4th are both assigned to the 4th Marine Division (a reserve unit) and their teams are used to augment the active companies.

Individual platoons are assigned to deploying MEU (SOC), or MEB. Normally a Direct Action Platoon (DAP) makes up the main component of a Maritime Special Purpose Force (MSPF). A Deep Recon Platoon (DRP) will handle the units strategic recon or LRRP type missions. All Force Recon Marines are both HALO and SCUBA qualified.

The III MEF does not have a Force Recon Company assigned to it. It's former FR Co. (5th Force Recon), was disbanded at its personnel assigned to the 3rd Recon Battalion as a DRP or to one of the units SCUBA teams.

Reconnaisance Battalions are assigned to each Marine division (1st - 4th). Individual platoons are assigned to MEU (SOC) or deployed infantry battalions to handle tactical recon missions. Each Recon Battalion company is required to maintain a number of airborne and SCUBA qualified teams.

At one time the Divisional Recon Battalions were disbanded and broken up into either Regimental Recon Companies or the Division Recon Company. They they were reformed and active duty Force Recon companies were disbanded and absorbed. Within the last year or so they have reverted back to their origianl structure.

STA paltoons (Scout/Snipers) are assigned to each MEU (SOC) and each Marine infantry regiment. Each FR team has a Scout/Sniper qualified Marine assinged to it. Each Recon Battalion has a platoon of Scout/Snipers.

The new Anti-Terrorism Battalion (AT-BN) and each FAST company have Designated Marksmen and Scout/Snipers assigned to them.

[Dmitri]

MEF-which is roughly the size of a US Army Corps
????????? The size of US ARMY? Or army corps of .......??? :|

[FallenAngel]

In the US Army, a corps is a unit size just like platoon, company, battalion,etc.

A corps is usually comprised of 2 or more (usually 3 I believe) divisions. ;)

[Dmitri]

cool, never even heard of that :oops:

[Dominique]

Sorry for not explaining that in more detail. A Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) is made up of a Marine Division (about 18, 000 Marines and Sailors) a Marine Air Wing (the Marines come with their own air force) and a Force Srvice Support Group (beans, bullets, etc.).

[tthiel]

Finally someone got it right. MEU's do not always have Force assigned btw. but usually do. Sometimes you have SEALs instead of or with Force.

1st Force Reconnaisance Company is assigned to I MEF. Individual platoons from Force get chopped to MEU(SOC)s for deployments.

Battalions have STA platoons, Regiments (sometimes) have their own recon platoons, Division has a Reconnaisance Battalion, and MEF has Force.

If my facts are outdated, forgive me - they are six years old... :)

Edit in bold.

[tthiel]

Umm no it's always been like that. Probably always will be. Your taught early in Boot camp to despise the other services and then it's reinforced when you see how screwed up they are.


but hey Both Army and Marines did a damn good job working together you have to admit despite all this 'service rivalry'. we're all on the same team fellas

Very true. Is it just me, though, or has interservice rivalry gone up drastically in recent history? It just seems like they coexisted better back in WW2/Korea/etc.

[tthiel]

Wrong. They were in different axes of advance. 3rd ID...please. Anyone in the Army who can't do anything else gets stuck in the regular infantry like 3rd ID.

Seemed like the Marines were cleaning up everything behind the Army advance in GW2. Like the Army bulldozed anything stupid enough to try and take on the 3rdID the the Marines came through and kicked the survivors in the ass. i could be wrong, just how i interpreted it, but hey Both Army and Marines did a damn good job working together you have to admit despite all this 'service rivalry'. we're all on the same team fellas :hug: both can be proud, they each destroyed a division in one day... ironically enough on the same day...

[tthiel]

Force reco does all kinds of spooky stuff as well. They have been used as national assets many times but not as much as Seals etc. because the Marine Corps doesn't like to share them.

So does Force Recon only do Recon for the MEU their with.

[tthiel]

Elanor Roosevelt said the Marines had the greatest propoganda machine since Stalin. There's two reasona for that. First they are an elite unit and that kind of thing is done in all elite units. Alot of being an elite unit is beleiving that you are one. Secondly many times in the past the Marines Corps has been threatened with being disbanded by Congress so they make huge efforts to operate cheaply and to make their successes known. I think the Marine Corps is in greater danger now than ever before before because amphibious assaults are a thing of the past. Although Marine units are very self-contained and can operate far longer than Army units. This was seen in GW II when the Marines could keep advancing while the army had to wait for resupply.

'service rivalry'
What gets me is the marines always trying to outdo army to set themselves apart and then blow smoke up peoples ass about it. Don't get me wrong, i respect Marines and everything they do, it is a great organization just like the rest of the military, but come on, this rivalry thing is just rediculous. I'm yet to hear from anybody in the Army anything about Marines, much less competing with them... people just don't care about it, yet it seems that Marines try to show themselves in all the shining glory and always compare themselves to everybody else.
So really, the Marine were pry in MORE action than the Army.

And that is just from a wannabe, yet to go through all the brainwashing.
Don't want to change the facts, but are there any marines in Iraq now (I really don't know)? It seems that army and national guard, who are scheduled to take over the active for the rest of the time there, are taking more hits, which also tells me they are more on the streets and on the front lines.
Army has been trying to become more and more like the Marine Corps
Like I said, the army, at least the actual soldiers, not to include the high command, don't care about marines! Army has its own goals to fulfill, which are usually broader and long-range since it has to also stay and occupy the territory, it needs its own equipment for its own purpose. Or is it just marines getting jealous that army is getting more mobile??
This is just my opinion, i won't bet on any facts I'm not sure of, so if there is any information i misinterpreted, please correct me. I don't mean to offend anybody either, just had to say this.

[tthiel]

You are comparing Apple to Oranges. The Stryker brigades have been a disaster becasuer that vehicle is a piece of junk. Also Strylers and Bradleys don't launch from ships and swim ashore in the ocean. Thats why the AAV has that big boatlike shape.

Very true. Is it just me, though, or has interservice rivalry gone up drastically in recent history? It just seems like they coexisted better back in WW2/Korea/etc.

There might be something to that though. For the past 10 years or so, the Army has been trying to become more and more like the Marine Corps- the US's 911 "First to Fight" attack force instead of a occupying force. The Stryker brigades are a perfect example of that. Also, the Marines have sorta been getting the shaft as far as funding and equipment goes since Vietnam compared to what seems like unlimited funding and new equipment (e.g. the army gets new Bradleys and Strykers while the Marines use AAVs that are 30+ years old.) I think the Marines just don't want to be seen as "obsolete" or "second tier" to the Army. ;)

[tthiel]

Expect to spend some time in Division Recon first or maybe a regular infantry unit then Division Recon then Force. You won't go to Force out of Boot Camp or Infantry training school that's for sure.

Heh, well, as I've seen pictures captioned on usmc.mil, it's always been something to the effect of "the Force Recon platoon assigned to 26th MEU(SOC)" or "the 31st MEU(SOC)'s Force Reconnaissance platoon."

But I haven't served in the Marine Corps yet, I just want to be a Recon Marine :P , so don't take my word for it.

[tthiel]

What was your MOS?

What gets me is the marines always trying to outdo army to set themselves apart and then blow smoke up peoples ass about it.

The vast majority of Marines I served with were not like this at all. Those who were were usually just immature or felt that they had something to prove. I think the same can be said of the Army or any other branch of service. Perhaps you've had different experiences than I have, though.

Don't want to change the facts, but are there any marines in Iraq now (I really don't know)? It seems that army and national guard, who are scheduled to take over the active for the rest of the time there, are taking more hits, which also tells me they are more on the streets and on the front lines.

There are still some, though many have been withdrawn. Part of the reason the Army is in "more" action is due to the parts of Iraq they are operating in. The Marines were operating south of Baghdad, which appears to be a safer area for Americans to be in. Also, one must remember that at the height of the war, there were 4 or 5 times as many soldiers in Iraq as there were Marines.

The Marine Corps and the Army, while similar, have different missions.

The Army's mission is:


(1)preserving the peace and security, and providing for the defense, of the United States, the Territories, Commonwealths, and possessions, and any areas occupied by the United States;
(2) supporting the national policies;
(3) implementing the national objectives; and
(4) overcoming any nations responsible for aggressive acts that imperil the peace and security of the United States.
- U.S. Code 10 B I 307 sec3062

The Marine Corps Mission:


The Marine Corps shall be organized, trained, and equipped to provide fleet marine forces of combined arms, together with supporting air components, for service with the fleet in the seizure or defense of advanced naval bases and for the conduct of such land operations as may be essential to the prosecution of a naval campaign. In addition, the Marine Corps shall provide detachments and organizations for service on armed vessels of the Navy, shall provide security detachments for the protection of naval property at naval stations and bases, and shall perform such other duties as the President may direct.

US Code 10 C I 507 sec. 5063.

The Marine Corps has never been meant to undertake long land campaigns or occupy territory. The Marines go in, take care of business, and get out to prepare for the next time action is needed.

[tthiel]

I was an active duty Marine for 12 years discharged due to combat injuries from Beirut and would never think of joining another branch. Having said that I have seen prior Marines in SF and Ranger units.

Well, I was an active duty Marine for 4 years, and I certainly don't look down on people who choose a different branch. Hell, if I was to do it all over I'd probably go Army and try for SF. I think it all depends on the individual. There are some things about being a Marine that will stick with me for good, but arrogance isn't one of them.

[tthiel]

You have no idea what you are talking about. Name one instance of "SpecOps" (whatever that is) "rescuing" Marines in an embassy. I was an embassy guard and later NCOIC of a a Marine detachent guarding several embassys. I know the history of embassy guards quite well. In Beirut we had to rescue SF units training the Lebanese Army btw because they were getting their asses kicked. Read some history before you shoot your mouth off.

Without a doubt the Marines have the Army beat in the PR department. There is never an instance of the Marines being the "quiet professionals". The Marines are very quick to hype the 911 force bull*hit. When truth is told its usually SpecOps that get there first or to "rescue" Marines in embassies. The rivalry does have a negative aspect concerning the equipment side. Both sides are leery of projects that the other service is developing or using. This is crazy. The Marines and the Army both have some good kit that the other side won't touch because it's tainted with a globe-n-eagle or US ARMY stamped on it. It's a shame. When it comes down to it I wouldn't want to be on the other side of either the Marines or the Army.

[tthiel]

Doesn't look like anyone "won" Baghdad. The word "quagmire" comes to mind.

"Who won Baghdad"
Air Force ;)

[Ratamacue]

tthiel, some good info you're giving us, but please try to make one post at a time if possible.

[tthiel]

I refused to get wings pinned on or to run the gauntlet. Some other people did too but not that many. Uusally people are drunk when that goes on.

Is that the thing about getting wings "pinned"? Don't tolerate that crap. It's stupid.

When I was promoted from Private to PFC, I had to "run the gauntlet" - every Marine in my platoon who outranked me was given a chance to slug me in the arm. I didn't like that at all. When I was promoted to Lance Corporal, I was expected to do the same thing. I told the platoon, NCOs included, that they were welcome to hit me, but that I would hit them back. They quickly lost interest in the ritual. Granted, I was bigger than most of them. :D

[tthiel]

1977-1990

Who here has actually been in the Marines?

[tthiel]

Yeah retention rate for the Marine Corps is very low. When I was in the retention rates for the Air Force were very high and Navy very low...dunno whats changed.

The Marine recruiters seem to basically ride on the opportunity to "claim the title Marine" instead of things like benefits, money, tuition assistance etc. Although it is a great thing to have such an intangible that nobody can take away from you, it is very interesting to me how many either only stay in for one enlistment or would join another service if they could do it again. The retention rate for the Marines is about 16-18%, the Army is about 26%, Air Force around 58% and the Navy is about 80%. Those numbers are a testiment to quality of life, job, and all around satisfaction of those who serve in their respective services.

[tthiel]

Well unless somethings changed STA platoons are in every Battalion. I was in STA in several different Battalions.


Does froce recon work on a Battalion or regimental level?

Force Reconnaissance is organized into companies, and assigned to a Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF-which is roughly the size of a US Army Corps). There are currently two active duty units (1st & 2nd) and two reserve (3rd & 4th). 3rd & 4th are both assigned to the 4th Marine Division (a reserve unit) and their teams are used to augment the active companies.

Individual platoons are assigned to deploying MEU (SOC), or MEB. Normally a Direct Action Platoon (DAP) makes up the main component of a Maritime Special Purpose Force (MSPF). A Deep Recon Platoon (DRP) will handle the units strategic recon or LRRP type missions. All Force Recon Marines are both HALO and SCUBA qualified.

The III MEF does not have a Force Recon Company assigned to it. It's former FR Co. (5th Force Recon), was disbanded at its personnel assigned to the 3rd Recon Battalion as a DRP or to one of the units SCUBA teams.

Reconnaisance Battalions are assigned to each Marine division (1st - 4th). Individual platoons are assigned to MEU (SOC) or deployed infantry battalions to handle tactical recon missions. Each Recon Battalion company is required to maintain a number of airborne and SCUBA qualified teams.

At one time the Divisional Recon Battalions were disbanded and broken up into either Regimental Recon Companies or the Division Recon Company. They they were reformed and active duty Force Recon companies were disbanded and absorbed. Within the last year or so they have reverted back to their origianl structure.

STA paltoons (Scout/Snipers) are assigned to each MEU (SOC) and each Marine infantry regiment. Each FR team has a Scout/Sniper qualified Marine assinged to it. Each Recon Battalion has a platoon of Scout/Snipers.

The new Anti-Terrorism Battalion (AT-BN) and each FAST company have Designated Marksmen and Scout/Snipers assigned to them.

[tthiel]

Huh? I'm responding to other posts.

tthiel, some good info you're giving us, but please try to make one post at a time if possible.

[Ratamacue]

That's cool, but compress all your responses into one post, it makes everything much easier to read.

[James]

tthiel,

I was an 0311.

I know a guy who (after enlisting in the USMCR for 4th Force) went to recruit training in '98 or '99, then SOI. He did the Force indoc while at SOI, and upon graduation he went to BRC, jump school, dive school, free fall school, and SERE school, all back to back. He was on active duty for 2 or more years, and was most recently over in the sandbox. His MOS is 0321.

I believe that SF and the Army Airborne unit stationed in Vicenza, Italy (what were they called before they were the 173rd? Was it the 325th?) took care of business at our embassy in Liberia in 1996, when the deployed ARG was doing something elsewhere.

[molsen]

That's cool, but compress all your responses into one post, it makes everything much easier to read.

Until you ARE a Marine, don't tell one what to do. SHUT UP!!

[tthiel]

03 walkalot. Me too. Also 0321, 8541, 8621, and 0231. Three or four pages of schools in my SRB. Medically discharged as a GySgt after 12 years in. Went to the University of Illinois, got a B.S. in Computer Science and am now a Technical Architect. I'm glad I got out when I did even though I had always planned on making it a career. The 173rd was reactivated after many years of being a retired unit. I think they were deactivated after Vietnam.

tthiel,

I was an 0311.

I know a guy who (after enlisting in the USMCR for 4th Force) went to recruit training in '98 or '99, then SOI. He did the Force indoc while at SOI, and upon graduation he went to BRC, jump school, dive school, free fall school, and SERE school, all back to back. He was on active duty for 2 or more years, and was most recently over in the sandbox. His MOS is 0321.

I believe that SF and the Army Airborne unit stationed in Vicenza, Italy (what were they called before they were the 173rd? Was it the 325th?) took care of business at our embassy in Liberia in 1996, when the deployed ARG was doing something elsewhere.

[11F5S]

"SpecOps" (whatever that is) ".

Let me give you a hand in helping you cure your ignorance of Special Operations.

http://www.dtic.mil/tempsocom/index.html

Sorry but unless your have clearance you can't get past the door of that one.

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/dod/socom.htm

http://www.soc.mil/default.htm

http://www.afsoc.af.mil/index2.shtml

https://www.navsoc.navy.mil/

[FallenAngel]

That's cool, but compress all your responses into one post, it makes everything much easier to read.

Until you ARE a Marine, don't tell one what to do. SHUT UP!!

Wow...you really shame the Corps by talking like that. Maybe we should have James come and say the same thing to him- maybe that will cool your jets.

Besides Ratamacue is right...it IS alot easier to read as one post. :roll:

[NcDeuce]

:petting: