3rd Reconnaissance Battalion (United States)

The 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, commonly referred to as 3rd Recon, is an elite reconnaissance unit of the United States Marine Corps. It is based at Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, and falls under the command of the 3rd Marine Division.

Mission

3rd Recon's primary mission is to conduct amphibious and ground reconnaissance, surveillance, and battlefield shaping operations in support of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) commander. This includes providing intelligence, identifying key terrain, and locating enemy forces. They are often employed in advance of conventional forces to gather information and prepare the battlefield.

Organization

The battalion is typically composed of:

• Headquarters and Service Company (H&S Company)
• Reconnaissance Companies (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie)

Each reconnaissance company is further divided into reconnaissance platoons, which are the basic operating units. These platoons are highly trained in a variety of skills, including:

• Amphibious operations
• Ground reconnaissance
• Surveillance
• Close quarters combat
• Demolitions
• Communications

History

3rd Reconnaissance Battalion has a distinguished history, participating in numerous conflicts, including World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf War, the Iraq War, and operations in Afghanistan. The unit has earned numerous awards and commendations for its service.

Selection and Training

Becoming a Marine Reconnaissance Marine is a highly selective process. Candidates must meet strict physical and mental requirements. The selection process often includes:

• Initial Screening and Physical Fitness Test
• Reconnaissance Indoctrination Program (RIP)
• Basic Reconnaissance Course (BRC)

These courses are designed to test candidates' physical and mental endurance, as well as their ability to learn and apply reconnaissance skills. Successful graduates of these courses are highly skilled and capable of operating in demanding environments.