Force Reconnaissance Battalion (Philippines)

Marine Force Reconnaissance Battalion

Official patch of the PMC Force Recon Bn
Active April 18, 1995 - Present
Country Philippines Philippines
Branch Philippine Marine Corps
Type Special Forces
Role Airborne Operations, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Domestic Counter-Terrorism, Raids
Size Classified
Part of Under the Philippine Marine Corps serving as its Special Operations Arm.
Garrison/HQ Marine Barracks, Bonifacio Naval Base, Makati City
Nickname(s) Force Recon
Motto(s) Recon
Mascot Lightning & Dagger
Anniversaries April 18
Engagements Anti-guerilla operations against the New People's Army and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front

Anti-terrorist operations against the Abu Sayyaf
Operation Enduring Freedom - Philippines, International Peace Support and Humanitarian Relief Operations, UN Operations
Decorations Presidential Streamer Award
Commanders
Current
commander		 LTC Ruben Candelario PN M (GSC)
Notable
commanders		 ESGN Edgardo Espinoza PN (M), LTC Ariel Querubin PN M (GSC), 1LT Custodio Parcon PN (M), MAJOR Natalio C. Ecarma PN (M),
Insignia
Marine Force Recon Qualification Badge
Military Scuba Diver Badge
Naval Parachutist Badge

The Philippine Marine Corps Force Recon Battalion (Marine Corps Recon) is the Philippine Marine Corps' elite ground forces unit for unconventional warfare and special operations. It specialises in sea, air and land operations, like its counterpart in the Naval Special Warfare Group of the Philippine Navy, ranging from reconnaissance, close combat, demolition, intelligence and underwater operations in support to the overall naval operations.[1]

Mission

As the spearhead of the Philippine Armed Forces, Marines of the Marine Corps are "the first to fight" and elements of the Marine Corps Force Reconnaissance Battalion lead the way.[2]

What makes it different from the Naval Special Warfare Group is that it utilizes strategies and tactics mastered by the Philippine Army's 1st Scout Ranger Regiment and Special Forces units.

They also make use of mechanised operations in support of other AFP combat operations as specially inclined with the conduct of special and classified military actions.

All Force Recon Marines are usually airborne and Scout Ranger qualified and most importantly; must finish the Force Reconnaissance Course to qualify.[3]

Like most of the AFP special operations units, the best members of Force Recon Battalion are handpicked to undergo VIP security training and assigned to the Presidential Security Group.

See also

References

Citations

Bibliography

External links

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