The Marine Special Operations Group (also known as the Force Reconnaissance Group), formerly known as the Force Recon Battalion or FRBn,[1] is the Philippine Marine Corps' elite special forces unit for unconventional warfare and special operations.
| Marine Special Operations Group | |
|---|---|
 Official patch of the PMC Force Recon Bn | |
| Active | April 18, 1995 - present |
| Country |  Philippines |
| Branch | Philippine Marine Corps |
| Type | Special Operations Forces |
| Size | 500 (2004)[1] |
| Part of | Special Operations Command (Philippines) and Philippine Marine Corps |
| Garrison/HQ | Marine Barracks, Bonifacio Naval Base, Makati |
| Nickname(s) | Force Recon |
| Motto(s) | Swift, Silent, Deadly |
| Mascot(s) | Lightning & Dagger |
| Anniversaries | April 18 |
| Engagements |
|
| Decorations | Presidential Streamer Award |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
|
| Insignia | |
| Marine Force Recon Qualification Badge | |
| Naval Parachutist Badge |  |
It specializes in sea, air and land operations, like its counterpart in the Naval Special Operations Command of the Philippine Navy, ranging from reconnaissance, close combat, demolition, intelligence and underwater operations in support to the overall naval operations.[2]
History edit
The MARSOG was established in the 1950s as the Scout Raider Platoon.[1] On August 19, 1972, which was first known as the 1st Reconnaissance Unit, Recon Company.[3]
In 1985, it was reformed as the 61st Marine (Recon) Company.[1]
As part of the ongoing expansion and modernization of the entire Armed Forces, the FRBn was officially renamed in April 2018 as the Marine Special Operations Group. Plans are ongoing to expand the unit's capabilities.[4]
Training edit
MSOG operators are usually airborne and Scout Ranger qualified, and most importantly they must finish the Force Reconnaissance Course to qualify.[2] They also undergo Jungle Environment Survival Training.[5]
Training lasts for six months, which is followed by a test mission, which is usually a combat operation.[6] 60 prospective Marine candidates are usually in these courses.[7]
Organization edit
- HQ and Training Company
- Four Recon Companies
- 61st Reconnaissance Company
- 62nd Reconnaissance Company
- 63rd Reconnaissance Company
- 64th Reconnaissance Company
References edit
- ^ a b c d https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a429856.pdf
- ^ a b "Philippine Marine Corps Force Recon Battalion | ShadowSpear". www.shadowspear.com. Archived from the original on 2014-03-20.
- ^ "Force Recon Battalion". Archived from the original on 2008-02-22.
- ^ Panayam kina Capt. Jandusay PN at 1Lt. Serapio PN (M) ukol sa Marines Special Operations Group. YouTube. Archived from the original on 2021-12-11.
- ^ "Philippine, US Recon Marines learn to survive in the jungle during PHIBLEX 2015". United States Marine Corps Flagship. Retrieved 2024-03-21.
- ^ "Elite unit's 'students' in Basilan clash now graduates - Marine chief". GMA News Online. 2007-08-21. Retrieved 2024-03-21.
- ^ https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a509218.pdf
