| Marine Force Reconnaissance Battalion | |
|---|---|
Official patch of the PMC Force Recon Bn |
|
| Active | April 18, 1995 - Present |
| Country | Philippines |
| Branch | Philippine Navy |
| Type | Special Forces |
| Role | Airborne Operations, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Domestic Counter-Terrorism, Raids |
| Size | 3 companies. Total is 800 soldiers. |
| Part of | Under the Philippine Marine Corps serving as its Special Operations Arm. |
| Garrison/HQ | Marine Barracks, Bonifacio Naval Base, Makati City |
| Nickname | Force Recon |
| Motto | 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 |
| 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 | |
| Unit Patch | Force Recon Patch |
The Philippine Marine Corps Force Recon Battalion (Marine Force Recon) is the Philippine Naval Fleet's/ 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.
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.
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.
Like most of the AFP special operations units, the best members of Force Recon Battalion are handpicked to undergo VIP security training and is further assigned with the Presidential Security Group.