Reconnaissance
U.S. Marine Reconnaissance units are tasked with providing their commanders with information about their operational area. Their missions usually focus on specific information requirements which, due to their changing or unique nature, cannot be obtained by means other than putting a man on the ground to observe and report. Recon Marines are, by nature, capable of independent action in support of the larger unit's mission.
Similar in characteristics to Navy SEALs and Army Rangers, Recon Marines complement, rather than replace the other services "special" operational forces. In cooperation with these special operations forces, the deployed Marine units (including Recon support) provide a commander with a range of options. Marine Recon retains the basic focus as a supporting component of the combined arms Marine Air/Ground Task Force, constantly forward-deployed in the security interests of the United States.
