What exactly does recon do?

Question

I'm thinking about joining the Marines and one of the areas that I am least familiar with is Recon. What exactly is it? I know that it's kinda like scouting out the area but i've also heard of Force RECON which I am clueless about. I know the swimming requirements are more extreme (the recruiter I went to said that there are several different stages of the swimming test that you have to pass. Examples he said were picking up a weight at the bottom of a deep pool then bringing it up and swimming with it on your chest) A great uncle of mine was Recon in Vietnam but i've only met him a few times and didn't think to bring up Vietnam with him. So anyways what does RECON do?

Answer 1

Often referred to as recce /ˈre.ki/ (British & Commonwealth) or recon (USA), the associated verb is reconnoitre in British English or reconnoiter in American English.

Reconnaissance seeks to collect information about an enemy. This includes types of enemy units, locations, numbers, and intentions or activity. A number of acronyms exist for the information to be gathered – mainly coined by the US – including salt (size, activity, location, and time), salute (size, activity, location, unit, time, and equipment), sam & doc (strength, armament, movement, deployment, organization, and communications). Thus reconnaissance is a fundamental tactic which helps to build an intelligence picture.

Some military elements tasked with reconnaissance are armed only for self-defence, and rely on stealth to gather information. Others are well-enough armed to also deny information from the enemy by destroying their reconnaissance elements.

Reconnaissance in force (RIF) is a type of military operation used specifically to probe an enemy's disposition. By mounting an offensive with considerable (but not decisive) force, the commander hopes to elicit a strong reaction by the enemy that reveals its own strength, deployment, and other tactical data. The RIF commander retains the option to fall back with the data or expand the conflict into a full engagement.

Reconnaissance by fire (or speculative fire, 'spec fire') is a tactic which applies a similar principle. When not trying to be stealthy, reconnaissance units may fire on likely enemy positions to provoke a reaction.

Answer 2

I want you to think of the craziest Marines you've ever heard of. Well they are about 10 times crazier than that. Think ultra crazy Navy Seals on steroids. Think Human tanks.

You better be ready should you choose this path. :) I know some of those guys, I've trained with some of those guys. You had better be a really good athlete

What does RECON do? Why they Reconointer the area where the fighting is going to be, ahead of the gung ho Marines behind em.

Answer 3

Any male Marine wishing to obtain the reconnaissance military occupational specialty, 0321, must be a United States citizen and releasable by their MOS monitor. The Marines must meet the following basic requirements: have a general technical score of 105 or higher on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, obtain a first class score on the physical fitness test, possess a combat water survival 1 qualification, be eligible for a secret clearance, have no page 12 entries in their service record book and have a minimum of 18 months remaining on current enlistment contract upon completion of the basic reconnaissance course.

more here

Answer 4

Recon is short for reconnaissance. This is a special school for those Marines that show a desire to achieve even more then their fellow Marines. Force Recon Marines are some of the toughest smartest and well disciplined service men anywhere. They are used for very elite and secret missions, generally behind enemy lines. A good Recon team will get behind enemy lines accomplish their mission and never fire a bullet. The point of Recon is for them to be feared by the enemy as ghost.,We see you, but you never knew we were there! It is the hardest school to make dude, dropout rate is very high, but it takes big balls just to want to try. Good luck!

Answer 5

Recon is the first ones that are sent in an area to check for the enemy. It is one of, if not the, most dangerous jobs in the military.

Answer 6

You are the first one to scope at an area that more than likely is inhabited by the enemy army...You go in there and get info to relay back to HQ.

Answer 7

Don't think this is correct

Answer 8

Thank you everyone for answering