VSW-MCM

[Jack Ryan]

I asked this question on the Force Recon page, but did not get an answer. I was wondering if anybody on this page would have any info.

I was reading on the site about the Very Shallow Water Mine Countermeasure unit that is a joint effort of the Seals, EOD, and the Marines.

My question is this: Are the Marines that are part of this unit Recon Marines or is it a MOS that Marines ask for.

Does anybody know anything about this.

Thanks - Jack Ryan

[bmf]

The VSW team has marines from Force Recon.
(Last I heard, the "Force" designator has gone away and now it's just called "Recon".)
These guys are trained up, motivated, and have a wide knowledge base. Total professionals down to the bone.
Coupled with the SEALs expertise in shallow water non-permissive environments as well as EOD's demo, non-mag diving, ordnance, and marine mammal background, they bring a full plate to the table.

[Jack Ryan]

Thanks for the info BMF.

Jack Ryan

[SSD]

BMF,

You must be an East Coast guy. The Force designator has disappeared out there. Just to clarify, currently 2ND Force Recon and 2ND Recon BN are now united under a single unit called a Reconnaissance Battalion. All other Recon units remain the same.

1st Force Reconnaissance Company Camp Pendleton, CA

1st Recon Company (soon to be 1st Recon BN again) Camp Pendleton, CA

2ND Recon BN (includes 2ND Force) Camp Lejune, NC

5th Force Recon BN, Okinawa

3RD Recon BN, Okinawa

4th Recon BN, 3RD Force Recon and 4th Force Recon are Reserve units located through out the US.

[bmf]

Actually I'm a west coast/oversea's kinda guy. I've worked with 5th Force and the 31st MEU a lot and remember talking with them about it. They didn't seem real happy about it (possible change to just "recon")and I can't say I blame them.