Marine Special Operations Group
The Marine Special Operations Group, formerly known as the Force Recon Battalion, is the 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 Operations Group of the Philippine Navy, ranging from reconnaissance, close combat, demolition, intelligence and underwater operations in support to the overall naval operations.[1]
| Marine Special Operations Group | |
|---|---|
 Official patch of the PMC Force Recon Bn | |
| Active | April 18, 1995 - Present |
| Country |  |
| Branch | Philippine Marine Corps |
| Type | Marine Special Forces |
| Role | Special operations Direct action Counter-terrorism Special reconnaissance Unconventional warfare Hostage rescue Foreign internal defense Airborne Operations Explosive Ordnance Disposal |
| Part of | Under the Philippine Marine Corps serving as its Special Operations Arm. |
| Garrison/HQ | Marine Barracks, Bonifacio Naval Base, Makati City |
| Nickname(s) | Force Recon |
| Motto(s) | Recon |
| Mascot(s) | 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, International Peace Support and Humanitarian Relief Operations, UN Operations 2017 Marawi crisis |
| 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 | |
| Marine Force Recon Qualification Badge | |
| Naval Parachutist Badge |  |
Mission
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.[2]
What makes it different from the Naval Special Operations Group is that it utilizes strategies and tactics mastered by the Philippine Army's 1st Scout Ranger Regiment and Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) 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.[3]
Like most of the AFP special operations units, the best members of Force Recon Battalion are handpicked to undergo VIP security training and assigned to the Presidential Security Group.
As part of the ongoing expansion and modernization of the entire Armed Forces, the FRB was officially renamed in April 2018 as the Marine Special Operations Group. Plans are ongoing to expand the unit's capabilities.[4]