Marine Special Operations Group
Official patch of the PMC Force Recon Bn
ActiveApril 18, 1995 - present
CountryPhilippines Philippines
BranchPhilippine Marine Corps
TypeSpecial Operations Forces
Size500 (2004)[1]
Part ofSpecial Operations Command (Philippines) and Philippine Marine Corps
Garrison/HQMarine Barracks, Bonifacio Naval Base, Makati
Nickname(s)Force Recon
Motto(s)Swift, Silent, Deadly
Mascot(s)Lightning & Dagger
AnniversariesApril 18
Engagements
DecorationsPresidential Streamer Award
Commanders
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

The Marine Special Operations Group (also known as the Force Reconnaissance Group), formerly known as the Force Recon Battalion or FRBn,[1] is the Philippine Marine Corps' elite special forces unit for unconventional warfare and special operations.

It specializes in sea, air and land operations, like its counterpart in the Naval Special Operations Command of the Philippine Navy, ranging from reconnaissance, close combat, demolition, intelligence and underwater operations in support to the overall naval operations.[2]

History

The MARSOG was established in the 1950s as the Scout Raider Platoon.[1] On August 19, 1972, which was first known as the 1st Reconnaissance Unit, Recon Company.[3]

In 1985, it was reformed as the 61st Marine (Recon) Company.[1]

As part of the ongoing expansion and modernization of the entire Armed Forces, the FRBn was officially renamed in April 2018 as the Marine Special Operations Group. Plans are ongoing to expand the unit's capabilities.[4]

Training

MSOG operators are usually airborne and Scout Ranger qualified and most importantly; must finish the Force Reconnaissance Course to qualify.[2] They also undergo Jungle Environment Survival Training.[5]

Training lasts for six months, which is followed by a test mission, which is usually a combat operation.[6] 60 prospective Marine candidates are usually in these courses.[7]

Organization

References

  1. ^ a b c d https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a429856.pdf
  2. ^ a b "Philippine Marine Corps Force Recon Battalion | ShadowSpear". www.shadowspear.com. Archived from the original on 2014-03-20.
  3. ^ "Force Recon Battalion". Archived from the original on 2008-02-22.
  4. ^ Panayam kina Capt. Jandusay PN at 1Lt. Serapio PN (M) ukol sa Marines Special Operations Group. YouTube. Archived from the original on 2021-12-11.
  5. ^ https://www.marines.mil/News/News-Display/Article/621805/philippine-us-recon-marines-learn-to-survive-in-the-jungle-during-phiblex-2015/
  6. ^ https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/57064/elite-unit-s-students-in-basilan-clash-now-graduates-marine-chief/story
  7. ^ https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a509218.pdf
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