Force Recon | 22nd MEU

A Marine assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22nd MEU) Force Reconnaissance Platoon peers through the optics on his M4A1 carbine during a helicopter raid exercise, 2011.

Note the infrared strobe fitted atop the Marine's helmet.

A MEU's Force Recon Platoon (FRP) is part of its organic special operations capability.

6-man Reconnaissance teams from the FRP typically carry out deep reconnaissance, reporting to the MEU Commander.

The FRP can also carry out small scale, limited duration Direct Action (DA) missions such as Maritime Interdication Operations.

When this photo was taken, the 22nd MEU was deployed as part of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (BATARG) as the U.S. Central Command theater reserve force.