2nd Reconnaissance Battalion | Beach Recon

Recon Marines with the 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, pull security, having come ashore during an amphibious landing exercise as part of Exercise Bold Alligator 14.

The Reconnaissance Platoon assigned to a Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Battalion Landing Team (BLT) are trained to insert via amphibious methods - small boat, SCUBA, diver propulsion vehicle (DPV) and swimming - onto a beach earmarked for a landing by other BLT elements.

Recon teams may carry out hydrographic surveys to test the beach and its approaches for use by the BLT's various boats and vehicles.

They will scout the beach then move out into the hinterland to ascertain the strength and disposition of any enemy forces in the area.

Information gathered by Reconnaissance Marines is used by BLT planners to make timely decisions on how to deploy their forces.