USMC Special Operations Photo - 3rd Recon - M249E3
U.S.M. C. photo by Lance C pl. Timothy Parish
A Marine from 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion (3rd Recon), in support of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), armed with a M249 Para whilst on operations in Iraq, 2007.
The M249 Para has a telescopic stock and shortened barrel, compared to the full-size M249 SAW.
Reconnaissance Marines with the Recon Battalions specialise in close-in reconnaissance operations, reporting to the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Ground Combat Element.
They train extensively in amphibious operations such as small boat ops and combat diving.
