Force Reconnaissance Group
| Force Reconnaissance Group | |
|---|---|
 Official FRG insignia | |
| Active | April 18, 1995 - present |
| Country |  Philippines |
| Branch | Philippine Marine Corps |
| Type | Special Operations Forces |
| Size | 500 (2004)[1] |
| Part of | AFP Joint Special Operations Command and Philippine Marine Corps |
| Garrison/HQ | Marine Barracks, Bonifacio Naval Base, Makati |
| Nickname | Force Recon |
| Mottos | Swift, Silent, Deadly |
| Mascots | Lightning & Dagger |
| Anniversaries | April 18 |
| Engagements |
|
| Decorations | Presidential Streamer Award |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
|
| Naval Parachutist Badge |  |
The Force Reconnaissance Regiment, formerly known as the Force Recon Battalion or FRBn and as the Marine Special Operations Group (MARSOG),[1][2] is the Philippine Marine Corps' premiere ground force 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.[3]
History
[edit]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.[4]
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.[5] The MSOG was eventually renamed as the Force Reconnaissance Group on July 31, 2018.[2]
In 2024, Rommel B. Bogñalbal PN(M) was installed as the commander of the unit.[6]
Training
[edit]MSOG operators are usually Basic Airborne Course and Scout Ranger Course qualified, and most importantly they must finish the Force Reconnaissance Course to qualify.[3] They also undergo Jungle Environment Survival Training.[7]
Training lasts for six months, which is followed by a test mission, which is usually a combat operation.[8] 60 prospective Marine candidates are usually in these courses.[9]
Organization
[edit]The unit is organized to the following:[8]
- HQ and Training Company
- Four Recon Companies
- 61st Reconnaissance Company
- 62nd Reconnaissance Company
- 63rd Reconnaissance Company
- 64th Reconnaissance Company
Equipment
[edit]The FRG is known to use M4 carbines with M203 grenade launchers and the Glock 21 with the M134 minigun for fire support.[10]
References
[edit]- 1 2 3 4 Lastimado, Antonio R.; Rojas, Arturo G. (December 2004). "The Armed Force of the Philippines and Special Operations" (PDF). Monterey, CA: Naval Postgraduate School.
- 1 2 https://www.marinecorps.mil.ph/marine-forces
- 1 2 "Philippine Marine Corps Force Recon Battalion | ShadowSpear". www.shadowspear.com. Archived from the original on 2014-03-20.
- ↑ "Force Recon Battalion". Archived from the original on 2024-12-15. Retrieved 2022-07-20.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ https://www.marinecorps.mil.ph/journals/force-reconnaissance-group-welcomes-new-commander
- ↑ "Philippine, US Recon Marines learn to survive in the jungle during PHIBLEX 2015". United States Marine Corps Flagship. Retrieved 2024-03-21.
- 1 2 "Elite unit's 'students' in Basilan clash now graduates - Marine chief". GMA News Online. 2007-08-21. Retrieved 2024-03-21.
- ↑ Hernandez, Eugenio V. (2009). Assessing the Parameters for Determining Mission Accomplishment of the Philippine Marine Corps in Internal Security Operations (PDF). Quantico, VA: United States Marine Corps, Command and Staff College.
- ↑ "citemar6-midyear-issue-2019.pdf" (PDF). Philippine Marine Corps - MOST READY. Retrieved 19 September 2025.
