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Historically the first ones into battle literally, Marine Corps Force Reconnaissance go into a country before the US actually declares war to do deep reconnaissance and send vital intelligence back to the United States to send in the Army and Marine Corps.
Force Recon surveys everything from the land to troop strength and position in an area before sending in a battalion, Force Recon was responsible for surveying the area around the compound where Osama Bin Laden was killed, even though they were not credited for it >_>. but such is the nature of Special Forces.
Force Recon has two types of Operations. Green Operations which is the principal mission of Force Recon, to collect any pertinent intelligence of military importance, observe, identify and report adversaries to MAGTF commanders.
The second type of operation, Black operations are the missions that require direct action They are the opposite of green operations missions, where the Force Recon operators basically do the same job as other Special operations outfits. Depending on the situation and the target location, Fore Recon operators usually conduct direct action missions within the artillery and naval gun support fan; these operations demonstrate "small-scale" shock and awe. examples of Black operations are, the seizures and occupation of gas/oil platforms, the Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure of ships during Maritime Interdiction Operations, as well as orchestrating close air support, Force Recon operators forward observe from static positions and spider holes for artillery and naval gunfire support, or ordnance and payload delivery.
They also provide Personal Security Detail for critically important personnel. They are capable of performing In-Extremis Hostage Rescue but this is no longer a Force Recon mission. The Maritime Special Purpose Force are designed for IHR missions for the MEF's subordinate Marine Expeditionary Unit in its stead.
