Force Reconnaissance Group
Philippine Marine Corps' elite ground forces unit
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Force Reconnaissance Group, formerly known as the Force Recon Battalion or FRBn and as the Marine Special Operations Group (MSOG),[1][2] is the Philippine Marine Corps' elite special forces unit for unconventional warfare and special operations.
| 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 |  |
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
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, COL ROMMEL B BOGÑALBAL PN(M) was installed as the commander of the unit.[6]
Training
MSOG operators are usually airborne and Scout Ranger 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
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
The FRG is known to use M4 carbines with M203 grenade launchers and the Glock 21 with the M134 minigun for fire support.[10]
