2ND RECON

• Origins in World War II: The roots of what would become 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion (2nd Recon) trace back to the elite Marine Scout-Sniper Platoons that played vital roles in the island-hopping campaigns of the Pacific. • Official Activation: 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion was officially activated on January 1, 1958, at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. • Cold War Missions: During the Cold War, 2nd Recon conducted specialized reconnaissance and surveillance operations in support of the 2nd Marine Division and participated in numerous amphibious exercises. • Invasion of Grenada: In 1983, elements of 2nd Recon participated in Operation Urgent Fury, the invasion of Grenada, conducting reconnaissance and pathfinding missions for follow-on forces. • Gulf War Operations: During Operation Desert Storm in 1991, 2nd Recon conducted deep reconnaissance and direct action missions behind enemy lines in Kuwait and Iraq. • Iraq and Afghanistan Deployments: 2nd Recon deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan, performing a wide range of special operations, including route reconnaissance, raids, and intelligence gathering. • HALO/HAHO Expertise: 2nd Recon Marines are trained in High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) and High Altitude High Opening (HAHO) parachute insertions, making them among the most skilled parachutists in the Marine Corps. • Force Recon Roots: Several members and leaders from 2nd Recon have transitioned to Marine Force Recon and Marine Raiders (MARSOC), reflecting the unit's tradition of elite skills and leadership. • Famed Motto: The battalion’s motto is “Swift, Silent, Deadly,” reflecting their focus on stealth, speed, and lethality. • Notable Alumni: Medal of Honor recipient Sergeant Dakota Meyer served with 2nd Recon before his heroic actions in Afghanistan made him a household name.