The long-running Basic Reconnaissance Course is being replaced by two new programs meant to train Recon Marines.

The Marine Corps has restructured its reconnaissance training pipeline to ensure new Marines arrive at units with a stronger infantry foundation. Instead of Marine Combat Training, reconnaissance ...

Cpl. Jacob Carpenter, a reconnaissance Marine, simulates attacking a target through a window while rappelling in Okinawa, Japan. (Lance Cpl. Carl King Jr./Marine Corps) Freshly minted reconnaissance ...

The Marine Corps has replaced its long-standing Basic Reconnaissance Course with two specialized programs — the Ground Reconnaissance Course and the Amphibious Reconnaissance Course — to better align ...

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Carlos A. Ruiz, the 20th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, visits Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 3, 2026. During Ruiz’s visit, he attended the 2-26 ...

Marines from the 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, spot simulated personnel for retrieval operations on a multi-mission reconnaissance craft–alpha variant, ...

U.S. Marines with Apache Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, conduct a reconnaissance patrol during Exercise Steel Knight 25 at San Clemente Island, California, Dec. 8, ...