USMC Force Recon, Invasion of Iraq

This display shows an equipment as worn by Force Recon Marines during the invasion of Iraq. They conducted reconnaissances, assault, hunt for high value targets, as needed for Marine Air-Ground Task Force.

One of few known photos of Force Recon during the invasion. Image source unknown.

This display shows an equipment wore by Force Recon.

-Desert camouflage SARATOGA suit.

-MICH helmet with NVG mount.

-Full Spectrum Battle Equipment (FSBE): The kit specifically designed for the Force Recon. It includes Amphibious Assault Vest, leg panel, pouches for ammo, frag, flashbang, individual first aid kit, etc.

-Safariland holster for M45 MEUSOC pistol (Recon’s variant of 1911), they typically would have extended magazines for it.

-Breaching equipment: Force Recon utilized various of breaching equipment such as Halligan tool or sledgehammer. (For this display, went with sledgehammer). They used DIY breacher tool holder- made of PVC pipe, duct tape, and zip ties.

One of few known photos of Force Recon during the invasion. Note the Interim Fast Attack Vehicle (IFAV), a military variant of Mercedes-Benz’s G-wagon. Image source unknown.
One of few known photos of Force Recon during the invasion. Image source unknown.
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About Jeremy Albright

Avid military historian and collector, focusing on Global War on Terror. Also a volunteer at American Armory Museum (as Desert Storm-GWOT exhibit specialist and Graphic Designer)

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