Marine Recon

To Hell and back: The 2019 Marine Raider Competition

On June 12, Marines from across the Marine Corps’ special operations units gathered in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, to participate in the 2019 Marine Raider Competition.

Six teams, each comprised of six spec ops Marines, competed for the glory of being awarded the title of best Marine Raider. The six teams hailed from the 1^st Marine Raider Battalion (1^st MRB), 2^nd Marine Raider Battalion (2^nd MRB), 3^rd Marine Raider Battalion (3^rd MRB), the Marine Raider Training Center (MRTC), and the 2^nd Reconnaissance Battalion, respectively.

“The endurance coupled with the strength needed for some of the events was one of the most taxing parts of the competition,” said a Marine Raider with the MRTC team, who also serves as an assessment and selection (A&S) land navigation instructor, in a statement to DVIDS. “Trying to pace ourselves and make sure we were maintaining hydration throughout the events while pushing through all the aches and pains was the most mentally straining aspect.”

The biggest challenge of the competition was a 15-mile ruck march peppered with various tasks and tests. The teams had to conduct stress shooting, breaching tests, casualty evacuation, paddling in Zodiac inflatable boats, and rappelling. Throughout the multiple events, each competitor carried a rucksack weighing a minimum of 45 pounds, plus their combat load.

“When it came to preparing, our biggest challenge was finding adequate time to train,” added the A&S land navigation instructor from the MRTC team. “We got hit with some penalties because of that, but we did our best to communicate with each other and help each other through the events.”

“Going in we were expecting to be the fastest team,” said Sergeant Adam Terrazas from the 2^nd Reconnaissance Battalion team. “I think we came out of the gate too strong, which affected us negatively because we started to break off a little and get dehydrated, but ultimately, we were able to put our minds together at each event and help one another get through the challenges.”

The Marine Raider Competition is an annual event hosted by Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC) with the goal of fostering camaraderie and testing the operational capabilities of its operators. MARSOC is young compared to its sister spec ops commands. At 13 years old, the command has faced many challenges in convincing skeptics—both within the Marine Corps and outside—of its utility and effectiveness. When everyone is competing for shrinking budgets, that ain’t easy.

Feature image: Operational Detachment Alpha Special Forces Soldiers and Marines with 1st Marine Raider Support Battalion conduct movement to a Landing Zone for a low altitude drop resupply at Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, Calif., Aug 5, 2018. The purpose of this training was for Army Special Forces and MARSOC to improve upon their joint training techniques. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. William Chockey).

This article was written by Stavros Atlamazoglou at NEWSREP

Never forget the heroes: Families of fallen Marine Reconnaissance warriors to be honored with premier Gold Star retreat in Hawaii

Gold Star families from around the country will be brought to Hawaii on an all-expense-paid trip to Oahu, Hawaii from May 2-8. The Marine Reconnaissance Foundation (MRF) is covering transportation, accommodations, meals, and all other expenses as they pull out all the stops for an event with the sole purpose of honoring the families of fallen Reconnaissance Marines and corpsmen. Six families in total—one family from each Marine Reconnaissance and Force Reconnaissance battalion—have been selected to attend.

For some families, when the call came that they had been selected to attend the all-inclusive event, they thought they were getting pranked or scammed. It was not a joke. Quickly that skepticism turned to excitement and gratitude. The attendees have never asked for anything like this, but no one is more deserving than they are.

Gold Star mother Robin Ferschke said she was one of the skeptics at first. “I thought it couldn’t be real when they said they wanted to send us to Hawaii.” But she added that speaking with the organization a little more and learning about who they are changed everything. “So many organizations are not trustworthy, but the sincerity was evident with this one. This event is about what they can do for us, not how we can help them.”

Robin’s son, Sergeant Michael Ferschke Jr., was killed in action during a fierce gun battle that occurred in Iraq during a 2008 deployment with 3^rd Reconnaissance Battalion. She said that, after more than 10 years, the pain of losing her beloved son is still there, but she hopes this event will help her and others to find some peace together. “The emotions will always be there, but now I have a sense of purpose…a reason to go on through supporting the other families who have experienced this unimaginable loss. I have often felt alone, but now I realize that I’m not. I am part of a brotherhood of Marines and other Gold Star families.”

Parents of Sergeant Michael Ferschke Jr. visit their son’s grave. He was, and is, their hero.

Each of the families attending have lost a son, brother, or husband to combat operations, and for the first time, the MRF has partnered with the Paul Mitchell estate, who generously provided a one-of-a-kind venue and experience. Other partners include: Paradise Helicopters, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Restaurant 604, Chinen Marketing Group, and Taro Brand. More than one year in the making, the event will include access to a private beach at the estate, a private chef, a traditional Hawaiian luau, a private helicopter tour of the island, horseback riding, ATV tours, a private tour of the USS Missouri and Ford Island Naval Museum, and many surprises along the way.

There are numerous organizations that do excellent work in providing for families in need, and events like this are important for several reasons. First and foremost, they honor the memories of the fallen. They’re also important for the families who have lost a loved one and have sacrificed so much on behalf of our country to see the legacy of their loved ones carried on. Gold Star events like this are also an opportunity for those of us who have not lost a son, brother, or husband in combat to be made aware or to be reminded that the loss of life is real—and to support Gold Star families by donating to the various foundations that exist to support them.

Robin Ferschke added, “MRF is not just an organization. It is a family that we will forever be a part of. My son, Michael, was the best son a parent could ask for and he always had a smile on his face. He never quit when faced with adversity, and we all have to be more like him and carry on that way.”

If you would like to donate to the Marine Reconnaissance Foundation to support this event and others, under “How would you like to allocate your donation?” please select “Gold Star Family Retreat” at this link.

“Marine Recon – Always beside you”

Originally published on NEWSREP

Bark River Bravo 1 | Field Review

Been looking for a fixed-blade knife for hunting, bushcrafting, backpacking, or military field use? I’ve used several different fixed-blade knives over the years, but the Bark River Bravo 1 never ceases to amaze me. Being a former Marine makes this knife even more special, so if you’re a Marine and support and respect US-made product then you need to get the Bark River Bravo 1!

From the manufacturer:

“The Bravo-1 was specifically designed with the folks at the Southern Training Center of the Force Recon Units of the U.S. Marine Corps. That initial contact was back in 2006 and we began delivery in 2007 of the Bravo-1 and they are is still in heavy demand from professionals, both Military and Private Contractors, and is in use by a lot of private citizens as their “go to” knife for heavy outdoor use. Since that time we have delivered over 14,000 Bravo-1s.

This all started back in 2006 when the instructors from Force Recon took $5,000.00 of their funds and bought a bunch of knives to test. They never told any of the manufacturers and bought them online, like any other customer. When all the testing was done there were only two knives left not broken or damaged beyond use. The Bark River Gameskeeper was one of the two. It was totally undamaged in everything these folks did to it.

We got a call and were asked if we could re-design the Gameskeeper to be the knife they wanted.

The Bravo-1 is the result of their input.

The changes were the addition of the ramp style thumb rest on the spine and changing the guard into an integral self guard. They also wanted the choil eliminated to bring the sharp edge all the way to the front of the handle slabs for leverage in notching. The balance of the knife had to be on the first finger. Balance was achieved by skeletonizing the tang to put the weight evenly over the first finger position.

The handle slabs had to be epoxied and bolted to and through the blade. All of the Bravo-1s have the handle sets attached with bolt sets. They are non-removable. We grind off the screw slots as we finish out the handles. The synthetic material handles will all have stainless steel screw sets.”

Now that you have the intel on the knife, let’s go over some of the pros of the knife.

1. IT’S MADE IN THE USA!!!

2. Sheath – mine originally came with a leather sheath, but I opted to eventually upgrade to their new kydex sheath. You have a few more mounting options with the kydex sheath, and it holds up to field use and endures inclement weather better than leather.

3. Handle – the handle of the Bravo 1 feels really good in the hand. The polished handle slabs can get slippery, though, in wet conditions. What I did to remedy that was to purchase a roll of grip tape that is used on tennis rackets. Now the knife will not leave my hand!

4. Blade – This blade is a whopping ¼” thick! The spine of the blade is squared off so that it can be used in conjunction with a ferro rod to start a fire. The length of the blade is 4.25”, which allows you to process most wood 4” in diameter and less.

I took this knife with me on a week-long camping trip. I used it every day to prep the firewood, which mostly included batoning it through wood, food prep, and some carving. I beat the hell out of this thing for a week straight and it shows little to no wear.

I know the price tag may seem like a little much, but for what you get it’s worth every penny. The knife comes with a no-questions-asked lifetime warranty – you break it or damage it and they will replace it, period. You can also send it back for reconditioning and all it will cost you is postage. When it comes to good quality gear, spend once and cry once.

Bark River Bravo 1 Specs

Overall Length: 9.065”
Blade Length: 4.25”
Blade Steel: A-2
Steel Thickness: .215”
Weight: 7.375 oz
Hardness: 59RC

BUY IT ON AMAZON

Loadout Room photo of the day: Recon Marines train for close quarters combat

CAMP PENDLETON, CA, UNITED STATES

U.S. Marines with Bravo Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, practice engaging an enemy in close quarters during the tactics phase of a close-quarter tactics course aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 18, 2014. Marines with Bravo Co., 1st Recon Bn. are enhancing their skills before compositing with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit in October. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Anna Albrecht)

Courtesy of DVIDS

Loadout Room photo of the day | Joint HAHO jumps at Talisman Saber 2017

ROCKHAMPTON, ACT, AUSTRALIA

A U.S. Marine Corps 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion jumpmaster puts on his helmet on in preparation for high altitude, high opening (HAHO) jump operations July 11, 2017, over Shoalwater Bay Training Area in Queensland, Australia during Talisman Saber 2017. The training exercise conducted between the U.S. Air Force and Marine Corps strengthens joint interoperability and working relationship between the armed services. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Jessica Tait)

Courtesy of DVIDS

Loadout Room photo of the day | Reconnaissance and surveillance patrol hones Marines’ readiness

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WA, UNITED STATES

Sergeant Wesley Ferguson, assistant team leader, Company C, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, provides security for his team during a simulated casualty evacuation aboard Joint Base Lewis McChord, Wash, April 10, 2015. Marines with the company operated in remote locations of the wilderness and provided surveillance of the surrounding area to paint the commander a picture of the battlefield. During the patrol, the reconnaissance men navigated through several kilometers of thick brush and provided surveillance on numerous named areas of interest. The patrol was one of many exercises the company will complete as part of a combat readiness evaluation in preparation for an upcoming deployment.
(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Joseph Scanlan / released)

Courtesy of DVIDS