Recon

Insane footage shows US Coast Guard boarding mini-sub smuggling 17,000 lbs of cocaine

The U.S. Coast Guard will be offloading a massive haul of seized drugs in San Diego on Thursday, including more than 39,000 pounds of cocaine and 933 pounds of marijuana worth a combined estimated $569 million. All of the drugs were seized in international waters during routine operations in the Eastern Pacific. Vice President Mike Pence is expected to be on hand to congratulate the Coast Guard for their efforts.

Despite the massive amount of drugs seized, this shipment represents only 14 individual vessel interdictions made off the coasts of Mexico, Central, and South America by just three Coast Guard cutters between May and July of 2019. These efforts saw cooperation from a number of U.S. agencies, including the departments of Defense, Justice, and Homeland Security, but ultimately it’s up to the U.S. Coast Guard to conduct the vehicle interdictions, searches, and seizures.

In this incredible footage, also uploaded to Facebook by Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Karl Shultz, you can ride along with one of these Coast Guard teams as they reach a semi-submersible drug-smuggling vessel and begin to board it on the open ocean. The Coast Guard ultimately seized 17,000 pounds of cocaine off of the unusual ship.

You can get a better look at the semi-submersible in these images released by the U.S. Coast Guard:

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Munro (WMSL 755) crew members inspect a self-propelled semi-submersible June 19, 2019, in international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean.

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Munro (WMSL 755) crew members inspect a low-profile go-fast vessel the crews interdicted June 17, 2019, in international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean.

Once the Coast Guard seized the drugs from these vessels, some were deemed unworthy of tow back to shore due to flooding in engine compartments and a lack of sufficient tow points. As a result, the Coast Guard intentionally sank these ships.

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Munro (WMSL 755) crew members aboard the cutter’s 35-foot Long Range Interceptor small boat supervising the intentional sinking of suspected drug-smuggling boats May 17, 2019, following the seizure of cocaine from the boats during an at-sea interdiction while Munro’s crew patrolled international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Due to the distance from land, inadequate tow points and flooding in the engine rooms of the boats, the boats were sunk as a hazard to navigation.

Of course, this isn’t the reception most vessels receive while transiting these busy waterways. The Coast Guard, along with other American agencies and their counterparts in allied nations, most often precede these interdictions with extensive reconnaissance coordinated through the Joint Interagency Task Force-South based in Key West, Florida. In these videos, you can see the Coast Guard conducting surveillance on suspicious vessels that ultimately turned out to be trafficking drugs.

Although three Coast Guard Cutters were involved in these busts, it will be the Monro tasked with unloading the combined haul of cocaine and marijuana, valued at over a half a billion dollars, in front of Vice President Pence and a number of other officials, including James W. Carroll, director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, Uttam Dhillon, acting administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration, and Vice Adm. Linda Fagan, commander of Coast Guard Pacific Area.

Photo of the day: Recon Marines prepare for extreme hike in South Korea

I remember going through the South Korean ROK Marine Mountain Warfare training center. Those ROK Marines were damn machines during the entire training course. I remember going up into the mountains one day, probably covering a few thousand feet in elevation, and they smoked us. Obviously, this is their backyard and they better be good at it, but damn. We were all in pretty good physical condition and these guys didn’t break a sweat.

Moving on to the ropes course was another interesting training evolution. This consisted of knot tying with regards to combat and survival and then traversing many different types of rope bridges. We all had safety carabiners snapped into the overhead line when going across these bridges. One of the two rope bridges actually crosses a major highway with a steady flow of vehicles and trucks. One of our guys got hung up and lost his footing. Unable to regain his footing to continue across the bridge, one of the Korean ROK Marines quickly went out across the bridge with no safety line snapped in and helped our guy back onto the bridge. They seem to have an increased level of crazy in them. All in all, it was a great training deployment with the ROK Marines.

MOUNTAIN WARFARE TRAINING CAMP, SOUTH KOREA

Petty Officer 3rd Class Cody Goddard covers the rear of the group as Republic of Korea Marines try to use communication equipment before a simulated pre-dawn raid Jan. 22 during Korean Marine Exchange Program 14-3 near the Mountain Warfare Training Camp in Pyeongchang, South Korea. To prepare for the cold weather training, the U.S. Marines went through climatization training which included jumping in a pool of ice water, learning to ski, and surviving with no warming layers. Goddard is a corpsman with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. The ROK Marines are with the 1st ROK Special Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st ROK Division.

Photo courtesy of DVIDS

The RECCE Rifle: Originally Developed for the SEAL Teams

Reconnaissance teams of all different origins have always been centered around the ability to be a minimalist, highly maneuverable element that can discreetly observe and report on the enemy, providing valuable intelligence for command elements that often dictates when and where the fight takes place. With this mission comes the desire for lightweight and versatile equipment when applicable or available. This philosophy extends to many facets of reconnaissance but one that stands out the most is the rifle these individuals or teams select. There have been many stages in the evolution of the recce rifle over time and while I will touch on these variants briefly, my primary topic will be on the rifle as it is most commonly setup today.

The original Recce Rifle was developed through the Naval Surface Warfare Center’s Crane Division in an effort to provide SEAL snipers with a lightweight semi-automatic weapon that possessed greater lethality than the M4 carbine but at the same time was far more versatile than the current precision rifle options at hand such as the M14 or even, later, the M110. What they came up with is commonly known as the Mk12 MOD 1 and MOD 0 SPR (special purpose rifle), essentially an accurized M16A4 and for its time and purpose served the operators who carried it well; for that matter, it is still in use today. It can be argued that many other rifles such as the M14 EBR, M110, SR25, and AR10 are similar in nature, almost a big brother category; but they are not the same given their weight and caliber. The Recce Rifle today has changed quite a bit and given that there really aren’t any real specific guidelines to classify the rifle as such, it comes in many versions but generally speaking, has some specific characteristics.

Ukrainian Recon team members participate in a sniper course.

Optics wise a variable power is the current preferred choice, usually a 1-6 power but recently the introduction of 1-8 powers has started a new trend as well. The rifle pictured is outfitted with a Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6×24, a low-cost, budget-friendly optic but very much a viable option. Many of these optics are outfitted with BDC (bullet drop compensating) reticles that account for set distances, usually in 100-meter increments, and give the shooter a means to measure targets distance using size for reference. While first focal planes are a great here and are generally of a higher quality production, also higher cost, they are not necessary with the addition of an offset red dot optic. This allows the shooter to leave the second focal plane variable power optic on its maximum magnification and simply can’t (tilt) the rifle to utilize the red dot for close quarters engagements. This same technique can be applied to FFP optics of course but they do not suffer from the same detriment as the SFPs.

Barrel profile is a subject of constant debate but what I can say is a Recce Rifle should ideally have a 16″-18″ barrel length for optimum performance; in my personal opinion, a 16″ barrel with a mid-length gas system is perfect though. I choose an enhanced lightweight profile but a standard profile would be fine too; heavy barrels are overkill given the rifle is not designed to be used for extended periods of heavy sustained rates of fire and that its purpose is to be lightweight for long-range reconnaissance patrols and such. I believe the mid-length gas system is an excellent choice because the rifle should be precise and stable especially for mid-range to long-distance shots; a carbine length gas system, while very reliable, produces more recoil than the mid.

A Ukrainian soldiers Recce style modified RPK-74.

A free floated rail system is also desirable to achieve the necessary level of accuracy expected of a Recce rifle, generally, a key mod or m-lok based model would be desired as well for the simple fact of keeping the weight down as much as possible or reasonable. An adjustable stock is a good option as well for versatility when shooting depending on equipment, terrain, and position. I advocate flash hiders almost exclusively because of the smaller signature but compensators can give the shooter an edge in marksmanship so that’s a user preference option. Lastly, a good sling, magazines, and trigger are what you want; everything else like lights, lasers, night vision, and ammunition type are mission dependent so make your own decision there. No doubt will current shooting and combat trends continue to change with the times and technology but as long as it gets the job done then that’s all that matters in my mind.

Altama Maritime Assault boots

I was in the market for a new pair of shoes when I spotted these browsing Instagram. I at first scrolled right past thinking they were another pair of black chucks, but upon closer inspection, these were a whole different animal. The Altama Maritime Assault boots come in two heights and I opted for the mid height for some more ankle stability, finning, and a more classic styling. I hate shopping online for shoes so I went down to a local store and picked some up for the decent price of $82.00. They fit true to size for the most part and fit my feet well.

The Altamas are constructed from a durable feeling Cordura outer, mesh tongue, mesh lining, and serious rubber sole complete with jungle boot tread and siping for gripping slick bar floors and zodiac metal floors alike. The inside of the shoe is a quick-drying mesh complete with mesh ports at the sides of your foot to facilitate flex in the foot. The insole of the boot is a gripping rubber that while making your foot sweat a bit more, allows for better feel when finning that almost eliminates the slipping around of the shoe.

Altama played off the classic styling of the black “chucks” so fondly worn by Recon Marines ever since Vietnam. The idea of an “OTB” as Altama calls it is not a new concept. Amphibious forces for years have had the need for a shoe or boot that can take them from ship to shore and possibly inland for a small ways. The classic goto has been broken into two categories; Chuck Taylors, and the neoprene variety of dive booty. The dive booties were unreliable when it came to movements inland and the Chucks lacked a good mud tread. Altama answered the call fitting both the quick-drying dive boot and the rougher tread to facilitate moving inland.

I am not a Recon Marine, however, I did do a short fin with the Altamas and they performed excellently. I made a trip to the range with many kinetic shooting drills with no issues, and I have also worn them in the gym for a myriad of workouts, and for 5 hours while working the door at my local bar. The Altamas do not disappoint. From the beach to the bar these are a classically styled, well-constructed boot/shoe that is as comfortable on a skateboard as it is on the gun range. The Altamas come in Coyote, Black, Multicam, and Multicam Black to fit your personal style and mission set.

Author – Tanner Hodges is an Active Duty Marine Infantryman currently serving as a Platoon Sergeant with 3dBn 2d Marines. He holds two infantry MOS’s (0351/0365) and has completed Infantry Small Unit Leader’s Course, and Advanced Infantryman Course. He has trained in Mountain Warfare, Desert Warfare, and Jungle Warfare all around the globe.

Have what it takes? MARSOC vets provide training course to prep for boot camp and Special Operations selection

Marine Raiders Nick Koumalatsos and Josh Honsberger spent a combined 25-years in the Marine Corps – the majority within the Reconnaissance and MARSOC communities. After countless questions from hopeful individuals that are in a pre-recruit training phase regarding to how they can prepare for entry into the Recon and Raider communities, Nick and Josh decided to create a program as a proactive solution.

The goal of their USMC Prep, Recon Prep, and Raider Prep programs is to ensure that recruits can maximize their potential (both mentally and physically) during boot camp so they can excel when it comes time to take the next step – Recon and MARSOC selection. One thing that potential recruits overlook is that before they can become a Raider or Reconnaissance man they first have to get through boot camp. This USMC Prep program focuses on a step by step process that will layout the steps needed to improve performance in order to achieve the title Marine with the highest scores possible. Recon and Raider Prep takes it one step further to assist those looking to take those career paths.

But what if you’re interested in joining the Army, Navy, or Air Force? This program is still for you, according to Nick Koumalatsos.

“The USMC Prep program is designed for any individual that wants to increase their performance in running, push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, swimming, and more. It doesn’t matter if you’re a 17-year-old looking to join the Marine Corps, another branch, or just a guy looking to get in shape.”

Program incentives:

Progression Training
Movement Principles
Understanding Marine Corps Standards
Understanding A&S Standards (Raider Prep only)
Understanding BRC Standards (Recon Prep only)
Prepping for your PFT, CFT, and Swim Qual
Swimming Techniques
Direct Contact with Josh & Nick to assist you through training
Access to Private Facebook Community
Diet and Sleep Protocols
Recovery Protocols
Exclusive Workout Content/Videos
Workout Calendar
Exclusive Content, Live Chats

If you leave for recruit training having done the bare minimum, you’re going to be in for a rude awakening if you expect to breeze through. You need to rethink your commitment, and these programs will help to get your priorities in order.

When I, your author, left for recruit training over 10 years ago, I was woefully unprepared for the swim qualification phase. I was able to excel in all other phases and I even graduated as squad leader for my platoon (whatever that is worth), but the swim phase was a wakeup call. I actually didn’t become truly proficient in the pool until years later when a Special Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsman (SARC) gave me some advice and pushed me to get better over a period of several weeks. That is what this program will give you – support and advice from Special Operations veterans who are willing to give you their time. It could have been so much easier if I had prepared before I shipped out – don’t do what I did. Even if it is essentially one area you need to improve on like me, you should check out USMC Prep.

For more information on the programs, visit their website and watch the video below.

Loadout Room photo of the day: Scout sniper training course

CAMP LEMONNIER, DJIBOUTI

A Scout Sniper Team Marksman, part of the Recon Platoon from Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 124th Infantry Regiment, 53rd Brigade Combat Team, Florida Army National Guard loads .50 caliber rounds into a magazine during a live fire long range marksmanship training and qualification course at the Arta training range in Djibouti, Oct 14, 2015. The SST is a supporting unit to the East Africa Response Force, a quick reaction force designed to respond to contingency operations within the U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Gregory Brook/ Released. This Photo has been cropped to emphasize the subject.)

Courtesy of DVIDS