rec_past-present

3rd Reconnaissance Battalion Today

On 2 June 2000 the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion was reactivated. A little history is in order to explain the deactivation which occurred in 1992.

MCO 5401.5 dated 24 August 1992, USMC Force Structure Implementation Plan. This plan laid out the framework for the Corps of the future. In shrinking to 159,000 by Fiscal Year 1997, the reconnaissance battalions were the first to be eliminated.

In consonance with the stand down each infantry regiment was to get a reconnaissance company comprised of 5 Officers and 87 Enlisted.

On 25 November 1992 Charlie Company stood down. The men were transfered to Bravo and Delta Companies.

On 29 January 1993 Bravo Company was transfered to the Ninth Marines and Delta Company to the 4th Marines.

On 2 April 1993 Alpha Company was transfered to the Third Marines.

Headquaters and Service Company stood down and furled the Battalion Colors.
The Battalion was reactivated under the Command of Lt. Col. Douglas M. King at Camp Schwab. At the time of the reactivation 5^th Force Company and 3^rd Recon Company were combined to form the present battalion.

It is with great pride to all of us that the unit so many of us served is once again whole.

This page will be utilized to keep all updated, as best we can, on todays battalion. We are honored to support them.

The following links contain news from Okinawa.

Letter from current Battalion Commander Lt. Col. George H. Bristol

Recon Past and Present

Reactivation Ceremony Speech