Troy Stafford

2ND RECON

U.S. Marine Corps

The 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion (2ND RECON) is a distinguished unit of the United States Marine Corps, originally activated during World War II. It is part of the 2nd Marine Division, based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and specializes in amphibious reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence gathering. Over its history, 2ND RECON has participated in major operations such as the Invasion of Grenada (Operation Urgent Fury), Operation Desert Storm, and multiple deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan during the Global War on Terrorism. Renowned for its rigorous training and adaptability, the battalion continues to provide critical battlefield intelligence and support to Marine Corps operations worldwide.

Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) is the United States Marine Corps component of U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), officially established in 2006. MARSOC traces its roots to elite Marine units involved in special operations dating back to World War II, such as the Marine Raiders. Its primary mission is to provide tailored, scalable special operations forces capable of conducting direct action, special reconnaissance, and foreign internal defense worldwide. Since its inception, MARSOC operators, known as Raiders, have played key roles in the Global War on Terrorism, conducting missions in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other regions.