Marine Corps Installations West

U.S. Marines and veterans compete in the 14th annual Reconnaissance Challenge on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 28, 2023. To honor their fallen comrades and support the Gold Star families through their struggle, reconnaissance Marines and veterans participated in the 25-mile obstacle course throughout Camp Pendleton to test their physical limits and enhance camaraderie. Each competitor carried a rucksack with a combat load and the name of a fallen Marine or sailor attached to the back. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Sgt. Andrew Cortez and Lance Cpl. Luis Agostini)

U.S. Marines with the Basic Reconnaissance Course conduct a land navigation exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 15, 2020. Land navigation is one of the many training evolutions the students undergo, and is a crucial component of their route to becoming a successful reconnaissance Marine. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Dylan Chagnon)

U.S. Marines compete in the 11th Annual Recon Challenge/Challenge Recon, on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, May 16, 2019. The Annual Recon Challenge/Challenge Recon event is a 25-mile obstacle course held to honor fallen Marines. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Noah Rudash)

Every year, reconnaissance Marines from every clime and place venture to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., to participate in the annual Recon Challenge, bringing with them the memory of their fallen brothers. Over the course of a 25-mile trek through the unforgiving Camp Pendleton terrain, participants of the challenge had to complete various obstacles and events, and at the end of their journey, hung a single dogtag on a combat cross in commemoration of past Marines who fell while serving this nation. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Dylan Chagnon)

This year marks the 10th annual RECON Challenge. On May 17th, 2018 on Camp Pendleton, Calif., come out and observe RECON Marines from around the Marine Corps push themselves mentally and physically through the most challenging obstacles. The event is more than a race, it is a gathering of RECON Marines and their families to remember their fallen brothers in arms. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Lukas Kalinauskas)

Do you have what it takes to push yourself mentally and physically through the most challenging obstacles? On May 17th, 2018, U. S. Marines have the opportunity to compete in Challenge Recon aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif. For information and to register call (760)-990-3644 or email at RECON_RECRUITING@USMC.MIL

Training product of various swimming techniques and demonstrated by Basic Reconnaissance Marine Instructors. The purpose of this training video is to teach Marines the three basic swimming techniques when treading in the water. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Corporal Francisco J. Diaz Jr.)

The Recon Challenge is a 25-mile endurance course where Recon Marines aboard Camp Pendleton, California endure a myriad of challenges and tests in the basic fundamentals of being a Reconnaissance Marine. From hiking through roughly 15 miles of difficult terrain with 50 pounds of gear, to a grueling 2,000 meter swim to shore from the icy Pacific Ocean, Marines are presented with a number of challenges along the way, including obstacle courses, weapons firing and operations, and swim tactics. A total of 27 two-man teams competed this year, each team wearing the name of a fallen recon Marine on their packs. (U.S. Marine Corps Video by LCpl. Dylan Chagnon/Released)