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Even so, the Marines have about 800 troops who are not considered commandos but receive special training in reconnaissance techniques similar to those used by Army Special Forces soldiers.

I'm an old USAF weenie so forgive my ignorance. Is this what I have heard referred to as "Force Recon" (or words to that effect)? I've had the opportunity to talk with a few marines (they were no longer active but I know there is no such thing as an EX-marine) who were associated with RECON including a conversation with a guy who was a trainer. They didn't talk much about what they did but it was obvious these guys were some bad@ss dudes. I would expect they will fit well with, and even improve, Special Ops--even if they don't call themselves that. I see no reason why they shouldn't be able to be a part of the force and still maintain their unique identity as well.

I believe that the force recon marines go through similar training to the navy seals. However, their mission is different than the seals. Whereas the seals will send out autonomous "sticks" (somewhere around 8 seals) on a wide variety of missions, force recon members are mainly scouts assigned to larger marine units.

Force Recon Marines go through Navy drive school and US Army Ranger School. They are a cross between the seals and the rangers and operate more the like the Army Green Berets.

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