Force Recon provides forward intelligence for the MEF. They are capable of other duties but recon is their primary.

They are Special to an extent and they are Operators but until recently they were not assigned to USSOCOM. And even now only a small number are assigned to SOCOM as a pilot program.

You need to understand that all US SpecOps units have different missions
that are unit specific. Force Recon's is specific to it's role in the Corps.

So SF units like Delta,SeaLs etc would not do the job of providing intel for MEF as well as force recon?

Different Missions. Force Recon operates solely MEF. They are organic to the Marine Corps not an attachment.

The Marines have a tougher basic training program that weeds out people who would not be fit enough to undertake the type of combat such as the island hopping of WWII. It's the "heavy lifting" side of the Armed Forces. Not many of the other forces have the fighting spirit and pride that is hammered into a Marine.

Originally Posted by 03USMC

And even now only a small number are assigned to SOCOM as a pilot program.

... which is now on the chopping block.

Originally Posted by RnderSafe

... which is now on the chopping block.

Well I kinda figured that would be the result.

In which case then i apologise the force recon does serve an important purpose

Nothing for you to apologize for. Force Recon just does not fit into the General Definition you were using.

Originally Posted by 03USMC

Nothing for you to apologize for. Force Recon just does not fit into the General Definition you were using.

Man, I had to catch a plane and miss out on butting into this one, good job 03, Semper Fi.

I try Hulk.