Fourth Reconnaissance
4th Reconnaissance Battalion is an integral part of the 4th Marine Division and Marine Forces Reserve, we carry forward a rich legacy of service and sacrifice, dating back to our involvement in World War II. Our history is filled with engagements including the Battles of Kwajalein, Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima. Our unit's adaptability and determination were notably displayed during the seizure of Eniwetok, where we overcame challenging surf and fierce winds to secure strategic locations.
The units dedication to duty continued into the Korean War, where our Marines were mobilized to serve on the frontline. More recently, we volunteered for extended active duty to support counter-narcotic operations and served multiple combat tours during Operation Iraqi Freedom, where we spearheaded major campaigns and conducted pivotal reconnaissance missions.
Today, the 4th Reconnaissance Battalion continues to uphold its legacy of service, embodying the tenacity, courage, and spirit of the Corps. Proudly carrying the lessons of our past into our ongoing commitment to serve our nation and stand ready for the challenges of the future.
Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, we have three companies distributed across the country. Company A operates out of Alameda, California, with a detachment stationed at Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCB Hawaii). Company B is in Smyrna, Georgia. Lastly, our Company C is stationed in San Antonio, Texas.
TRICARE
Members of the Selected Marine Corps Reserve (and their families) are eligible for Healthcare Coverage through TRICARE Reserve Select. TRICARE Reserve Select is a monthly premium-based plan available worldwide with a large network of providers. Coverage includes pharmacy benefits and the option to purchase dental coverage at a reduced cost. If joining through the Direct Affiliation Program (DAP), Marines receive a no-cost, six-month extension of their existing TRICARE Prime benefits from the date of their EAS, through the Transitional Assistance Management Program.
To learn more about TRICARE Reserve Select ( click here )
EDUCATION
If a member has qualified for the GI Bill on active duty, they are eligible to attend school full time while serving with 4th MAW. Members will receive tuition and stipends, in addition to a reserve paycheck. Members joining 4th MAW through DAP will maintain the eligibility to transfer educational benefits.
RETIREMENT
Reserve Marines must complete 20 satisfactory years to be eligible for retirement. A satisfactory year equates to earning a minimum of 50 Reserve Retirement Points each anniversary year. A member is generally not eligible for reserve retired pay until they reach age 60. However, the retirement age is reduced below 60 years of age by three months, for each aggregate of 90 days the member serves on active duty after 28 January 2008.
To learn more about reserve retirement ( click here )
USERRA
The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) is a federal law, passed in 1994, that protects military service members and veterans from employment discrimination on the basis of their service, and allows them to regain their civilian jobs following a period of uniformed service. USERRA ensures that service members: (1) Are not disadvantaged in their civilian careers because of their military service; (2) are promptly re-employed in their civilian jobs upon return from duty; (3) are not discriminated against by employers because of past, present, or future military service. USERRA applies to both public and private employers. All SMCR Marines affiliated with 4th MAW are covered under USERRA.
VA HOME LOANS
A VA home loan is one of the most useful military benefits. If you have completed at least 90 days of active duty service or have at least 6 years of service in the reserves, you can buy or build a home, or refinance an existing home mortgage, with as little as $0 down, great rates and financing with no mandated cap. Another benefit over traditional mortgages is that there is no PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance, the monthly insurance fee charged to protect the bank until you reach at least 20% equity).