Marine task force expands recon role in European operations

As the Marine Corps rebalances its East Coast units to support and focus on operations in Europe, a task force that recently returned from its second deployment shows how the service is finding its niche on the continent.

While the Task Force 61/2 connects and coordinates with all Marines in the theater, the key mission is to develop Marine multidomain sensing formations, sharing data across U.S., allies and partners to help fill intelligence gaps in the region.

Under the 2022 Force Design 2030 update, one of the biggest changes made by then Commandant Gen. David Berger was an increased focus on the role of Marines in the reconnaissance and counter-reconnaissance contributions to the Navy and joint force.

Command staff of the task force, part of 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, spoke with Marine Corps Times Wednesday following the unit’s nine-month deployment that concluded in January as it resets for its next rotation in May.