From MarkSlams on SOCNET:

"Its a very tricky topic because it has been constantly changing here recently. I was with B.
Co. 1st Recon Battalion so I can explain what I saw during 2004­2007. Typically you'll have to
do some sort of indoc to get into Force and be from a Recon unit but I know of dudes straight
from other non­infantry MOS' going straight into Force. Mission wise the difference is that
battalion Recon supports the reconnaissance needs of the division commander while Force
supports the reconnaissance needs of the MEF commander. This means Force does the
deep reconnaissance. Generally speaking, the difference between the two is the experience
of the Recon Marines. Force Recon had mostly SNCOs operating in the teams but nowadays
that's not really the case and you have alot of younger guys in those billets the reason for
which is explained below (That should not translate to shit talking whatsoever).

In regards to a RIP yes Recon has it and it is now at the School of Infantry on Camp
Pendleton. Before it was at SOI 1st Recon Bn would hold thier own Pre­BRC (Basic Recon
Course) which was a mini haze fest and Force guys would be alongside battalion guys as
well. With who goes where I think it more or less depended on whose indoc you had passed
before attending Pre­BRC.

School wise yes the initial schooling is the same. Everyone (mostly) goes to BRC, SERE,
Jump, Dive with all the really cool schools being reserved for SNCOs and people who
re­enlist. Force does has access to cooler shooting schools and other crazy schools you
never hear about while battalian does not, unless you re­enlist or have some rank of course.

When MSOB first started up 1st Force basically just switched out the signs with 1st MSOB
and a platoon of guys that were formerly force Recon Marines were sent back to the newly
formed Delta Company, 1st Recon Bn. Now Delta Company 1st Recon Bn is the long range
recon asset for the MEF commander while Alpha, Bravo, and Charlie, still conduct the
reconnaissance requirements for the division. Soon Delta Company will be changed to 1st
Force (if it has not already happened).

However, this shit changes on a daily basis evidently.

Hope it helps."
http://www.socnet.com/showthread.php?t=92060
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From SOFREP:
FORCE RECON

Force Recon is what most people think of when they hear “Marine Recon”. There are a lot of
similarities between Recon Battalion and Force, but also some pretty big mission differences.
The biggest difference between the two units is Direct Action, which Force is tasked with.
Along with DA, Force is also tasked with Deep Reconnaissance and works directly for the
Marine Expeditionary Force.

Traditionally, Force Recon Company was its own unit. In the late 90s they were put into
Recon Battalions as Charlie or Delta companies, but soon became their own units again. With
the onset of MARSOC, Force Companies were actually disbanded and most of the operators
flowed over to the newly created MSOBs (Marine Special Operations Battalions). However,
this severely limited the Marine Expeditionary Units Direct Action capabilities, especially
because now Force nor SEAL platoons were floating. After a few years, Force Recon
Companies were reactivated once again under Recon Battalion to provide the MEU with both
amphibious reconnaissance (Recon Battalion) and Direct Action capabilities (Forec Company)
while under way on float.

There are 3 active duty Force Companies and 2 reserve companies

Read more: http://sofrep.com/marsoc/force­recon/#ixzz3SEYV0hsq