31st MEU executes boat raid as final event of their certification exercise

Interesting.

A boat raid is probably more useful than helo raids.  They can't strike as deeply into enemy territory but can be more stealthy and don't have the baggage of worrying about mechanical problems and having to deal with a helicopter left in enemy hands.

But the 31st MEU's commander seems to discount it as a tool because he isn't using his Force Recon/Recon elements as part of it.

Its really a pity. 

Boat Company has Scout Swimmers assigned to it that can perform beach recon, can attach Snipers to it to scout further inland and is basically a stealthy, adaptable, flexible and organic weapon in the MEU's tool kit.

It really should get more play.