Army Military Explorer Post 124 · Van Nuys, CA
Lead. Train.
Overcome.
Since 1985, First City Rifle Corps has forged teens and young adults into confident small-unit leaders through mentorship from military veterans, weekly classroom instruction, field training, and a strong sense of community.
Forging Tomorrow's Leaders Since 1985
FCRC is part of the Learning for Life / Exploring program. Our mission: produce competent small-unit leaders who are confident they can overcome any obstacle — and become better students, citizens, and Americans.
What You'll Do at FCRC
Every week builds real skills — in the classroom, at the armory, and in the field at Big Bear, the Mojave Desert, and military bases across California.
Community & Honor
March in parades, serve the community, and represent something bigger than yourself.
About FCRC →
Field Training
Land navigation, small-unit tactics, first aid, and rappelling — tested on real field exercises.
See Training →
Challenge Yourself
Overcome fears and build confidence — like rappelling a 90-foot cliff at Stoney Point.
See Training →
Marksmanship & Safety
Introduced after fundamentals are in place — rifle and pistol skills with weapons safety always first.
See Training →
Recondo School
Inspired by the Vietnam-era Recondo School and built by former Special Operations cadre, this grueling two-week course pushes select riflemen further than they thought possible.
Graduates earn the right to wear the black beret and Recondo Tab — patches that can only be earned, never bought.
Learn About RecondoWhere Our Alumni Went
FCRC alumni serve in U.S. Military Academies, Special Operations Forces, and lead successful civilian careers.
Francisco joined FCRC and went on to be a successful Airborne Infantry soldier, using skills learned in the Explorers program every day.
Paul, an FCRC alumnus and one of our most involved instructors, served in the Air Force as a Tactical Air Control Party specialist.
Nick used the skills and mentorship gained at FCRC to succeed at West Point before commissioning as an Army officer.
Veterans Giving Back
For almost four decades, military veterans have donated their time and expertise to mentor and train the young adults of FCRC.
Our alumni network helps every rifleman decide whether a military career is right for them — and how to succeed in or out of uniform.
Volunteer as a Veteran
Ready to Challenge Yourself?
Stop by a meeting — Tuesdays, 6:00–9:00 PM at the Army National Guard Armory in Van Nuys. No commitment, no experience needed.