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.
Honor
Riflemen, adult cadre, and alumni all have used FCRC as a means to support the local community.
Integrity
Doing the right thing is often hard, but building integrity is a valuable life skill that is nurtured at FCRC.
Selfless Service
Sacrifice and helping others is key to working as a unit and accomplishing anything great.
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 Learn at FCRC
Every week we build real skills — in the classroom, at the armory, and in the field at Big Bear, the Mojave Desert, and military bases across California.
Challenge Yourself
Overcome fears and build confidence — like rappelling a 90-foot cliff at Stoney Point.
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Field Training
Land navigation, small-unit tactics, first aid, and rappelling — tested on real field exercises.
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Community & Honor
March in parades, serve the community, and represent something bigger than yourself.
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Marksmanship & Safety
Introduced after fundamentals are in place — rifle and pistol skills with weapons safety always first.
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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 RecondoOur Alumni
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.