 FACT: In several instances, the unit to which GySgt Highway is  assigned is referred to as "Recon Platoon". If the unit is, indeed,  2d Reconnaissance Battalion as is assumed, there would be no "Recon  Platoon". The entire battalion is "Recon". It is possible that the  actual goof is in his assignment to 2d Reconnaissance Battalion.  With the way the movie is written, it would make more sense for him  to be assigned to the reconnaissance platoon of a Marine Corps  infantry battalion, hence the rivalry with the apparently  conventional 1st Platoon.