How to Become a Recon Marine: A Comprehensive Guide
The United States Marine Corps Reconnaissance (Recon) Marines are an elite group of special operations forces that conduct unconventional warfare, counterterrorism, and special reconnaissance missions. To become a Recon Marine, you’ll need to meet the physical and mental demands of the job, as well as complete rigorous training and selection processes. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve your goal.
Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements
To be eligible for the Recon Marine program, you must meet the following basic requirements:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be between the ages of 17 and 28
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Score a minimum of 32 on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test
- Pass a physical fitness test (PFT) with a minimum score of 150 push-ups, 100 sit-ups, and a 3-mile run in 28 minutes or less
- Pass a swimming test
Step 2: Enlist in the Marine Corps
To become a Recon Marine, you must first enlist in the Marine Corps. You can do this by visiting a Marine Corps Recruiting Station or by applying online.
Step 3: Complete Basic Training
Once you’ve enlisted, you’ll attend Basic Training (also known as Boot Camp) at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California, or Parris Island, South Carolina. Basic Training is a 13-week course that teaches you the fundamentals of being a Marine, including combat skills, first aid, and teamwork.
Step 4: Choose Your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)
After completing Basic Training, you’ll attend Advanced Individual Training (AIT) to learn your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). As a Recon Marine, your MOS will be 0321, which is the MOS for Reconnaissance Man.
Step 5: Attend Reconnaissance Training
Once you’ve completed AIT, you’ll attend Reconnaissance Training at the Marine Corps Reconnaissance Training Company in Coronado, California. This 14-week course is designed to teach you the skills you need to become a Recon Marine, including:
- Land navigation
- Small boat operations
- Small arms and explosives training
- First aid and emergency care
- Survival, evasion, resistance, and escape (SERE) techniques
- Communication and signal procedures
Step 6: Pass the Selection Process
After completing Reconnaissance Training, you’ll be eligible to attend the Reconnaissance Selection Process. This is a 9-day course that tests your physical and mental endurance, as well as your ability to work as a team.
Step 7: Attend Advanced Reconnaissance Training
If you pass the Selection Process, you’ll attend Advanced Reconnaissance Training at the Marine Corps Reconnaissance Training Company. This 14-week course is designed to teach you advanced skills, including:
- Advanced land navigation
- Advanced small boat operations
- Advanced small arms and explosives training
- Advanced first aid and emergency care
- Advanced SERE techniques
- Advanced communication and signal procedures
Step 8: Assign to a Reconnaissance Battalion
After completing Advanced Reconnaissance Training, you’ll be assigned to a Reconnaissance Battalion. As a Recon Marine, you’ll be part of a specialized team that conducts unconventional warfare, counterterrorism, and special reconnaissance missions.
Key Skills and Qualities
To be successful as a Recon Marine, you’ll need to possess certain key skills and qualities, including:
- Physical fitness: Recon Marines must be in top physical condition to perform the demanding tasks required of them.
- Mental toughness: Recon Marines must be able to withstand physical and mental stress, as well as work in high-pressure environments.
- Teamwork: Recon Marines work as a team to accomplish their missions, so you must be able to work effectively with others.
- Adaptability: Recon Marines must be able to adapt quickly to changing situations and environments.
- Communication skills: Recon Marines must be able to communicate effectively with their team and with higher headquarters.
Table: Recon Marine Training Timeline
| Training Phase | Duration | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Training | 13 weeks | San Diego, CA or Parris Island, SC |
| Advanced Individual Training (AIT) | 12-14 weeks | Various locations |
| Reconnaissance Training | 14 weeks | Coronado, CA |
| Reconnaissance Selection Process | 9 days | Coronado, CA |
| Advanced Reconnaissance Training | 14 weeks | Coronado, CA |
| Assignment to Reconnaissance Battalion | Varies | Various locations |
Conclusion
Becoming a Recon Marine is a challenging and demanding process that requires physical and mental toughness, teamwork, adaptability, and communication skills. If you’re up for the challenge, follow the steps outlined in this article to achieve your goal. Remember to stay focused, stay motivated, and always keep in mind the values of the Marine Corps: Honor, Courage, and Commitment.
