How to Become a Recon Marine: A Step-by-Step Guide
Becoming a Recon Marine, also known as an Reconnaissance Marine, requires a unique combination of mental and physical toughness, military knowledge, and specialized skills. As a member of the United States Marine Corps, Recon Marines are an elite group of warriors responsible for conducting reconnaissance, infiltration, and exfiltration operations behind enemy lines.
What is a Recon Marine?
Recon Marines are part of the Marine Corps’ Special Operations Command (MARSOC), which is responsible for conducting special operations missions in support of national security and defense objectives. Recon Marines are trained to operate deep behind enemy lines, using stealth, deception, and violence of action to complete their missions.
Education and Training Requirements
To become a Recon Marine, you must meet the basic education and training requirements.
- Age: Between 17 and 29 years old
- Citizenship: Born or naturalized U.S. citizen
- GED or High School Diploma: Must have a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent
- ASVAB Scores: Must score a minimum of 32 in the Marines’ Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test
- Physical Fitness Test (PFT): Must pass the PFT, which includes a 3-mile run, 44 push-ups, 35 sit-ups, and a 1.5-mile swim
Meeting the Physical and Mental Fitness Requirements
To become a Recon Marine, you must meet the physical and mental fitness requirements.
- Physical Fitness: Must meet the Marine Corps’ Body Fat Percentage standards and score at least 270 points on the PFT
- Mental Toughness: Must be mentally prepared to operate in hostile environments, withstand extreme conditions, and make quick and effective decisions under pressure
- Leadership Experience: Must have leadership experience and be able to effectively lead and communicate with small teams
Enlisted Marine Corps Career Path
To become a Recon Marine, you must first enlisted in the Marine Corps.
- Enlistment Options: Must choose from the following enlistment options: Infantry, Artillery, or Reconnaissance and Surveillance
- Primary Military Occupational Specialty (PMOS): Must obtain a PMOS in Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) 0321 Reconnaissance Man
- Special Training: Must undergo specialized training at the Recruit Depot, Marine Combat Training, and Reconnaissance and Surveillance Training
Becoming a Marine Reconnaissance Man
Once you have enlisted and undergone basic training, you will begin your journey to becoming a Recon Marine.
- Reconnaissance Training: Must complete the MARSOC Reconnaissance Operator Course, which includes skills such as:
- Basic Reconnaissance Techniques
- Map Reading and Navigation
- Demolitions and Explosive Breaching
- Sniper and Observer Skills
- Communication and Tactical Operations
- Phase One Training: Must complete Phase One training, which includes:
- Orientation and Indoctrination
- Basic Reconnaissance Techniques
- Camouflage and Concealment
- First Aid and Trauma Care
- Land Navigation
- Phase Two Training: Must complete Phase Two training, which includes:
- Advanced Reconnaissance Techniques
- Military Decision Making Process
- Tactical Operations and Coordination
- Force Protection and Security
- Advanced First Aid and Trauma Care
Assignments and Deployments
As a Recon Marine, you will be assigned to a MARSOC team and deployed to combat zones around the world.
- Team Structure: MARSOC teams are structured around a team of 4-6 operators, including:
- Team Leader
- Intelligence Specialist
- Reconnaissance Operator
- Sniper/Observer
- Communications Specialist
- Deployment Cycle: Must be prepared to deploy for extended periods of time, often in austere environments
- High-Risk Missions: Must be prepared to conduct high-risk missions, often under extreme conditions
Conclusion
Becoming a Recon Marine requires dedication, hard work, and a willingness to push beyond your limits. If you are up for the challenge, here are the key takeaways:
- Education and training requirements: ASVAB scores, high school diploma, and Physical Fitness Test
- Meet physical and mental fitness requirements: Body Fat Percentage and PFT scores
- Enlisted Marine Corps career path: Choose Infantry, Artillery, or Reconnaissance and Surveillance, obtain PMOS 0321, and undergo specialized training
- Reconnaissance Training: Complete MARSOC Reconnaissance Operator Course
- Phase One and Two Training: Complete orientation and indoctrination, basic and advanced reconnaissance techniques
- Assignments and deployments: Assign to MARSOC team, deploy to combat zones, and conduct high-risk missions
By following these steps, you can become a Recon Marine and join the elite group of warriors who conduct the Marine Corps’ most elite and challenging missions. Remember, becoming a Recon Marine is not for everyone, but for those who are willing to push their limits and make the impossible possible.
