How to Join the Marine Recon

Last Updated: August 10, 2021 Approved

The Marine Recon is a special operations unit of the US military. There are two types of Marine Recons: the Battalion, led by the Battalion Commander, and the Force, led by the Task Force Commander. The steps for becoming either Marine Recon are very similar, so read on to find out what it takes.

Steps

1
Join the marines. Contact a recruiter via Marines.com. They will help you figure out the requirements, benefits, paperwork and responsibilities of becoming a marine. While this process goes on, work out everyday in a gym and a pool to keep yourself in the best physical shape possible.
2
Undergo Marine Recruit Training. Receive lessons in the School of Infantry to become a rifleman. Also express interest in becoming recon to your combat instructors. These are required for all marines.

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3
Make your way over to RTC. It is just down the road from ITB west and report to the MART(marines awaiting reconnaissance training) instructors. Three to four years of field experience used to be required but now you can go regardless of if you have had years of experience or are fresh out of school.^{[1]
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- Upon showing up you must score a 1st class (215 or higher) on the Physical Fitness Test. (If you want to stay, score over a 285, that's just a tip.) Reporting to recon school can be determined when signing up for the marine corps by speaking to a recruiter or can later be volunteered for in the school of infantry.
4
Understand what it takes to be admitted into BRPC (basic reconnaissance primer course). Eligibility for BRPC is determined by the results from the Marine Physical Fitness Test (PFT). Eligibility is also determined by the swim time and qualification of both WSI and WSB (water survival intermediate and water survival basic). Marines who are physically above average and score at least 275-285 on the test will be admitted into the program.^{[2]
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- The requirements for scoring 300 are: completing a 3-mile run in 18 minutes, 20 dead-hang pull-ups, and 100 sit-ups in 2 minutes. Each accomplishment is worth 100 points.
- In addition, you will need to complete two obstacle courses in less than 2 minutes (per course), swim 500 meters (1,640.4 ft) in gear in 17 minutes, and run rucksack for 10 miles (16 km) while carrying 50 lbs in under 2 hours. Be prepared for additional tests from school to school.
- Potential recons must also pass a Level Test.
5
Train consistently for those tests. You will probably need to train for months in order to handle all of above requirements. At minimum, your workout should consist of:^{[3]
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- Swimming for at least one hour 4-5 times per week, while donning camis or fins at least once per week.
- Tread water with your hands above water for over 40 minutes.
- Perform intensive calisthenics workouts every other day (3-4 times per week), using the following exercises. Your goal should be to increase the number that you can complete in the allotted time from week to week.
  - 2 minutes of push-ups
  - 2 minutes of sit-ups
  - 2 minutes of pull-ups
  - 2 minutes of flutter kicks
  - 2 minutes of 8-count push-ups
  - 2 minutes of scissors
- Running at least 4-5 times per week and performing a rucksack at least once per week
- Preparing for a 20-mile forced march (or "hump") at 4–5 mph (6.4–8.0 km/h) and a timed 4-mile rucksack run (50 lbs)
6
Take the Marine Physical Fitness Test when you are ready, to see how you score. If you are eligible for BRPC, you will interview with the SNCOIC of RTC and prepare to thrash. Note that it is still possible to be rejected at this point if your attitude and teamwork are perceived to be problematic.^{[4]
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7
Congratulate yourself, if you are accepted! You will now be assigned to the Basic Reconnaissance Primer Course where you will be tested both physically and mentally in ways you can't imagine. You need to prepare you for BRC (basic reconnaissance course) amd the school that will turn you into an elite warrior capable of anything. Don't quit on yourself. Finishing BRC will officially promote you to becoming a Reconnaissance Marine.^{[5]
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Community Q&A

Question

Is 14 too early to be thinking about this?

Community Answer

No. Go for it. It's never to early to have a dream. Start training now and you will make it.
Question

Do I have to serve in the infantry for a certain number of years to be eligible?

Community Answer

No. You can enlist as a recon Marine. Just know that if you go in for that contract and don't make it, you can be sent anywhere they need you.
Question

Can I wear glasses and still be a Recon Marine?

Community Answer

Yes, you can. You can even apply for surgery.

Warnings

Being a member of force recon requires insertions behind enemy lines. It will be grueling work for you and your team, but well-worth it.

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