Sniper/Recon

[bstewar09]

I'm a pretty gung-ho guy myself, but I find it laughable all the guys on here that are saying, " I'm pretty sure I'm going to be a Sniper or in a recon unit." Personally, I think I'm going to do something with tanks or the infantry. But all I tell people is that I am joining the Marines, and I'm going to make it through recruit training before I start telling people and getting a woody over what exactly I'm going to do in the Marines. This is for two reasons: 1. I realize I'll get put where Corps needs Marines, and if they need janitors, (I don't even know if that is a MOS) I guess I'll be a master of the Custodial Arts. 2. I've seen guys in my town (forgive me about talking about the Army, but not many guys from around my neck of the woods go to the Marines, or any service for that matter) but the ones that go off to the Army always brag, "Dude, before you know it I'm gonna be a Ranger" Well out of the the probably 10-15 guys that have said that, I only know one that ever became a Ranger, and now he's eventually in the Green Berets. As for the other guys when they come back I ask them how Ranger training went and it turns out they washed out or never even put that as their MOS and now they are in like a supply room, or the funniest one was a guy who ended up being a cook.

The point I guess i'm trying to make is it is okay to have lofty goals, but sometimes you have to be a little realistic as well.
-Ben

P.S. I do realize it is school hours however it is a teacher work day, and I've already PT'd today

[davblay]

Good post Ben! ;)

When people join the Marines they do it for several reasons!

1. For the Travel
2. For the Adventure
3. For the prestige
4. For the Uniform
5. For the dicipline
6. For the Bragging rights
7. For the Pay (lets not forget the millions of dollars they will make as a Marine) LMAO
8. For the right to growl in public
9. For the right to cuss like a Marine
10. For the chance to be a RECON, Sniper, oh lets not forget 8th & I.
11. For the chance to Guard the President
12. For the opportunity to have people tell them they are crazy as hell for joining the Corps!
13. For the chance to KILL more enemy than anyone else in your home town.
14. Oh yes for the chow!
15. For the Girls that the uniform will draw in to you!
16. For right to tell poolees they are not ready for boot camp.
17. To be able to come home on first leave and kick the town bullies ass.
18. To make your mama blush when you use your foul boot camp mouth around her.
19. To become a gentleman, LMAO.
20. to get that tattoo that covers your entire chest, with a Marine Corps Bull dog on it.
21. To have the chance to make a difference in the world.
22. To prove that you are a Marine, in and out, of uniform!
23. To be a GRUNT, in the Corps.
24. To be one of the best of the best.
25. Last but not least, be a member of our brotherhood for life!

These are but 25 reasons we hear on this site every day! I am sure there are several more that the good Marines on this site can think of!

Let me add one more....to have the right to have to listen to all the poolees/wannabes tell you why they will make the Corps a better outfit and how they are ready for Boot Camp, of course you have to listen to us old farts tell you how it used to be! Be careful young wannabes/poolees, you will be one of us old farts one day, God willing and you make it thru Boot Camp yourself!

Just food for thought,

Dave

[karstenchu]

Good response, Dave. I'm pretty motivated now and am going to go have a good run in honor of reason #25.

[Bradly Powell]

i'm shooting for infantry work but i'll take what i can get from the Corps. i'm not picky like those "Army" guys. i do whats required of me.

[bstewar09]

I am joining the Corps because of reasons 1 thru 5 and #21. Other than that, I don't like what college did to my brother, he is now a frat pretty boy, who is only concerned with himself. My decision to join the Corps surprised a lot of people because I am a 4.0 student. Unfortunately it also suprised my parents and not in a good way, so I have to wait until I'm 18 to go DEP.

[Lickdem89]

I joined to serve my Country. And joined the Marines cause they are the best

[futuremarine129]

I want to be a Recon and eventually MARSOC and I will do everything I possibly can to obtain my goal. I would appreciate it if you didn't laugh at my goal or think I'm joking. Maybe some people aren't serious but I'm about as serious about this as I have been anything in my life.

[LeonardLawrence]

Well said Cpl Blay! Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!


Good post Ben! ;)

When people join the Marines they do it for several reasons!

1. For the Travel
2. For the Adventure
3. For the prestige
4. For the Uniform
5. For the dicipline
6. For the Bragging rights
7. For the Pay (lets not forget the millions of dollars they will make as a Marine) LMAO
8. For the right to growl in public
9. For the right to cuss like a Marine
10. For the chance to be a RECON, Sniper, oh lets not forget 8th & I.
11. For the chance to Guard the President
12. For the opportunity to have people tell them they are crazy as hell for joining the Corps!
13. For the chance to KILL more enemy than anyone else in your home town.
14. Oh yes for the chow!
15. For the Girls that the uniform will draw in to you!
16. For right to tell poolees they are not ready for boot camp.
17. To be able to come home on first leave and kick the town bullies ass.
18. To make your mama blush when you use your foul boot camp mouth around her.
19. To become a gentleman, LMAO.
20. to get that tattoo that covers your entire chest, with a Marine Corps Bull dog on it.
21. To have the chance to make a difference in the world.
22. To prove that you are a Marine, in and out, of uniform!
23. To be a GRUNT, in the Corps.
24. To be one of the best of the best.
25. Last but not least, be a member of our brotherhood for life!

These are but 25 reasons we hear on this site every day! I am sure there are several more that the good Marines on this site can think of!

Let me add one more....to have the right to have to listen to all the poolees/wannabes tell you why they will make the Corps a better outfit and how they are ready for Boot Camp, of course you have to listen to us old farts tell you how it used to be! Be careful young wannabes/poolees, you will be one of us old farts one day, God willing and you make it thru Boot Camp yourself!

Just food for thought,

Dave

[skaterjon89]

I think I'm one of the only ones at my RSS who doesn't really want to be Recon or Scout/Sniper, I said if I made the PFT for it and quald to try out I'd give it a shot if I wanted to be it more, but I'm not counting on that... Some people ask me why I joined the Corps and usually my answer is...

"Shoot the ****..."

or

"Blow **** up..."

Although I believe some can do, it's hard as hell, but not impossible...

[maverickmarine]

I'm a pretty gung-ho guy myself, but I find it laughable all the guys on here that are saying, " I'm pretty sure I'm going to be a Sniper or in a recon unit." Personally, I think I'm going to do something with tanks or the infantry. But all I tell people is that I am joining the Marines, and I'm going to make it through recruit training before I start telling people and getting a woody over what exactly I'm going to do in the Marines. This is for two reasons: 1. I realize I'll get put where Corps needs Marines, and if they need janitors, (I don't even know if that is a MOS) I guess I'll be a master of the Custodial Arts. 2. I've seen guys in my town (forgive me about talking about the Army, but not many guys from around my neck of the woods go to the Marines, or any service for that matter) but the ones that go off to the Army always brag, "Dude, before you know it I'm gonna be a Ranger" Well out of the the probably 10-15 guys that have said that, I only know one that ever became a Ranger, and now he's eventually in the Green Berets. As for the other guys when they come back I ask them how Ranger training went and it turns out they washed out or never even put that as their MOS and now they are in like a supply room, or the funniest one was a guy who ended up being a cook.

The point I guess i'm trying to make is it is okay to have lofty goals, but sometimes you have to be a little realistic as well.
-Ben

P.S. I do realize it is school hours however it is a teacher work day, and I've already PT'd today




Good post. It's good to see a poolee that understands the first goal is to become a Marine and then drive on from there. That's the one thing we are constantly trying to impress on the wanabe's on this site. The thing is that Recon and Sniper are the Marine Corps elite and most people will either lose that desire once they become a Marine or do not make it, so that's why you really should focus on earning the title first and then if you're still motivated go after the brass ring. Just a heads up, the Green Beret is just the stupid cover they wear, the proper terminology for that unit is Special Forces. I have several buddies that were in that unit and that was something they hated being called. But, good luck with becoming a Marine!

[KevinR90]

I just want to mention there's a guy my recruiter just got a month ago who's signed up for Recon. I mean, not that "I'm pretty sure i'm going to be Recon" this seems to be a pretty solid deal as far as I can tell. My recruiter tells me this guy wanted to go Recon, and (i'm assuming) it was explained to him that he might not get it. Well apparently there was actually a spot for Recon so the guy decided he'd go at that specific date just to get it.

I'd figured that would be one of the things you had to sign up for after you passed boot camp, but I think I remember my recruiter saying they use to do it like that but they changed it. Kind of like the Crew Chief MOS- it use to not be something you could sign up for right off the bat but now it is.

[Patriot34]

I'm enlisting because I want to defend my country. (and reason #12. Hell I really don't give a rats *** how people feel about me joining the Corps. It is going to happen, even if I have to drag my *** through boot.)

[bstewar09]

There actually is a no longer active Marine Sniper that lives in my town he is actually the sillohuette on packages of Hornady or some brand of bullets. I don't know what his real name is people just call him Tab, I think its because his initials are T.A.B. he has a son in my class, but I've only talked to him once and if all snipers are like this guy are, they are a different breed.

[zackmerc]

It really is laughable that many guys think they could easily be Recon or Sniper. Truth is, many guys get their butts kicked at SOI where training isn't even nearly as difficult as in the real deal. Infantry itself is a very demanding MOS; it is the hardest job in the Marine Corps.

No, there are no janitors. PFC's are janitors (Perfect For Cleaning). We have police calls where everyone picks up trash and cleans their immediate areas.

[Accord]

PFC: Perfect For Cleaning
LCpl: Last Cleaning Person Left


Or better yet...

LCpl: Last Chance to Play Lost
Cpl: Can't play lost

[Nez46]

I want to be a Recon and eventually MARSOC and I will do everything I possibly can to obtain my goal. I would appreciate it if you didn't laugh at my goal or think I'm joking. Maybe some people aren't serious but I'm about as serious about this as I have been anything in my life.

From what i have heard didnt MARSOC get dissbanded because im going for 0321 RECON so yeah im working real hard i keep saying i will make it and doing the best i can at PT so hopefully i will well first i have to become a MARINE so you know.

[Smitty Puffs]

MARSOC did not get disbanded.

And anyone who says they want recon, all the power to yuh. If you dont know what your getting yourself into then you'll find out eventually.

[Nez46]

Are you sure because all the recruiters say it was and they said the didnt want an elite force inside of Recon because Recon is an elite force.

[Accord]

Are you sure because all the recruiters say it was and they said the didnt want an elite force inside of Recon because Recon is an elite force.
"But the recruiter said..."

A recruiters job is to recruit you. He will make **** sound cooler than it is, make you think that you're going to be the next Jack Bauer.

[Cwalling]

MARSOC was created in 2006 febuary,it is still operational.

[skaterjon89]

LOL!!!! Sooooo true...

"But the recruiter said...":bunny:

[Nez46]

Well i dont believe everything but i read it some where

[249gunner]

MARSOC picked out a bunch of eligible active duty Marines from my SOI company back in November 07. Most of em turned it down. And there was like 20-25 of em that were picked out. Some had strong PFTs other high ASVAB scores.

[bstewar09]

Nez46, In the great words of Jack Johnson, "I read somewhere that you gotta beware you can't belive everything you read"

[Echo_Four_Bravo]

That's kind of funny- didn't want an elite inside of recon because recon is elite. The reasoning for not being a part of USSOCOM for so long was because they didn't want an elite inside an elite- but in that case it was they didn't want to create an elite unit in the MARINE CORPS because the Marine Corps is already elite.

I guess Marines were wrong for all of those years and there already was an elite unit.

For what its worth, I'll laugh at every poolee that shows up here saying they want to be Ricky Recon. Chances are great that you won't make it, no matter how much you say you want it or how hard you work. You have no concept of what those kind of people go through. There are elite athletes with more drive and desire than you can imagine. Get there, then I'll be impressed. Saying you're going to do it is just a joke.

[Nez46]

True few make it but i will try when i make it. If i do i will send ya a message lol

[Nez46]

Okay MARSOC is still operational. Marines i know i was wrong sorry but they did disband DET 1 MARSOC which is like detachment one
here is the story from this web site http://rule308.blogspot.com/2006/04/mcsocom-det-one.html

80% of my job for the past year or so has been collecting and writing the history of Marine Special Operations Command Detachment One, aka MCSOCOM Det One, or just Det One. One early article on it is here (http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/issues/2004/Feb/Marine_Unit.htm), and it’s more or less correct, although no article I have ever read really fully captures what the unit was. That article is interesting because it says, “no MarSOC,” and of course now there is a MarSOC, but I digress. Det One was (it was disbanded a few weeks ago) a uniquely Marine special operations unit, and until recently it was the only Marine force contribution to SOCOM. I will discuss it here in very plain terms.

Most observers would say that Det One was just a Force Recon platoon surrounded by headquarters and support elements. Not true. Yes, it had a large and highly capable recon platoon (comprised of only seasoned and highly experienced veterans). It also had an intelligence element larger than the recon platoon, which included a substantial radio reconnaissance (tactical SIGINT) and HUMINT capability, as well as a full analysis and production capability. It also had a small fires liaison element. And it had a logistics element, which could handle its service support needs. Finally it had a command element which was fully capable of battlestaff functions. The sum of Det One parts was greatly exceeded by the synergy of Det One, which is the truth behind any Marine air-ground task force.

Det One was a “proof of concept” unit, a two-year experiment to see what a Marine force contribution to SOCOM should be. The unit ended up going for about three years. In 2004 it deployed to Iraq as part of a Naval Special Warfare Squadron (i.e. the SEALs), where it operated for six months. The details of that operation are waaaay beyond what can be written here, but suffice it to say that Detachment, even after some of its elements had been broken up to support task units in that squadron, performed beyond expectations and brought exceptional capabilities to the battlefield. Det One Marines took down high value targets in Baghdad, provided liaison to coalition forces, directly supported the protection of the top members of the original Iraqi interim government, and provided a mix of sniper support, fires coordination, command and control, and intelligence support to conventional forces during the landmark battle of Najaf. The Detachment occupied an operational niche in SOCOM, something between “white SOF” and the tier-one units. Like I said, much of the best detail is classified, but I have every hope of being able to publish a declassified version that will tell the story in as much detail as possible.

However, with the rise of MarSOC it was decided to stand Det One down. The policy aspects of the decision are far beyond my pay grade. MarSOC is a completely different animal. Without Det One there probably wouldn’t be a MarSOC, and we’ll leave it at that.

From spring 2004 to the present, I’ve been privileged to be able to talk to the Marines and sailors in that unit, record their stories and write their history. What I’ve written above barely scratches the surface on Det One. But it’ll have to do for now.

[Finger]

I don't think things have changed that much since my day. Wanna be a Force Recon Marine? Swim like a shark (it helps to grow gills), run like a deer and be an expert in Land Nav, and then if you have the right attitude you might make it. Go for it. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

S/F
Finger :cool:

[Nez46]

Thanks for the advice yesah im trying to swim and run alot but i havent thought about land nav.

[Smitty Puffs]

what was your last IST score?

[Nez46]

21 pullups 100 cruches (or however you spell that) and a 9:57 mile&half i need to work on the run but that was like a month ago so im still working on it but my ship date is 7th of july so i got alot of time to work at it

[futuremarine129]

That's kind of funny- didn't want an elite inside of recon because recon is elite. The reasoning for not being a part of USSOCOM for so long was because they didn't want an elite inside an elite- but in that case it was they didn't want to create an elite unit in the MARINE CORPS because the Marine Corps is already elite.

I guess Marines were wrong for all of those years and there already was an elite unit.

For what its worth, I'll laugh at every poolee that shows up here saying they want to be Ricky Recon. Chances are great that you won't make it, no matter how much you say you want it or how hard you work. You have no concept of what those kind of people go through. There are elite athletes with more drive and desire than you can imagine. Get there, then I'll be impressed. Saying you're going to do it is just a joke.

I work towards becomming MARSOC everyday. I wak up in the morning and besides making myself breakfast, MARSOC is what I think about. I am one-hundred percent commited to achieveing my goal of becomming a Marine, and MARSOC.

[Finger]

He He He

If you had my old body with screws and plates, you youngins might think twice about it. Well hell, I didn't listen either.

:usmc:

S/F
Finger

[pooleegoldsmith]

I paid really close attention, I might have missed it but i doubt it.
If someone could clarify this for me, it would be great.
Do you apply before or after boot camp for recon?
I got confused because on one of the threads a poolee said
someone signed a contract, Vs my sergeant saying that you
can apply for it after boot in SOI.

[Finger]

The answer is yes. either way.

If you can get a contract for it, you are ensured a shot at indoc.

[pooleegoldsmith]

Ha ha, thank you.
And record time response too.

[skaterjon89]

LOL Recon, speaking of which like a week and half ago my Recruiter calls me up and says:

"So I got a deal for you, ready?"

-"um...sure...go ahead..."

"We can get you a guarantee spot written on paper and everything to be able to be one of the first to try for Force Recon and a 10k bonus when you make it, but the catch is you have to leave tommorow...you down?"

-"HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA, is this some kind of joke? HAHAHHAAHHA, me, make Force Recon? HAHAHAHHAHA, I barely have like a 250PFT, HAHAHHAHAHA, anyways I'm not looking to be the ass kicker of the ass kickers in the Corps, you should give this to someone who wants to do this..."

"Well, I knew you weren't going to take it, but Gunny just wanted me to tell you, and he said he needs to talk to you about it also..."

So I talk to the Gunny and he is telling me all about this, and basically I'm like "dude, sike...ain't going to happen, no way in hell am I going to tryout for something I most likely wouldn't make, and wash out to a field I don't want to be in, and I just don't want it as bad as I want to keep my balls..."

Good times, my Recruiter even had a good laugh... I was a military brat for 12 years (dad was also a grunt/ recruiter for some of those years), and young poolees and wannabees I may be no Marine, so you may disregard this, but do research in EVERYTHING, do not go in this blindfolded... Our Gunny was telling me how I have the IST/ASVAB scores for this and plus I "owe" this to him, that even made my Recruiter angy right there... I have done alot for our RSS, I may be a poolee, but I have gave countless people rides (some saying thankyou, not requiring gas money), FREE tutoring, take other poolees to start getting in shape for Boot Camp. The only thing I have actually gotten out of it is PFC in Boot Camp, I never even asked for that, my Recruiter just said that I helped so much to get people and the like that it is what "brothers" do... Anyways this is running off on a tangent, but eh, that is life. All I am saying is don't garble up everything the Recruiter tells you, mine actually did not lie, just sugar coated things, but he knew I wasn't falling for the "YOU WILL BE A SNIPER!!!!!" kind of thing. He actually since has changed his Recruiting practices as far as I know, from what I see, he knows I do not take anything or the like unless it is written on paper, like my dad and many other military folk (Marines included) told me to do. I'm saying all this because I have also seen way to many young lads, not only here, but in other places as well saying stuff like "But my Recruiter said I could..."

Not saying all Recruiters are "OMFG YOU LIAR!!!!" Most, are great Men/Women, hardworking, doing things the way they should be, I know my father was one, but remember research, because my buddy who just graduated boot camp right now, said he ran into a kid that was like "my recruiter didn't tell me about any of this..." I was like "WTF, did he think this was all going to be ****s and giggles???"

Anyways, research everything, read contract carefully, don't sign anything blindfolded...

Just because your Recruiter says, "you can go Force Recon" doesn't mean that is what you will be, it is a long hard journey, you have to really want it I'm sure... I'm sorry if I offended anyone or the like, but this was pressing on mind for a while, and it felt like it needed to be said.

[Nez46]

Yeah i got the Recon job signed contract with a 10k bonus its awsome.

[davblay]

Yeah i got the Recon job signed contract with a 10k bonus its awsome.

But did they tell you that you must pass the INDOC and become RECON to get that 10K?

[Call me fish]

Well now the indoc is during BRC (Basic Reconnaissance Course). I have a reconnaissance contract as well which garauntees I will go to BRC after SOI if I have a 1st class PFT score. The indoc is the 1st day- 21st day at BRC.

My friend Dan Rivera is at BRC right now and tells me the the first week was 8 hours a day in the pool. Now the indoc is over and they are still in the pool but also working outside of the pool. The last 2 weeks of BRC involves swimming in the ocean along with those inflatable boats, at least that's what he told me.

He also told me there were roughly 70-80 guys there and 18 dropped out the first day. Best of luck to all, I know what it's like to want this more than anything.

~fish

[Nez46]

But did they tell you that you must pass the INDOC and become RECON to get that 10K?

Yes corporal thay did i have i signed contract and yes i know its going to be hard but im motivated

[skaterjon89]

Like I said before, I'm no Marine, but I'm just watching out for people who do get "suckered" into certain things, and may resent not only there Recruiter, but the Corps later on in life, and no one wants that.

Good Luck to all of you determined to make it, I really mean that...

[futuremarine129]

Well now the indoc is during BRC (Basic Reconnaissance Course). I have a reconnaissance contract as well which garauntees I will go to BRC after SOI if I have a 1st class PFT score. The indoc is the 1st day- 21st day at BRC.

My friend Dan Rivera is at BRC right now and tells me the the first week was 8 hours a day in the pool. Now the indoc is over and they are still in the pool but also working outside of the pool. The last 2 weeks of BRC involves swimming in the ocean along with those inflatable boats, at least that's what he told me.

He also told me there were roughly 70-80 guys there and 18 dropped out the first day. Best of luck to all, I know what it's like to want this more than anything.

~fish
I'm happy someone else knows what it's like to want this more than anything. This summer is going to be extremely intense, me and my friend (wants to be a SEAL) are going to train harder than ever. I would work harder now but there is not much to do in the winter, besides the push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, and running.

[bstewar09]

I'm not planning on going into recon, but there is plenty you can do besides the exercises you mentioned. It doesn't take much room to do mountain climbers and squat jumps. Also since it is winter (I live in Nebraska and we just got a bunch of snow dumped on us), scoop snow but try doing it at a much faster pace. Since I am not out for a winter sport my dad put me to work around the farm, for about two weeks straight I had to break concrete every day after school, the sledge hammer and concrete gets pretty dang heavy when the sun starts going down and your stomach starts growling. Sorry for going a little long, but don't tell me all you can do is push-ups situps, pullups and running.

[futuremarine129]

I'm not planning on going into recon, but there is plenty you can do besides the exercises you mentioned. It doesn't take much room to do mountain climbers and squat jumps. Also since it is winter (I live in Nebraska and we just got a bunch of snow dumped on us), scoop snow but try doing it at a much faster pace. Since I am not out for a winter sport my dad put me to work around the farm, for about two weeks straight I had to break concrete every day after school, the sledge hammer and concrete gets pretty dang heavy when the sun starts going down and your stomach starts growling. Sorry for going a little long, but don't tell me all you can do is push-ups situps, pullups and running.

I'll try these. I clearly have not been taking myself seriously enough If I overlooked these exercises. Thanks man.

[skaterjon89]

also, those guys, even Marines, they don't give a **** if its 10 degrees outside you still train hard, it's what you will have to deal with...

[bstewar09]

I apologize if that last post seemed a little, well it made me look like an a$$. I just typed it up real quick and didn't think how it would sound. I am sure your doing plenty to prepare yourself, the point I was trying to make was that if you ever want some more to do or just a little variety, you can always think of something.

[pooleegoldsmith]

Or if you go into a Marine Corps. Recruiting office I am sure that any Marine there would love to quarter deck you.
In delayed Entry Program with my station we have P.T. two times a week and today Coporal killed us with Quarter deck in just 30 minutes.
not a soul was alive, not a body moving. But that was for a group of people If it is one on one im sure the Marine could wear you down alot faster.

[MARSOCmarine03]

OK to set the record straight MARSOC is still up and fully operational. for anyone who doesn't know. I am in MARSOC and i am on a team. Also Force Recon has officially stood down and MSOB was activated in its place.

[Smitty Puffs]

You should really give it a rest on telling people how badly you want recon when you havent even earned the title yet. A lot of you guys sounds like you have boot camp in the bag already. One step at a time.

[Nez46]

Boot camp yes is hard but if you try and your motivated you will make it if you doubt yourself you will fail thats how i look at it

[Nez46]

OK to set the record straight MARSOC is still up and fully operational. for anyone who doesn't know. I am in MARSOC and i am on a team. Also Force Recon has officially stood down and MSOB was activated in its place.

Sergeant i was wondering what do you mean force recon has stood down?

[futuremarine129]

You should really give it a rest on telling people how badly you want recon when you havent even earned the title yet. A lot of you guys sounds like you have boot camp in the bag already. One step at a time.

I always figured that If I shoot for MARSOC, I will be training more than enough (physically) for boot camp.

[MARSOCmarine03]

Sergeant i was wondering what do you mean force recon has stood down?
When a unit is stood down that means they retired the unit. so by the order of the Marine Corps, Force Recon no longer exist. Same people just a different name..

[MARSOCmarine03]

I always figured that If I shoot for MARSOC, I will be training more than enough (physically) for boot camp.
I don't want to hurt your feelings but a unit like MARSOC doesn't look for operators right out of boot camp or SOI. We want a marine with a few years under his belt and at least 1 combat tour. We did a screening at SOI once and went threw 160 students and picked 6 and only 1 made it to training. he still has 6 months of training but we don't know if he will make it through, due to lack of experience. MARSOC doesn't want just someone who can PT but some one who is mature and can operate on his own. But if you set your standards high you will be above the standard.

keep you head up and stay low.

[Lickdem89]

What exactly is MARSOC?

[MARSOCmarine03]

What exactly is MARSOC?

United States Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command US Special Operations Command (SOCOM) that comprises the Marine Corps' contribution to SOCOM. Its core capabilities are direct action, special Reconnisanse [/URL], foreign internal defense, counterterroism, information operations, and unconventional warfare. MARSOC was officially activated on February 26, 2006 with ceremonies at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
(MARSOC) is a component command of the by US Defense Secretary
It is based at Camp Lejeune and is split into five subordinate commands:
The Marine Special Operations Advisor Group (MSOAG), based at Camp Lejeune, contains about 400 infantry personnel and trains friendly foreign military forces in an effort to ease the workload for Army Special Forces to concentrate on more specialized missions. (Formerly the Foreign Military Training Unit)
Two Marine Special Operations Battalions (MSOBs), one on each coast. Their tasks are direct action, special reconnaissance, foreign internal defense, counter-terrorism, unconventional warfare, and information operations. Each MSOB consists of four or five Marine Special Operations Companies (MSOCs), commanded by a Major (O-4). Three Marine Special Operations Teams (MSOTs) make up the MSOC, commanded by a a Captain (0-3) and Team Sergeant (E-7 / E-8), consisting of 14 operators in each team. The core personnel strength of the MSOTs was initially drafted from Force Recon.
The Marine Special Operations Support Group (MSOSG) at Camp Lejeune, which also comprises 400 personnel, contains the Command's administrative, intelligence, and support assets.
The Marine Special Operations School (MSOS) at Camp Lejeune conducts screening, recruiting, training, selection, assessment, and development functions for MARSOC.


check out the website....... [url]www.marsoc.usmc.mil (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reconnaissance)

[Nez46]

So if my MOS is 0321 and wanted to go to Force Recon. What is the new name for Force Recon?

[futuremarine129]

I don't want to hurt your feelings but a unit like MARSOC doesn't look for operators right out of boot camp or SOI. We want a marine with a few years under his belt and at least 1 combat tour. We did a screening at SOI once and went threw 160 students and picked 6 and only 1 made it to training. he still has 6 months of training but we don't know if he will make it through, due to lack of experience. MARSOC doesn't want just someone who can PT but some one who is mature and can operate on his own. But if you set your standards high you will be above the standard.

keep you head up and stay low.

My feelings aren't hurt but they aren't exactly lifted either. I knew they didn't pick out of boot, but I thought maybe they did out of SOI. I had NO IDEA I needed one combat tour! I'm not too angry about that as I expected to have a combat tour or two when I get in, but thats a long process. Just another reason the Marines have the best of the best.

[thewookie]

So if my MOS is 0321 and wanted to go to Force Recon. What is the new name for Force Recon?

Fred frickin Flinstone or Barney flippin Rubble, get Force out of your head and read the post before yours, dumbazz. I think the Sergeant made it pretty clear what's going on there, don't you? Don't play with us boy, we can read your little thesis on MARSOC down below. You got darn good intel from a darn good source, talk all you want about what you've read/written, read that post again rocko. Why don't you worry about graduating and spending some time in the fleet earning your way in order to a get a look. You're not going to sniff that 10k bonus. You need brains to get there and with all these posts I've read in this thread it's clear that you're lacking there.

You poolees/wanna bees think this is something rookies do? You think you just earn the title and get sent off to be John Rambo? I know you signed something that says you get this and that at this point or another but do you really have any clue what the odds are of you collecting? Friggin rocks. You are out of your minds.

[Lickdem89]

Ok got it MARSOCMARINE03 thanks

[thewookie]

And one more thing while I'm on it,, I know few will confirm this publicly, maybe MARSOCmarine03 can shed a little light. But I bet any young Marine coming up into the MARSOC community that has a 10k bonus looming is going to get some extra "special" attention by the old salts. I can't say they're going to have a "bounty" on you but your azz is going to earn every single penny you ever receive of that 10k. This is serious sh*t. And you can run, swim, land nav, hump, shoot, operate, with the best of them but if you don't have character, heart, integrity and loyalty then you'll be spotted and eventually weeded out. Now go read up on something,,,

[Nez46]

Fred frickin Flinstone or Barney flippin Rubble, get Force out of your head and read the post before yours, dumbazz. I think the Sergeant made it pretty clear what's going on there, don't you? Don't play with us boy, we can read your little thesis on MARSOC down below. You got darn good intel from a darn good source, talk all you want about what you've read/written, read that post again rocko. Why don't you worry about graduating and spending some time in the fleet earning your way in order to a get a look. You're not going to sniff that 10k bonus. You need brains to get there and with all these posts I've read in this thread it's clear that you're lacking there.

You poolees/wanna bees think this is something rookies do? You think you just earn the title and get sent off to be John Rambo? I know you signed something that says you get this and that at this point or another but do you really have any clue what the odds are of you collecting? Friggin rocks. You are out of your minds.

Its not that i think im going straight to Force Recon im not stupid. I was just wondering whats its new name was. And im going just for 0321 when i Graduate then i know i have a while till i get to try out for Force Recon.

[maverickmarine]

I don't want to hurt your feelings but a unit like MARSOC doesn't look for operators right out of boot camp or SOI. We want a marine with a few years under his belt and at least 1 combat tour. We did a screening at SOI once and went threw 160 students and picked 6 and only 1 made it to training. he still has 6 months of training but we don't know if he will make it through, due to lack of experience. MARSOC doesn't want just someone who can PT but some one who is mature and can operate on his own. But if you set your standards high you will be above the standard.

keep you head up and stay low.

I am so freakin' glad to hear you say that. I was in Force, many moons ago, and that is what kept throwing me off about how the Marine Corps is allowing new Marines a shot at Recon indoc etc, etc...When I was in, it was the same deal. You had to be a proven performer, get recommended, pass indoc and then successfully complete the training before you were ever even close to being good to go. I am glad that MARSOC is keeping to those kind of standards and only allows experienced operators.

[Call me fish]

Wookie like I posted before, I have the highest respect for your feelings. Especially your feelings for this kid who clearly can't read. But when it comes to the others like me with the 0321 contract, things may be a little different.

I know what the failure rate is. I have no intentions of becoming MARSOC any time soon. My intentions are basic reconnaissance, and I do, however, plan on making it through boot camp and SOI and then getting my chance at BRC to prove myself. The 0321 contract garuantees me BRC as long as I have a 1st class PFT.

My very good friend is at Basic Reconnaissance Course as we speak and he made it through the first 21 days (the indoc) and now is doing other training. He says swimming is the vast majority of the indoc, and for me, I'm pretty happy about that. I'm not saying I'm going to make it through, but I'm saying I think I will, and nobody can take away my motivation. You can go anywhere you put your heart into, and to become a Basic Reconnaissance Man is just that for me. Have a good one man, I'm off to go swim.

~fish

[MARSOCmarine03]

And one more thing while I'm on it,, I know few will confirm this publicly, maybe MARSOCmarine03 can shed a little light. But I bet any young Marine coming up into the MARSOC community that has a 10k bonus looming is going to get some extra "special" attention by the old salts. I can't say they're going to have a "bounty" on you but your azz is going to earn every single penny you ever receive of that 10k. This is serious sh*t. And you can run, swim, land nav, hump, shoot, operate, with the best of them but if you don't have character, heart, integrity and loyalty then you'll be spotted and eventually weeded out. Now go read up on something,,,

That is very true wookie. If and when I see a marine right out of SOI come over to marsoc as an operator and not just some support guy he will have a lot of making up to do. MARSOC is full of very decorated combat vets. Also if you are given a 10k bonus and don't make it the Corps will take it all back I guarantee that..

[MARSOCmarine03]

Its not that i think im going straight to Force Recon im not stupid. I was just wondering whats its new name was. And im going just for 0321 when i Graduate then i know i have a while till i get to try out for Force Recon.

Nez i don't know if you saw my post but once again FORCE RECON dose NOT exist.... Force is now MSOB (Marine Special Operations Battalion) They fall under MARSOC and MARSOC falls under SOCOM.

[skaterjon89]

I thought SOCOM was the Navy? Eh, then again untill I was like 14 I thought there was only the Army and the Navy...

[MARSOCmarine03]

I thought SOCOM was the Navy? Eh, then again untill I was like 14 I thought there was only the Army and the Navy...
No skaterjon this is SOCOM............

The United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM or USSOC) is charged with overseeing the various Special Operations Commands (SOC or SOCOM) of each branch of the US Military. The command is part of the U.S. Department of Defense (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Department_of_Defense). When Special Operations Forces (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Special_Operations_Forces) (SOF) of different branches are used for the same operation, USSOCOM acts as the Joint Command Center (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Joint_Command_Center&action=edit) (JCC) of all the forces used in the operation. USSOCOM is headquartered at MacDill Air Force Base (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacDill_Air_Force_Base) in Tampa, Florida (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tampa%2C_Florida). SOCOM is a separate brand of the armed forces, with 44,000 special operations commandos from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Marine Corps.


I think you might be thinking of a video game....

[skaterjon89]

I was thinking of a video game lol, but this brings things more into perspective... As part of the civilian public still cod4 is fun :)

[bstewar09]

Dang, I did not realize how far this thread would go, it has been interesting to read all of these.
-Ben

[bstewar09]

And speaking of war-related video games such as Call of Duty 4, I don't care if other people play them, but for me personally 1. I never have been a huge fan of video games and 2. War is anything but a game so I don't think it should be presented as such. But I know theres a lot of veterans and military personel that play war-related video games so I'm not going to say "War related video games are offensive to veterans" Its just my own thing.

[skaterjon89]

I'm and will be forever a g33k at heart :)

[MARSOCmarine03]

I dont play video games. I'm too busy doing the real thing.. :cool: lol.

[skaterjon89]

LOL, the closest I get is an xbox controller for now lol...

[kaboom1371]

so when I get to level 3 and die do I come back to last saved point or do I start all over?

[MARSOCmarine03]

OK so before we get off the subject of MARSOC and jump to video games lets end the gamer s**T now.. Thanks

[Nez46]

Nez i don't know if you saw my post but once again FORCE RECON dose NOT exist.... Force is now MSOB (Marine Special Operations Battalion) They fall under MARSOC and MARSOC falls under SOCOM.

Thanks i knew that Force Recon does not exsist anymore thats what i was wondering thanks!!!!~

[Nez46]

so when I get to level 3 and die do I come back to last saved point or do I start all over?

I beat the whole thing on difficuties. Thats what i do between working out senior year at school and Marine meetings. But you start back at saved point. But yeah if any of yall play online my name is (i know the marines are going to kill me haha) DEVILDOG_R but yeah. Marines i made that name before i joined this website so i didnt have the new found respect for the Marines nicknames.

[Call me fish]

Did you not just hear MARSOCmarine03? Drop the gaming stuff nez.

OK so before we get off the subject of MARSOC and jump to video games lets end the gamer s**T now.. Thanks

[Cwalling]

nez,do you know what SARCASM is?

*bangs head on desk

[Echo_Four_Bravo]

I just hope to heck that you all find a way to save your game when you're headed out on a patrol. I think about half the poolees here lack the basic G-2 to find their way back, even under the best of circumstances.

[Nez46]

I didnt see his post before i posted that sorry. Yeah i know what sarcasm is lol

[rvillac2]

Thanks for the scoop straight from the source.
Semper Fi, Sgt. Ditto.

[pooleegoldsmith]

Ok, so everyone wants to be a Force recon sniper, or whatever special forces name it now holds. And getting there is beyond belief. How about Surveillance and Target Aquisition... I think now called Scout Sniper Platoon. Is that Easier to get into then Force Recon and become a sniper? Maybe its the same thing and im just a retard, but i did read every post just to make sure the question wasn't already asked.
So my question is... The Scout Sniper Platoon... Is it too hard for a motivated wanna be (hopefully soon to be) Marine to get into? or is it just for the best of the best

[Dagger3]

It's really not that hard to get into STA, if you can run like Michael Johnson, swim like Phelps and think like Albert you're there, or if you want to see it this way like some other person in one of the other topics said: "all you have to do is to be in olympic physical condition", so as you can see is not that hard.

[Smitty Puffs]

For christ sakes poolees give it a rest. Take your journey one step at a time. Last time I checked the only way your getting a spot into Scout/Sniper school is if your Lcpl. And dont forget that you also have to be a whiz with trigonometry and a super stud when it comes to the physical aspect. Its ok to dream big, but take it slowly, earn the title first.

[Xebec]

I second that Smitty Puffs!

[Nez46]

I do not agree Smitty. Someone has to do it. It takes i wanna be spirit to do something like that and all the Marines know its not easy. If we thought that way about everything then why do YOU want to be a Marine. We all have dreams and questions about Marine programs and etc. Thats what this website was created for. Maybe some poeple ask to many, but thats no reason to stop them.

[phantasm]

I do not agree Smitty. Someone has to do it. It takes i wanna be spirit to do something like that and all the Marines know its not easy. If we thought that way about everything then why do YOU want to be a Marine. We all have dreams and questions about Marine programs and etc. Thats what this website was created for. Maybe some poeple ask to many, but thats no reason to stop them.

Actually, this website is stated as being a place for USMC Veterans which means that they tolerate and answer our questions out of their own free will. Frankly, I'm tired of hearing about the Sniper and Recon crap and I've barely been hear a week.

If you want to know so bad, there are places where the information being sought could be found.

Young kids, 17 and 18 yrs old first need to focus on one mission. My brother was just like most of you kids, he wanted to join the USMC and become a Sniper. Well, he's a Marine now and a Mortarman serving in IRQ. He changed his mind about being a Sniper, instead, he likes his current job and plans to excel at that before he considers anything else.

Best of luck to all you young kids... get your priority's straight, take things one at a time and go from there. I'm not a Marine, I'm a 5 yr Veteran of 2 seperate branches of the Military. If things work out, I'll be on the Island by the end of the yr though. That's where I'm coming from.

[Smitty Puffs]

I do not agree Smitty. Someone has to do it. It takes i wanna be spirit to do something like that and all the Marines know its not easy. If we thought that way about everything then why do YOU want to be a Marine. We all have dreams and questions about Marine programs and etc. Thats what this website was created for. Maybe some poeple ask to many, but thats no reason to stop them. You know what else it takes? Knowledge and experience. You need to know exactly what your getting into before you commit to something. It doesnt matter how many books, movies, or people you have talked to you still arent prepared or enlighted for the reality of being a Scout/Sniper or MARSOC Marine. Im not bashing your spirits or determination, im just puttng things into perspective. None of us as Poolees have even met the minimum prerequisite to even having those jobs, which is earning the title of Marine. This within itself is one goal that you should have your mind completely focused on right now. Sorry to sound like a dick, but thats just the way I see it. but your entitled to your own opinions, and I respect that 100%. But as far as the reason as to why I want to become a Marine? Theres too many reasons to list them all. For one, its been hard-wired in sense birth. I cant explain it, its just always been there. Ive loved everything about the military sense I could remember. That being the reason my parents signed off, they knew it was coming one way or another.

[Xebec]

Nez46, I myself have signed the UZ contract. I'm not a Marine yet and frankly that's what I need to be more concerned about. Don't take the posts on this site as de-motos. Nobody here is trying to tell you or anybody else that your/their dreams are stupid or not worth answering their questions about said dreams. I think that the Marines on this site are tired of hearing about Sniper/Recon/Force Recon and all other special fighting units of the Marine Corps. I have a lot of questions about all of that stuff, but most of them have either been answered on the site already, I have researched them by using the amazing GOOGLE, or have had enough sense to reason that I will just have to experience them to completely figure them out. This is not just a message to Nez46 because from reading his post he's sticking up for other poolees here, probably including me, but to all of the poolees who have this extreme fascination about said special units. Please do the Marines of this site a favor and search on your own, you will find a lot of information and if you don't, send me a PM and I will be more than happy to find that information for you. I would just like to see the constant "I SMELL RAMBO!" from the Marines, no disrespect intended, and on the other side "How do I become Recon/Sniper/Force Recon stuff that can all be avoided. No disrespect is intended to ANYBODY by this post. If you are reading it and you feel like you have been disrespected then send me a PM and hopefully we can resolve the issue privately.