Could use a bit of advice

[Jeffdgodfrey]

Hello.

My name is Jeff, and I'm waiting to be shipped off to boot camp in January 2010. As of yet, I have an open contract. I scored a 96 on the ASVAB and a 127 on the GT. I'm planning on an Intelligence Specialist MOS (0231?); however, I've been training rigorously to max my PFT and possibly attempt Force Recon. My Uncle is a former Marine (Infantry/Intelligence Specialist/Force Recon). He had told me that it would be a better jump from Intel to Force Recon (possibly because of the security clearance). I initially wanted to do infantry so I could have some combat experience. He told me it'd be better to do Intel because I wouldn't be filling sandbags all day, and he still had an opportunity to gain combat experience. However... I feel he might be trying to "keep me safe". Could anyone possibly share some information on the best path to Recon? I appreciate the advice, and thank you all for your service.

[Capital M]

First, fill out the profile, before you get hounded by the Marines. Profile's are kinda big thing around here. (My info -> Edit Your Details, in case you have trouble figuring it out)

Second-
What do YOU want to do with your career? Your uncle, being a Marine, probably has a lot of knowledge of the Corps. But, he may not have the best info about what you want. You have to consider what you want to do while in and after you get out, whether it be taking college courses or going into Law enforcement. Being a Marine is great for resumes and has a lot of pull with most interviewers, But having a TS security clearance and having 4 years analyzing intelligence will open up different doors than say serving in Force Recon. This is probably what your uncle is trying to tell you. BUT IT ALL DEPENDS ON WHAT YOU WANT


Third

You have to consider whether you'll make it. I'm sure you've seen requirements to be eligible, but from the last I heard, you have to shoot expert, have a class II swim, and a bunch of other things. You may be a PT stud, but can you swim well for long periods of time? Are you comfortable in the water? Recon indoc isn't a joke. Take this with a grain of salt. There is a very good chance that you won't make it. And if you do make it, there's a chance you won't make it to Force Recon either(there are two different levels of Recon for 0321's- search for the differences, I don't know) If you don't pass RIP, are you prepared to serve as an 0311?

If you want Recon, sign an infantry contract, and make sure you get a Recon try out guarantee. (UZ contract? I think).

If you want intel, then sign the Intel contract. You may get a chance to participate in Recon indoc, you may not.


As for lat-moving from Intel to Recon, I have no idea. PM 0231Marine to see if he knows of anybody lat moving like that. Domforce24 just went through BRC so he could probably answer any questions you have about the Recon pipeline.


Remember, it's nice to dream about being "ricky recon, special forces, rambo going and blowing **** up" But, when it comes down to it, if you graduate, no matter what your job is, you will still be a Marine, and that counts for a hell of a lot.

[dds0113]

What do YOU want to do with your career? ...... IT ALL DEPENDS ON WHAT YOU WANT[/B]

[Jeffdgodfrey]

Well, I swim like a fish and I've out-shot my landlord with a CAR-15 (he was a marksman instructor for the army). I know that if I work towards something, I usually achieve it. My plans were to do a contract in the Marines (preferably as Force Recon), then finish my college degree and join the Navy as an officer (I've already got two years done and was told I'll get a promotion to PFC after basic).

I was originally a physics major, but was thinking of switching to something to do with counter-terrorism. I understand that Intel would look great for a future career, but so does a college degree. I wouldn't want to do recon for the whole "rambo" title, but for myself. I constantly test myself and my abilities, and I feel as if it would be the ultimate test.

I appreciate the advice, and I'll fill out my profile pronto. Thanks.

[MarinesFTW]

I dont think you can lat-move into infantry, or so I remember hearing some where. That would be a good question to ask your recruiter.

[dds0113]

I was originally a physics major, but was thinking of switching to something to do with counter-terrorism. I understand that Intel would look great for a future career, but so does a college degree.

I'm looking toward counter-terrorism also, but remember there is a lot more to counter terrorism than intel. Criminal Justice, International Studies, Emergency Management (my current major), some languages, Law... The list goes on.

Also I hear knowing one of the in-demand languages is a good shoe-in for plenty of three letter agencies right now.

[P00LEE]

havent even enlisted yet and you are worried about force recon.. no hate, but you are a little ahead of yourself.

[Jeffdgodfrey]

If I don't set myself some goals, I'll end up nowhere. Goals are necessary for the mind and soul. Without goals, there's no progression. I understand that I may be getting a little ahead of myself... but it's necessary for the type of person that I am.

[Jensen139]

P00LEE- I find your statement pretty damn ironic. You're calling the kettle black.

[Capital M]

havent even enlisted yet and you are worried about force recon.. no hate, but you are a little ahead of yourself.

He ships off in January 2010, as noted by his original post and profile. Attention to Detail. He wants recon and I seem to remember you wanting the same thing and coming on here and updating us every week about the news you got that.



Don't flame, help him out or don't say anything.

[Capital M]

Well, I swim like a fish and I've out-shot my landlord with a CAR-15 (he was a marksman instructor for the army). I know that if I work towards something, I usually achieve it. My plans were to do a contract in the Marines (preferably as Force Recon), then finish my college degree and join the Navy as an officer (I've already got two years done and was told I'll get a promotion to PFC after basic).

I was originally a physics major, but was thinking of switching to something to do with counter-terrorism. I understand that Intel would look great for a future career, but so does a college degree. I wouldn't want to do recon for the whole "rambo" title, but for myself. I constantly test myself and my abilities, and I feel as if it would be the ultimate test.

I appreciate the advice, and I'll fill out my profile pronto. Thanks.

Well if you feel you can pass it than by all means go for it. Seems like your pretty qualified, and damn well motivated.

But read a few threads about College Education during enlistment. I recall a few Marines saying it's a little harder to do as an 03xx, not to mention if you wanted to go FR. Not saying it's impossible, because I don't know ****, but I'd assume you'd have very little time to complete 2 years of college as an active duty Force Recon member. That's a question for Domforce24 or any other Recon Marine you can talk to.


Good luck man, and welcome aboard the site

[Outback206]

1. Just a heads up, it wont be long before a Marine will come tell you to "use the search function for Recon" ect. Just be prepared for that.

2. From everything I've read on here, Recon is one of those things that will only happen if YOU want it bad enough. Just because you can beat the Call Of Duty campagin on Veteran doesn't mean you can make it into Recon.

3. If you are serious about it, I would suggest you get Stew Smith's book "Six Week Marine Corps RECON Workout". That book will whip you into your best shape REAL fast, trust me.

-Clark

[Jeffdgodfrey]

AWESOME. That helps a lot, thank you very much.

[MOLON LABE]

Good Luck Buddy! Seems like you have the right Drive and Motivation to get where you want.

[joshpike4]

Whats up Jeff. We both have the same ship date. I am in the same boat as you. I want to work in CT some time after the Core. I decided to go the infantry route just for the field experience, and possibly for recon as well. But intel is a great choice that will look great on a resume after you get out. PM me if u want to talk about this. Im also from AZ