Joining the USMC’s Elite Nuclear Protection Team: Recapture Tactics Team

Responsible for guarding America’s highest-value naval assets, the Recapture Tactics Team (RTT) is one of the two elite forces within the US Marine Corps Security Force Regiment (USMC SFR), the second being Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Teams (FAST).

Their charter is to recapture compromised personnel or materials by force, using speed, surprise, and overwhelming violence of action (the squad’s motto) to protect America’s most critical nuclear assets. Primarily, these squads are organized with three elements: breachers, shooters, and designated marksmen. Think of it like SWAT for nuclear security.

To join RTT, you must get assigned to a Marine Corps SF battalion as an Infantry Marine (03XX). Once you complete the Security Forces training pipeline and earn your MOS 8152, you’ll serve in guard roles at submarine bases, strategic weapons facilities, or NATO locations. If you’re stationed at Nuclear Weapons Security Battalions in Bangor (WA) or Kings Bay (GA), you’ll have the option to apply for the Recapture Tactics Team.

As a candidate, you need exceptional PFT and CFT scores, top security clearance, and a spotless record as a Marine, among other things.

1. Eligibility to Join RTT

RTT is not open to other fields or civilians. To join, you need to be a part of the Marine Corps Security Force Regiment (MCSFR). Here’s how you achieve that:

A. Start with initial military training.

To become an RTT Marine, you need to set your foundation straight. The following training is a prerequisite:

• Recruit Training (Boot Camp) – 13 weeks at MCRD San Diego or Parris Island
• Marine Combat Training (MCT) – 29 days for non-infantry Marines to learn basic warfighting skills
• Infantry Training Battalion (ITB) – Infantry MOS Marines attend this 52-day school at SOI-East or SOI-West for advanced infantry instruction.

Once you graduate ITB, you’ll hold a 03XX MOS and will then be eligible to volunteer for Security Forces duty.

B. Meet RTT’s eligibility requirements.

• Be a U.S. Citizen
• Be an Active-Duty Marine (Infantry MOS – 03XX)
• Complete the Basic Security Guard Course in Chesapeake, Virginia (~7 weeks)
• Complete the Marine Corps Security Forces Training Course
• Earn Secondary MOS 8152 (Security Force Guard)
• Get assigned to a Nuclear Weapons Station (Kings Bay or Bangor)
• Meet PRP (Personnel Reliability Program) Standards
• 18 months of service left on your contract during the time of application and selection

Since RTT operates within the nuclear security mission, you must do the following: 

• Pass a background check and drug screening
• Maintain a spotless conduct record
• Qualify for at least a Secret security clearance
• Be medically and psychologically cleared
• Be officially PRP certified by your command

C. Score high on PFT/CFT.

As an RTT candidate, you’re expected to have a first-class score on the US Marines’ PFT and CFT. Although no official information is available, I have compiled a table of male and female competitive scores based on my knowledge of RTT through unofficial accounts from former candidates and my experience training candidates for these roles.

Coach’s Advice: Aim for at least a 275+ total PFT score out of 300. You can calculate your estimated PFT and CFT scores on the US Marines website. As an RTT candidate, you’ll be expected to go above and beyond the first-class requirement to stand out among your peers.

Coach’s Advice: To boost your candidature, aim for a score around 290+ out of 300 on CFT.

These events and benchmark scores represent Tier 1 and CQB team prep, which is often associated with the SWAT-style preparation required for RTT. Selections for the Recapture Tactics Team are only held once or twice a year, depending on vacancies within the team. You’ll undergo pre-screenings, peer reviews, and interviews before being formally invited.

2. Assessment & Selection for Recapture Tactics Team

Once you meet all of the requirements I mentioned above, you’ll be eligible for the RTT selection process. 

For the selection, you’re in for a gruelling 2-week assessment where infantry Marines compete for that elite spot in RTT. Your assessment happens in four steps:

Step 1: Physical Evaluation

• 2 to 3 sessions of physical training daily (includes rucks, sprints, buddy carries, obstacle courses, ammo-can lifts, long runs, swims, and more)
• Long hours with minimal rest to test stress endurance
• Performing timed drills in full gear

Step 2: Tactical Evaluations

Since RTT Marines arefaced with high-pressure situations, you will be evaluated on how you think and perform under pressure. Here are a few tasks to expect:

• Weapons handling tests your rifle/pistol marksmanship under stress
• CQB drills put you through scenarios like clearing buildings and coordinating under pressure as a team in dynamic conditions
• Breaching drills that introduce you to mechanical entry and tactics
• Force-on-force training, like simulated hostage rescue and enemy contact with role players and simulated rounds

Step 3: Team-Based Evaluations

Remember, you’re not just being judged for your brute strength. RTT leadership will evaluate you based on how you perform on a team as well. You’ll be scrutinized for your leadership skills and team-based problem-solving under extreme fatigue. Peer evaluations are also quite likely.

Step 4: Final Interview

During the final day of your 2-week assessment, you will undergo simulated raids, peer & instructor review, and a formal board review. Only if you clear these with flying colors will you be considered an RTT Marine.

Coach’s Advice: To prepare for the RTT selection, I recommend training in full gear to condition your body, sharpening CQB tactics through repeated practice, and incorporating stress control drills to learn how to maintain a calm mind even in the face of extreme fatigue.

3. RTT Training Pipeline

If you’ve made it through – congratulations! You’re an RTT Marine now. Now begins one of the most intense and specialized training pipelines in the Marine Corps, built for close-quarters combat, dynamic entry, and nuclear site recapture.

Phase 1: Spin-up Phase (3–4 Weeks)

The first phase of training focuses on preparing the selected Marines for CQB School by developing foundational skills and unit standards. It’s kind of like a tactical tune-up. Here’s what you will focus on:

• Advanced marksmanship (rifle + pistol)
• Land navigation, radios, SOP reviews
• Basic team drills and tactical movement
• Mental prep and performance under stress

Phase 2: Close Quarters Battle (CQB) School (7-9 Weeks)

R4TT’s flagship school is where you earn your MOS 8154 and where you’re forged into a true CQB operator.  Conducted at Kings Bay or Bangor, the CQB school trains Marines for high-risk recapture missions inside tight spaces such as nuclear bunkers.

At your CQB school, you’ll learn various tactics and strategies, such as room clearing, weapons handling, breaching, hostage rescue, force-on-force simulations, and rescue calls.

Phase 3: Platoon Integration / “Break-In”

In this last phase of your RTT training, you’re sent back to your platoon upon completing CQB school. But the testing isn’t over just yet.

This is your on-the-job probation period. You’ve cleared all obstacles but one: proving you can operate within the RTT without sticking out like a sore thumb.

This “break-in” phase includes:

• Shadowing experienced team members – instructor/NCO mentorship
• Proving your ability to operate in sync with your team
• Full-speed training in real-world environments
• Evaluations during live drills and mission rehearsals
• Joint exercises with units like:
  • Naval Security Forces
  • SWAT teams
  • Royal Marine Commandos (UK)

RTT operators must be prepared to respond with speed, precision, and the force of action at a moment’s notice.

4. Advanced RTT Training Schools (Post Pipeline)

Once you’re selected as a US Marine within the Recapture Tactics Team (RTT), you’ll continue to train year-round. You might want to look into these additional certifications/advanced schools apart from the basic training:

• Designated Marksman Course for precision fire support, observation, and overwatch tactics.
• Methods of Entry (MOE) for mechanical, ballistic, and explosive breaching techniques.
• High-Risk Personnel (HRP) Protection for executive protection, convoy ops, protective formations.
• Inter-Service Nonlethal Weapons Instructor Course for learning riot control, OC/baton use, and escalation-of-force training.
• Helicopter Rope Suspension Techniques (HRST) Master Course for fast-roping, rappelling, rooftop/aerial insertion

Here’s a list of the required and optional courses/schools, location, and their duration:

In short, the entire RTT pipeline, from boot camp to CQB School, can easily take over a year to complete. Here’s how it usually progresses: 

Boot Camp ? School of Infantry (ITB) ? Basic Security Guard Course ? RTT Tryouts ? Spin-Up ? CQB School ? Platoon Integration + Advanced Schools

5. Life as a Fully Operational RTT Marine

RTT operators live the high-tempo, high-focus life of tactical operators: train, stand guard, train again, and be prepared for real incidents at a moment’s notice.

One big bummer is that RTT operators do not deploy. You can expect to be stationed at one of the two high-security nuclear weapons bases: NSB Kings Bay or NSB Bangor. You’ll rotate between static guard duty (watch towers, QRF positions, ECPs) and full-spectrum tactical training.

From here, your role is:

• To respond to nuclear security breaches
• Be an expert in close-quarters battle
• Tactically manage high-risk environments
• Conduct any high-stakes hostage rescue and recapture mission. 

You’ll train 6-7 days a week, especially during readiness exercises and quarterly evaluations. RTT members have a strong sense of camaraderie and are a tight-knit team. In short, the pace and intensity for RTT operators is quite high despite not deploying overseas.

6. Career Progression in RTT

A typical RTT billet lasts two to three years. During that time, you can focus on:

• Getting promoted faster through meritorious evaluations
• Rising to team leader, squad leader, or platoon sergeant roles
• Rotating into the CQB Cadre (8153) or Training Company
• Re-enlisting in a second RTT/Security Forces tour
• Moving back to the Fleet Marine Force as an infantry NCO
• Using RTT experience to apply for MARSOC, Embassy Security, or Recon

And when you retire, you can join SWAT teams, federal law enforcement, breaching/entry specialist roles, security contracting and VIP protection, and a lot more. Earning that MOS 8154 is difficult, tedious, and not for the weak of heart, but you reap the rewards for the rest of your life. 

Want to know about the salary, benefits, and compensation for Marines? Check out the Marines’ Salary and Compensation.

7. Tips For Aspiring Candidates

Physical Prep: Don’t just pass the fitness tests, ace it. Ruck heavy, run hard, and mix strength training, calisthenics, and swim work in your routine. Test yourself under low sleep, high fatigue conditions. Mental exhaustion is a part of this job, but it shouldn’t get in the way of your readiness.

Master the Basics: Make your fundamentals instinctive. Practice room-clearing with fellow Marines, master the SWAT skills, train marksmanship, weapon transitions, and CQB tactics.

Leadership & Composure: Show up more. Be the “it person” for your higher-ups. Volunteer to lead small evolutions in your platoon, step up in group tasks, and maintain a positive attitude.

Secure Standing: Maintain sharp scores on evaluations and conduct yourself with perfect decorum. Any disciplinary or medical issues will disqualify you from PRP.

Learn Continuously: Read up on SWAT tactics, urban combat doctrine, and breaching manuals. If possible, attend related schools early (like Martial Arts Instructor, CQB fundamentals courses, and designated marksman). Show initiative by being the “go-to” guy for CQB knowledge in your unit.

Network: Connections matter. Reach out to RTT Marines if you can—just ask the right way. Talk to your leadership early, earn their trust, and show them you’re serious. Their recommendation will carry weight.

If you’re interested, I offer one-on-one coaching. You can apply to work with me here – 1-on-1 Coaching. A coach certainly doesn’t guarantee success, but having the right person in your corner can be a huge advantage.

Sources

• https://www.marines.com/ 
• https://www.americanspecialops.com/ 
• https://www.military.com/
• https://www.mcsfr.marines.mil/
• https://www.reddit.com/r/USMC/ 
• https://en.wikipedia.org/