How do I become a Force Recon Marine?

Joining the U.S. Marine Corps Force Recon (Marines Force Recon or FORECON) is incredibly difficult but it’s also not insurmountable. With the right approach, experience, and training, I can help you achieve it.

The real question is whether you believe you have what it takes to join FORECON. From becoming a master in reconnaissance and amphibious warfare to being among the first to engage in critical missions for the Marine Corps, being a Force Recon Marine means you’re always at the forefront of the action.

Still want to continue? Good, let’s start then.

First and foremost, the goal becomes easier with effective planning. So, how long does it take to become a Force Recon marine?

On average, it takes 1.5 to 2 years to train and become a fully qualified Marine Reconnaissance Operator. As a fresh Marine Corp operative, you’ll also need 1-2 years of solid experience before you can even be considered for the Force Reconnaissance company.

1. US Marines Force Reconnaissance Eligibility Criteria

To be enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, candidates must be a citizen of the United States of America and between 17 and 28 years old. Candidates must also possess a high school diploma or GED as their educational qualification.

Note: Age waivers are sometimes granted based on specific circumstances, such as prior military experience.

Here are other requirements you must clear:

• Clear your Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) with a General Technical (GT) score of 105 or higher
• Achieve a 1st class score on your Physical Fitness Test (PFT)
• Acquire WSI swim qualification certificate
• Clean background check and able to acquire Secret security clearance
• Must be a 03XX after completing an infantry course at the United States Infantry School, Fort Moore, Georgia

You must also have 18 months remaining on your active (current) enlistment contract from the completion of the basic reconnaissance course. For example, if your BRC gets completed on 01/01/2025, your enlistment contract must be valid until 07/01/2026.

Physical Fitness Standards for Force Recon Candidates

Physical fitness is a crucial element of being accepted into Force Recon. Candidates must excel in the Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test (PFT), which includes the following components:

• Pull-ups: Minimum of 8 pull-ups for men, with a competitive goal of 20 pull-ups.
• Crunches: Complete at least 70 crunches in two minutes, with 100 being the competitive standard.
• 3-Mile Run: Candidates must complete a 3-mile run within 28 minutes, though a highly competitive time is closer to 18 minutes.
• Combat Endurance Test (CET): Includes a combination of ruck marches, timed obstacle courses, and physical exercises performed in full combat gear.

Force Recon candidates should meet and exceed these minimum standards to increase their chances of selection.

Source: Wikipedia

2. Application & Selection Process for Marines Force Recon

Pathways for Applying to Force Recon

So, I am not a FORECON veteran, and there are no “direct job listings” to join this division. I had to talk to various people, including my former coaching athletes, and verified all information with primary sources accordingly.

To apply for Force Recon, Marines must typically have at least one to two years of service in the Marine Corps. Additionally, candidates should hold the rank of Lance Corporal (E-3) or above before applying for Force Recon training.

There are three major pathways you can take within the US Armed Forces to ultimately reach the Force Reconnaissance of Marine Corps:

Option 1: Start as infantry and get recon experience.

You start by enlisting as 03XX (infantry) and volunteer for the recon enlistments (if available) after your Infantry Training Battalion course (ITB).

If selected, you’ll first start your BRC (Basic Reconnaissance Course) spanning 13 weeks; make sure to ace that as best as you can. Assuming you woo the recruiters, you can try and get orders for a Force Recon unit directly.

Otherwise, you should try and do good on your Recon missions before asking your unit leaders or career planners to put you in contact with FORECON recruiters.

Read More: Stop Thinking About Exercises And Start Thinking About Movement Patterns

Option 2: Get a FORECON contract as non-infantry.

If you start as non-infantry / non-MOS, you’ll be enlisted in the Marine Combat Training Battalion (MCT) instead of ITB. Once you ace your MCT, report to Recon school and contact recruiters for a Recon contract.

From there, you can build your way to FORECON with enough experience and display of your skills.

Option 3: Talk to a career planner if you’re already in the fleet.

So, if you’re in the Marine Corps already, your MOS doesn’t matter much. Ask a career planner to get you into Recon screenings (there are always a few yearly).

You must do REALLY well on your PFT to convince the screeners and for your command to let you go for greener pastures. You can report to the BRC (Basic Reconnaissance Course) if all goes well.

And you already know what to do after that (hint: option 1).

Reconnaissance Selection Screening

Okay, let’s retrace our steps a bit. In all three options, you’ll have to clear and ACE the recon screening to apply for assignments in the elite Recon divisions of the Marine Corps.

According to Wikipedia, these recon screenings are a 48-hour event that will rigorously test your strength, endurance, and physical stamina in amphibious environments. These screenings are held monthly at MCB Camp Pendleton or MCB Camp Lejeune on the last Thursday.

The Force Reconnaissance Corps also holds its screenings at Camp Horno and near Camp Pendleton at independent timings. You should be able to get these timings through a career planner within the Marine Corps.

Here’s what the screening tests look like:

Underwater Retrieval: 82 feet (25m) underwater swim to retrieve a rifle (rubber model) or 10lb pool bricks, depending on the selection board. You are to retrieve these items and swim back to a designated spot.

Tower Jump: You are to jump into the water from 25ft (~7.6m) while in full combat gear. Post this, you’ll be treading the water for up to 30 minutes.

Additional Marine Tests: There are other amphibious tests on day 1, depending on the selection board. These include a 5-minute floatation with trousers and a timed 1600ft (~500m) swim.

Physical Fitness Test: After the water, you can now prove your mettle on the land. Candidates must achieve a 1st class score of 225 or higher on the standard PFT conducted by the US Military.

Obstacle Course: You’ll be running several obstacle courses on day 2. You obviously must be swift in approaching these obstacles, but you must also focus on your methods of attempting to overcome these obstacles. Work hard, but also be smart.

Rucking: The selection ends with a rucking test with a plastic rifle and a field pack with a 50 lb sandbag. You’re expected to maintain a pace of 4-5 mph. Depending on the recon division’s selection board, there may be additional challenges on your rucking test.

Psychological Test: Once you ace the physical tests, you’ll have to give a psychological screening test and an interview to qualify for a reconnaissance position.

Training Goals & Workout Plan for FORECON

The “goals” for FORECON are easily the hardest thing you might see in a workout plan:

For swimming: You must get your 500 m breaststroke or sidestroke to under 9 minutes and train treading water and water confidence as much as possible.

Remember, swimming is hard for everyone at the start. If you’re already cardiovascularly conditioned, you need to master the technique first. I highly recommend you read this article on how to master swimming. Unlike with running and rucking, you cannot brute force effort your way to a fast swim time.

For rucking and running: Your 12-mile ruck needs to be under 3 hours with a 50-pound ruck and a service rifle, and a competitive pace is under 12-minutes per mile.Your pace for a 3-mile run must be under 6 minutes and not a second over.

If you would like a more solid plan to amp up your running and rucking, I have the perfect guide for you to run faster, harder and stronger here.

Do progressive deadlift and strength training while jogging 6-12+ miles twice per week. Gradually increase the run distance and take care of your body. Push your limits to the max, but show equal effort during rest and recovery.

Additionally, make sure your pull-up game is as strong as possible. That’s where many lose points on their PFT. Focus on your breathing during pull-ups, and make sure your chin is above the bar at the top and you’re dropping to a full dead hang at the bottom.

Tip: Remember, the fitness test is just to get your foot in the door. You need to excel at all areas of fitness to get selected.

3. Mission Training Plan for Force Recon

On average, it takes 1.5 to 2 years of training to become a fully qualified Marine Reconnaissance Operator and get your MOS 0321 (Reconnaissance Man). After this, you’ll undergo advanced training programs to achieve MOS 0326, “Reconnaissance Marine, Parachutist/Combatant Diver Qualified.”

Phase 0: Indoctrination Programs

Yeah, there is a phase before Recon training and after getting selected.

Before starting your hellish Basic Reconnaissance Course (BRC), there are a few indoctrination programs in between to help you acclimate to the expectations and challenges of BRC.

Depending on your division, availability, and other factors, you must do the Recon Indoctrination Program (RIP) or complete a standard Rifleman Course at Infantry School before entering Marines Awaiting Recon Training (MART).

Phase 1: Accession Pipeline

The Accession Pipeline is an interesting concept if you didn’t know about it before. It is a classification for all the schools you’ll attend before getting your MOS.

During this accession pipeline, you’ll primarily get your parachutist and diver certificates to qualify for MOS 0326.

Furthermore, to qualify for Force Recon Marines, you must complete Level C of Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) school, their HRP (High-Risk Personnel Course) at MCB Quantico.

Here’s a list of advanced training schools you may be able to attend depending on availability for additional qualifications.

Phase 2: Unit Training

This phase focuses on unit-level cohesion and skill development, preparing the platoon to operate as a cohesive team in real-world operations.

During this phase, Force Recon Marines refine their skills and knowledge in areas critical to long-range reconnaissance missions.

Here are some highlights of phase 2 training:

• Tactical Unit Exercises. The entire platoon works together to simulate complex recon missions.
• Advanced Long-Range Communications: Marines learn to use advanced communication systems, including high-frequency (HF), satellite, and multi-band communication devices.
• Weapons and Tactics: Marines will fire 5,000-8,000 rounds from their M4 carbines and MEU(SOC) pistols. The live-fire exercises also incorporate rotary-wing support, with Marines conducting close-quarter battle drills and immediate action (IA) drills.
• Threat Weapons Familiarization: Marines will be trained to identify and operate weapons commonly used by enemies so you’re never caught off guard on the field.
• Force Fires Training: Marines learn how to coordinate Close Air Support (CAS), using laser designators to mark targets for fixed-wing or rotary-wing aircraft and call for naval gunfire support.

By the end of Phase 2, the platoon is expected to function effectively as a cohesive unit capable of conducting independent reconnaissance operations.

During your harsh training, there will be times when you’ll believe that you have plateaued. And at the time, I want you to look back and think again. Matter of fact, I have a great article that you must read on false plateaus during training.

Phase 3: MEU (SOC) Training

You’ll now transition to MEU Special Operations Capable (SOC) training, where the focus shifts toward direct action missions.

This phase is conducted by the Special Operations Training Group (SOTG) and emphasizes skills required for maritime and urban combat environments.

Training in this phase lasts six months and prepares you for specialized and “black” operations.

You’ll learn Close Quarters Combat (CQC), especially focusing on urban warfare tactics, focusing on room-clearing procedures, breaching techniques, and tactical entry into buildings or ships.

Additionally, you’ll receive Gas and Oil Platform (GOPLAT) training to practice boarding and seizing oil platforms and other maritime infrastructure.

Phase 3 gets really interesting with other specialized training modules such as:

• Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS): You’ll learn shipboard assaults and how to board, search, and secure ships from hostile forces.
• Demolition and Breaching: You’ll be trained in using explosives to breach fortified structures, including doors, walls, and other barriers.
• Humanitarian Operations: In addition to combat training, you are also prepared for humanitarian missions so you can assist in disaster relief, medical aid, or evacuation operations.

Phase 4: MEU (SOC) Deployment

Phase 4 is the deployment phase, where the platoon is attached to a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) as a fully functional Special Operations Capable (SOC) force.

This deployment typically lasts six months, during which you will operate aboard ships and engage in worldwide missions. You’ll operate from ships in the Western Pacific, Mediterranean Sea, Persian Gulf, or SW Asia.

While deployed, Force Recon Marines continue training aboard ships, conducting live-fire drills, small unit tactics, and physical fitness routines to maintain peak operational readiness.

You might also participate in joint training operations with the British Royal Marines, Royal Thai Marine Corps, and Australian Forces.

Phase 5: MEU (SOC) Post-Deployment

During phase 5, marines in Force Recon are granted 30 days of military leave, allowing them time to rest and recover after the intensive deployment.

During this phase, you’ll face a critical decision:

Option 1: Stay with Force Recon.

Those who stay with the Force Recon Company will continue their assignments, recycling into the next two-year MTP cycle with the MEU.

Option 2: Return to Original MOS

Alternatively, you may leave Force Recon and return to your original Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) or another role within the Marine Corps, such as administration, motor transport, or infantry.

On average, about 50% of the platoon will leave Force Recon at this stage.

Read More: How To Train Less And Achieve More Results

4. What is Marines Force Recon & What Do They Do?

Force Recon was officially established in 1957 (during the Cold Wars) as part of the U.S. Marine Corps’ effort to expand its reconnaissance capabilities.

Throughout the years, FORECON has evolved to meet the changing needs of modern warfare. During the Vietnam War, Force Recon units conducted long-range reconnaissance patrols, often in enemy-controlled areas, providing vital intelligence that shaped battlefield strategy.

In later conflicts such as Operation Desert Storm, the Iraq War, and the war in Afghanistan, Force Recon Marines took part in numerous high-risk missions, including raids on enemy compounds, sniper operations, and counter-terrorism efforts.

Force Recon vs. Division Recon: What’s the difference?

It’s important to understand the distinction between Force Recon and Division Recon. Both units perform reconnaissance missions, but their scope and responsibilities differ significantly:

Division Recon units are attached to Marine Divisions and perform tactical reconnaissance closer to the front lines. Their primary role is to provide commanders with immediate battlefield intelligence.

Force Recon units provide intelligence that informs broader military strategies and can influence the outcome of entire campaigns.

Command and Unit Structure

Force Recon falls under the command of the Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) or higher headquarters, and they are often deployed as part of Marine Expeditionary Units (MEUs) or attached to Special Operations Forces (SOF), depending on the mission requirements.

Force Recon teams are typically composed of highly specialized personnel with roles that include snipers, EOD and demolition specialists, radio operators and combat medics.

Each team is structured to operate independently, with each Marine trained in multiple disciplines to ensure flexibility and adaptability during missions.

Benefits and Compensation

According to ZipRecruiter, Marine Force Recon salaries range from $50,000 to $60,000 on average. And the top earners can get up to $100,000 with enough deployments and experience under their belt.

Force Recon Marines are compensated according to rank and service years, with additional pay for specialized skills and hazardous duty. Common forms of compensation include:

• Base Salary: Marines are paid according to the federal General Schedule (GS) or military pay scale, with salaries increasing as they gain experience and rank.
• Special Pay: Force Recon Marines often receive additional pay for:
  • Hazardous Duty: Performing dangerous reconnaissance and direct action missions.
  • Jump Pay: For those qualified in parachute operations.
  • Dive Pay: For Marines involved in combat diving missions.
• Benefits: Marines receive full health coverage, retirement benefits, and educational opportunities through programs like the G.I. Bill.