Volunteering for Recon at SOI/MCT?

A TOP question I use to receive from new Marines as a prior Combat Instructor was whether or not they should volunteer for Recon.
Volunteering for Recon at SOI (School of Infantry) whether or not you’re with MCT (Marine Combat Training)-Non-Combat MOS’s or ITB (infantry Training Battalion)-03xx MOS’s is a big deal and what most new Marines FAIL to realize is that once you “give up” your current MOS (whatever you and your recruiter signed) and sign a new Recon contract and you FAIL, you WONT get back your old MOS and will be susceptible to needs of the Marine Corps.
This means you may get a new job you don’t want or dissatisfied with so ALWAYS REMEMBER that.
What’s the best way to go about this?
Be sure to watch the full video to get my take and recommendations.
#marines #marinecorps #recon #reconnaissance #military #usmc

[@rs0nGames]

Being confident underwater is important. My buddy said you have to tie knots, clear masks, swim 25m, and move bricks all while underwater.

[@TSYONTZ]

He’s not wrong. He also left out a bunch of other fun stuff…all under water 😂

[@rs0nGames]

@@TSYONTZ can you give me some example? I'm interested.

[@DanielCamposaweosme]

@@rs0nGames being thrown around under water the instructor can tackle you so you can lose air you swim the 25 meters underwater I believe breathing CO2 the oxygen tank so you can pretty much blackout under water

[@kanyek6228]

@@TSYONTZ what if recon is my mos…

[@sheldonperkins8753]

SAME TRAINING AS NAVY SEALS

[@Mc007-]

I’m a former Recon Marine joined in 1986 to 2000. I have seen Marine Recon change and one thing didn’t change is that damn swim..lol that got a lot of people out of selection. This was a great talk of reality Gunny.

[@TSYONTZ]

I don’t think the swim portion will EVER CHANGE! It’s the equalizer for everyone. No matter how good you are or think you are, the pool never lies. Thanks for the support. Semper Fi 🔥

[@mikefulp6818]

As a retired Marine GySgt, 1984-2004. This is excellent advice. Everyone want to be high speed low drag, however it takes a lot of mental and physical conditioning to make the cut. Semper Fi Marines.

[@scottfoster2639]

I went Recon after being an 0311/0341 for 9 years. I can say that BRC (3-96) was the toughest school I ever attended out of all the 'pipeline' schools. Even Ranger School was a joke compared to BRC. We started with 36 Marines and graduated 3. It's no joke folks, prepare, prepare, prepare. You need to improvise where and when you can; I trained by running up and down the well deck of the ship I was deployed on. Although swimming and being comfortable in the water is huge part, I never had the opportunity to specifically train for this. Luckily, I had been a lifeguard most of my life and water was like a 2nd home to me. Mind over matter.

[@valhallapersonaldefense]

I went in on recon contract and it was the best decision I have ever made. It was a challenge. I had no idea what to expect. However the physical aspect of recon training was not hard the mental aspect of it was the hard part. As long as you don't quit you will make it.

[@TSYONTZ]

Yes and no. I’ve met a few dudes who never “quit” but still didn’t make it because they didn’t have what it takes. But consistency and determination definitely help!

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

How does a recon contact work? Bootcamp ?

[@brucepeckham6043]

Congratulations. The failure rate on Recon contracts (without becoming a top athlete as a 0311 first, for a couple years) is in the 90 percentile. Normally u guys are the early quitters. Again, I salute U

[@Voodoo-cz5hk]

What you left out is that it’s all about attitude…even if you’re not great in the pool recon instructors will work with you to get you where you need to be to give you a chance to pass but the rest is up to you I’ve been there

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

Nice

[@brucepeckham6043]

Well said - did that too - the water part was the biggest shock I saw, and I had to dig super deep and learn to relax and embrace the water. Took time.

[@jacobp1277]

Thanks for the info. It's suprising how little anyone talks about the specifics of the swimming aspect of the qualifications. Glad to know what I should work if I ever want to make it into Recon.

[@TSYONTZ]

Thanks for the support. Yeah people often overlook the swimming aspect which IS the hardest part. Hopefully the info helped 🤟🏻

[@LEVThaOg]

Enlisting in marines very soon and this is the video i needed before i made a decision i wasnt fully prepared for yet. Much appreciated 👏

[@Ryan-jz6st]

I was a contract Recon Marine (UZ) back in 07. I don't recall in SOI (ITB for me) being offered to go Recon. After ITB I remember going to MART (Marines Awaiting Recon Training) for about 2 months before BRC started. MART was in trailers on the hillside across from where the new Recon school is. Lots of pool sessions, some knot tying work, PT, etc. They did a good job getting us prepped for BRC; most of the guys that were there were either guys recycled from previous BRC classes for injuries or guys waiting to take BRC for the first time. The underwater 25m crossover was the biggest obstacle for me; I couldn't do more than 15m until an instructor told me that if I didn't do it he would jump in and tackle me and hold me down until I made it the full 25m. I successfully completed the 25m crossover after that ;) BRC itself was divided into 3 phases, each about 1 month long: the initial schoolhouse/pool phase, the patrol phase, and the amphib phase in Coronado. Phase 1 was the biggest shock as the pool sessions were brutal, maybe 6-8 hours a day in the pool. I remember being in the classroom on day 2 after a thrashing in the pool and the instructors yelling at a guy for falling asleep in class; he wasn't sleepy, but his eyes were so inflamed from the pool chlorine that he could barely open them. Rucks were easy for me, but some guys really struggled. I think the longest were maybe 20K(?) but that was up and down some raunchy hills. Phase 2 was just patrolling. Get comfortable sleeping under the ranger blanket and not sleeping much. Phase 3 at coronado was probably the most exciting; lots of busting surfs in the CRCCs (rubber rafts) with and without outboard engines. Lots of 1-2 mile fins with and w/o packs. 3am fins in the pacific in december was not fun but its a great spot for libo; I remember being so tired going out with the boys on a friday that I fell asleep in the theatre watching the Dark Knight. S/F

[@cwr8618]

Solid info

[@jpturner171]

I’m approaching my late 60s and still so proud to call myself….One of the fewer, one of the Prouder. Great channel I definitely have subscribed looking forward to more videos . Semper Fi my family .🇺🇸

[@anonymous-uo7cb]

I wish I could’ve been a recon marine when I was 12. I was strong swimmer and naïvely fearless. Now, no chance 🤣 Granted I weighed 50 pounds soaking wet so it was much easier for me to glide through the water, much less weight to pull up and much softer on my joints for running

[@SlimeSquare]

Good advice, Gunny. I volunteered to do MARSOC selection after ITB, and while I finished it, I was sorely under prepared for certain individual physical assessments. Go in, seriously condition yourself for Recon for a year or so, try to do Advanced Infantry Marine Course if you can, and then try out for Recon. My two cents.

[@TSYONTZ]

Yeah it’s definitely no walk in the park as you experienced for yourself. Some dudes just crush it somehow but most need training before hand to ensure they’re good to go before trying their luck per se.

[@calebwatson5348]

I thought you had to have 3 year TIS to the Corps before you could apply to A&S?

[@SlimeSquare]

@@calebwatson5348 Now you do, but this was in 2008. Back then you could do A&S out of ITB.

[@1enemy958]

My son was awarded the title of Recon Marine 4 days ago...never been more proud!

[@kuyaminimo905]

RTAP is before BRC reconnaissance training and assessment program. RPAT is a singular physical test in a total of five hours.

[@mrcosmic1234]

Great advice gunney. Seems like your a really good leader.

[@TSYONTZ]

Thanks for that, means a lot! I try to be 🔥

[@QuadDawgg]

my brother volunteered at soi and had never even heard of recon and he went all the way through brc and graduated and was 1st battalion

[@TSYONTZ]

Some people are just beasts! Good for him! 🔥

[@BigAce9x]

Thanks for the advice 🏆

[@TSYONTZ]

Welcome. I’m glad it helped.

[@CHR-si4zh]

Great info. I remember in early early 2000s 😂 Internet was not really out there. It was mostly word of mouth. Then go for it! Now, you can get ALLLLLLLL information that you need to be recon, well prettt much anything!

[@andrew_841]

Great information, well researched. Thank you

[@TSYONTZ]

No problem! Glad the information was helpful 🤙🏼

[@vincentkeegan]

I hit SOI, April 2005, and one day they had us stand in line in this office-like room to find out what our jobs were gonna be. I can't remember what we called it. Anyway, they couldn't find my stuff (medical interference), so, they made me wait until everyone else was done. The last new Marine in line was offered a Recon opportunity. I just sat there, not sure whether I was supposed to hear any of it. He said, "yes." That was a badass moment for me, just being in the room with a potential Recon Marine.

[@zpezar8532]

So just to be sure, regardless of if I have a Recon Contract, Infantry Contract, or any POG contract, if I tryout for Recon and dropout, my previous contract will be forgotten and I will be put in a job based off the needs of the Corps? Asking because I see a few sources on the internet from months to a year ago stating the opposite, but I’m assuming they’ve changed it since this video is more recent.

[@TSYONTZ]

Yes, if you relinquish your current MOS to volunteer for recon and you FAIL, the marine corps will put you where they need you. You will not get back your old contact. Now there’s a chance your old MOS had a slot that needs to be filled and you can possibly get it back but it’s not a guarantee. So have the mindset that if you fail, you will go where you’re needed. 🤙🏼

[@SteveStarcher]

2nd Recon Bn. 91-95. Weird how young you look. I remember Gunnery Sergeant's looking old af back then! LOL! 1 thing to mention I think is all the swimming is in cold water. I remember the first day at the pool thinking this is going to be cool... unless that water is cold. And it was cold af!

[@Callmebigwilly]

Gunny, for guys worrying about their MOS out of SOI if they don’t make it, can’t they just wait till they get to the fleet and feel out their MOS. I was in early 90s and if I recall, while in the fleet you could still request to go recon. I was in 1st LAR/LAV Bn and got pretty comfortable as an 0313 but they would constantly advertise and give a speech during formation for recon tryouts. Did 3yrs as 0313 in fleet then 3yrs as SOI instructor for LAVs. Loved working at SOI!

[@Anandroid]

Guns, I’m a prior service 0231 Sgt and am strongly considering trying out for the reserve side. I’m trying to get the swimming aspect of the RSAT squared away but do you know if there are any roadblocks that I might be unaware of? Thanks for the video and spreading knowledge as usual. S/F

[@TSYONTZ]

Hey man. Swimming is the most challenging part. Just being comfortable in the water is the best part. Breast stroke and water treeing are your biggest problem. If you struggle with those, you’re going to have a bad time. Be as comfortable as possible in the water and you’ll have a good shot

[@shark8240]

your biggest roadblock is gonna be your mind, ppl who are physically capable drop all the time because they freak out when they’re uncomfortable. most drops from RTC are DORs, not failures. also practice bobs and rifle retrievals

[@Anandroid]

@@shark8240 thank you very much for your words. Still working at it these days and getting a lot of pool time in

[@dh2006dh]

Well, we had about 50 guys try the screening. Out of those 50, 15 passed. Out of those 15, 6 passed BRC.

[@TSYONTZ]

BOOM! There’s the facts everyone. It’s not as easy as you think and the attrition rate is insane.

[@mateom6596]

These are normal attrition rates. Ncos and officers have higher pass rates because they spend time in the fleet prepping and training before they head to brc. It is very difficult to go from soi to mart/brc. Listen to guns, go to fleet, gain confidence, train your ass off, then give recon a shot.

[@brucepeckham6043]

Sounds about exactly like my time (mid-80s). Started Selection with 59, dropped 50, first week in the pool at Camp LeJeune, Then we dropped two more in the repeated 5 mile pack runs with 50 pounds of sand, in the sand on Onslow Beach running 6-min miles (terrible experience with all the blood and trauma to the shoulders from those shoulder straps and sand banging up and down at that pace) so 8 of 59 made it thru Selection and RIP. The only difference is none of our 8/59 failed ARS because Selection and RIP was worse than ARS and we were the few survivors. Understand BRC replaced ARS over years!!!

[@hwalter5432]

I enlisted specifically to be a Recon Marine in 1969-back then the focus was on jungle/guerilla/warfare and HumInt, luckily for me as I am not a good swimmer. Best thing I ever did, it made me "different" in that I could deal with anything life threw at me-- after all, I was a Recon Marine---

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

How

[@hwalter5432]

@@emmanuelawosusi2365 My parents did not raise me to have any self confidence-just their thing-the Marines rebuilt me, the Recon MOS meant that I could set a goal, overcome anything, and when life has hit me with real crap, I remember that I was a RECON Marine-! I can overcome any obstacle! Just a different mind set is all I guess. Also got to do things most people can only dream of doing! ( I was lucky the emphasis was not on swimming back then-I am a lousy swimmer!)

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

@@hwalter5432 ok thanks

[@garycole520]

Clearly, clearly the “process” of becoming a Recon Marine has changed since my era. Being a strong swimmer was always a core level skill to process if you wanted to progress in the MOS; but with todays’s technology do you really need to be a collegiate level swimmer?

[@leviblackwell6895]

You were my combat instructor! Wild!

[@leviblackwell6895]

I believe you were my platoon Sgt

[@thewatcher4552]

I served with a lot of guys that failed EOD, Recon, and other MOS jobs and hated life afterwards they make bitter Marines. I agree preparation is key in anything in life. I remember those guys at swim qual treading water with bricks and weights, jumping from Chesty @ the pool lol! I was like those guys are insane they made be tired by watching them lol! One of the greatest Sgt.Maj. I served with was a Recon Marine that dude was a beast he'd run, swim, ride for PT 3x a week. at like 40+yrs of age...His favorite quote was "Damn Marines around here look like soup sandwiches" lol

[@anthonynolastname8517]

I’m almost 40 now. Got TDRL in 06 from battalion 1/4. I fought to be found fit for active duty a year later. When I tried to go back they told me they didn’t need 0311 anymore. It was a gut punch. I loved the corps. I have never really been able to give it up. I would have loved the opportunity to go recon. If I could get back in now I would do it on a heartbeat. lol I would be a pretty old lance corporal though .

[@hanscascante7933]

BRC was a blast. Have fun with it guys. (As for the Ropers I was with still sitting in a MART platoon…cheers boys, you’ll get there.)

[@BW-kv9wj]

I was an 0331 from 1984-1988. Back then SOI was called ITS. When I was in ITS they asked me if I wanted to volunteer for Recon but I had a guaranteed contract for ZM-Security Forces at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown VA. So, I did my tour at Yorktown then got orders back to the fleet to 2/5 at 33 Area Camp Margarita, Camp Pendleton.

[@mikeguiffredo9950]

I was offered recon fresh out of ITS when I got to Okinawa. I'm glad I turned it down. I believe you should go infantry and get some exoerience before going recon

[@brucepeckham6043]

One of the smartest things I have heard in a long time

[@erics362]

I volunteered for MARSOC at my recruiter's office.

[@seansullivan8096]

Hey Taylor, would you recommend getting PRK before BRC?

[@TSYONTZ]

It can help but make sure it’s 100% healed before starting training. If you don’t need it, wait IMO

[@thewatcher4552]

This generation "Call of Duty" of recruits have no excuse really you have social media with so much information on the SF community. You can literally train at your local pool while in high school. When I was in, I found out about Recon marines at Cpl. course beach run on Pendelton. I'll remember it like yesterday a CH-46 (yes I was in early 00s) was flying low to the water. I was like that's odd then these dudes with fins jump out the back we ask our SSgt. who are the guys in black hoodies. He was those are Force Recon Marines. Coolest moment ever. Mad respect to those guys!

[@MarkChristian-t2y]

We did lots of help casting and swimming in the ocean and rivers , with our equipment,

[@sarc88]

Great caveat on "needs of the Service". You're right, everyone wants to do it, til the sand gets in them panties! HMCS (Ret) SARC IDC

[@tleaps4255]

Out my entire soi class in 2011 there was about 60 of us that volunteered. Day 1 we had about half quit. A total of 4 of us from my soi class passed and earned the mos. The only reason I survived is because I swam competitively in high school.

[@beauxtalks]

Former BRC instructor 09-11… The best advice I can give is don’t fucking quit.

[@TSYONTZ]

What other advice do you have that could help others who want to go this route?

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

​@@TSYONTZ can you be a scout sniper with contact lens?

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

​@@TSYONTZ can you be a scout sniper with contact lens

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

​@@TSYONTZ tips for being a guide out of boot camp?

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

Nice

[@mrhanky5851]

So if you’re going to have to go to TBS if you have a degree, and volunteer for Indoc, do you go to the BRC selection and RIP after TBS or before? I also hear indoc is not always happening during each BCT class.

[@billyboyle5965]

Hi Gunny, Thank you for the great video. I’m leaving on 9 NOV as a reservist and will be picking my mos for the next FY23 coming up. Im 24 and trying to plan out my career, I qualified for the 6323 in the avionics wing and feel this would be great for me and my career. Recon is something that I would like to do before I leave the marine corps but, I want to learn and work on high-tech avionics. I signed a 6x2 contract and was wondering if you thought I would have an opportunity possibly on my first contract to Volunteer for Recon and Lat Move? Is a Lat Move easier as a reservist then active duty (with people possibly moving, flexibility etc)? Will being in a highly coveted mos be harder to Lat Move even as a Reservist? Side note - Is there a link or any enlistment bonuses for FY23? Im having a hard time finding anything on this. Also, do you know anything about the MCMAP program? I would like to obtain my blackbelt in MCMAP. Thank you, sir! Bill

[@brucepeckham6043]

I was 0311 first two years, on West coast and Okinawa (mid 1980s). When I got back from Okinawa they sent me to Camp LeJuene after 30 days leave. Once I got there I was in orientaion waiting for my assignment and I saw a billboard "2ND RECON BATTALION SEEKING volunteers." I went for it, I was 20 years old, in my prime, and I really wanted to accomplish something great. Back then you went straight to RIP (Reconnassance Indoctrination Program) and YES, the first 3-4 days were all in the pool. Think we started with 59 dudes and only 9 of us made it past the first week. We only lost one dude after that so 8 of us joined 2nd Recon Charlie Company and most of us went to ARS (Amphibious Reconnassance School) and everyone passed that because RIP was much worse than ARS amd had already weeded out the not-strong-swimmers. Back then the pipeline was RIP, ARS, and then you waited for quotas for Scuba School and our team leaders generally went to Army Ranger School. Back then we didn't get very many Jump School quotas - those apparently mostly went to Force Recon. But the thing that I learned is that you had to excel in a Recon line company to get special school quotas. You pretty much had to be a 300 PFT (I ran five miles in 30 min, three miles under 17 min), swim like a fish, and you had to stay with the group on the 5-mile pack runs in the sand, along Onslow Beach, with 50 pounds of sand in your ruck sack. That seperated the men from the boys. I would say back then that the top 33% of the men in a Marine Recon line company got all of the special school quotas and the other 66% didn't get shit.

[@BW-kv9wj]

Who were you with in the mid 80s? I was with 2/5 and went to Okinawa in 1987 right before I got out.

[@michaelmiller5194]

I was with 2nd Recon 85-89 Bravo and Alpha Company 1st Sgt Mulligan right out of I.T.S. then Amphibious Reconnaissance School Jan - March. Key West for the Amphibious portion. I was eighteen and a stud. Your right about the schools 33% got them. What I remember though was that it was very clicky. It was a grind if you weren't an NCO. It was definitely a different experience as an NCO. I was deployed a lot multiple floats, Puerto Rico for live fire packages, Sub Ops, etc etc. While the cool schools were few and far between there was great training. NBC school, SPIE Rappel Masters course, Land Mine Warfare and Demolition Course. Bravo started doing a lot of hostage rescue training gearing up for a float I think in 87. For whatever reason some guys where peeled off for that and some went to Alpha. We did a lot of field work in Alpha. We had a crazy SSgt Nalbone prior Recon and right off the drill field tough as nails. I think he gave me a mild case of PTSD. Definitely had a blast and wouldn't change a thing.

[@brucepeckham6043]

@@michaelmiller5194 I was slightly before your time because my tour was 1980 to 1984. I say mid-80s to feel a bit younger. I was Charlie Company 2nd Recon AUG 1982 to AUG 1984. Yes, Onslow Beach in those crazy, aluminum, quanzant hut domes I knew a few dudes from both Alpha and Bravo companies. I was there in C CO when we lost an entire platoon in Beirut Lebannon (18 KIA including our best corpsman - worse sledding ever). At the same time (1983), Alpha Company had a platoon in Grenada and kicked ass. I remember the good and the bad. One of my best friends was from Alpha Company named "Berny Hendriquez" and he was from Mississippi. We were both E-4s (Corporal) in 1983.

[@Yosemitejoe]

There's an acclimation period where you check in and get your room and have to do a full physical and yes recon training assessment program is a thing that's how you become a roper but still awaiting pick up for brc in mart is a thing. Marines awaiting training. Which can be a while. Also you three tries as well as t-time breaks while in the assesment program so you dont quit right away.

[@StevenAcunaBG05]

The only deciding factor you should consider is how much you like the MOS you chose (or were bullied into😂). If you got the job you wanted, then under no other circumstances should you try out. But if you got a job you really didn't want just because your recruiter told you it would get you to boot camp faster, then you should absolutely try out. It's an easy way to reclass into another job. Most like still something you didn't want but I mean it's a dice roll.

[@KamaaArts]

Good advice

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

Facts

[@conneralbers1279]

If you are in the fleet and you want to try out for Recon down the line, do you still have to give up for MOS? Would this also mean that you have to have the ASVAB score of 105, unlike if you volunteered out of SOI?

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

Yes

[@tigerleoneinc.9282]

You need a GT Score of 105, not a 105 ASVAB.

[@Bbqluv7]

@@tigerleoneinc.9282what’s the difference?

[@tylerjones6043]

So I can enlist now as a 0311 in the reserves work on myself for a couple of years and then lat move active and go recon is what I’m hearing? Correct? Someone shed some light on this.

[@michaelsaucedo9233]

The first thing my recruiter asked me when i brought up Recon is “Do you know how to drown yourself” I looked at him like what kind of question is that 😂 I didn’t even know how to answer the question i was completely puzzled

[@cwr8618]

Whats the GT requirement for recon? Didn’t realize there was one

[@mrmojorisingaming6521]

So to volunteer for recon, does my GT score have to be 105 or higher?

[@TSYONTZ]

Yes it does. You must meet the requirements beforehand.

[@chrisdray3407]

Could you do a video about Marsoc always wanted to be a raider , but I need to enlist in the marines first lol and pass the asvab

[@TSYONTZ]

I can. Thanks for reminding me .

[@oreowoho]

This is somewhat like the situation in the Taiwanese Marine corps. If a person gets dropped from recon training, chances of being reassigned are there.

[@TSYONTZ]

yeah it happens all the time unfortunately

[@EduardoLima]

Can you make a video about the marine JAG?

[@TSYONTZ]

Ill add it to the list 🔥

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

​@@TSYONTZ I am on the high school swim team and lifeguard should I still volunteer

[@elliotv5354]

I really want to go Recon, but I don't know how to swim at all. How long do you think it will take to get good? I can ship out in 2 months, do you think this is long enough to get good at the techniques?

[@ajblaze4483]

Did you do recon?

[@elliotv5354]

@ajblaze4483 Marine Corps denied my medical waiver last mimute -.- I gave the Army another try, and finally got to enlist 2 weeks ago. Gonna give this Ranger pipeline my best shot if I can earn my slot after OSUT

[@TTMAN619]

I was gonna start studying my asvab but now that it’s clear I rather get the bullshit of 4 years and go for MEF MARINE RECON afterwards

[@dylanmiller5374]

Leaving for Parris Island sept 18, recruiter just called me offering a recon contract (idk how it works so if this is just recruiter bs dont come at me for it) told me as long as i dont give up and dont refuse anything and they drop me simply because i couldnt do it theyll put me back to infantry, which is what im supposed to be now. He feeding me more recruiter bs with that claim?

[@TSYONTZ]

So as you know I am a recruiter right now but it seems a little off. Why would suddenly he offer you a Recon contract out of the blue? (They’re rare) If you can’t swim, and I mean really swim then don’t even waste your time. If recon is something that you truly want to do and be good at in the future, you Need to make sure that you are 100% ready. Do you think you’re 100% ready now?Because if you go and you fail, you’ll go regular infantry but if you keep your current infantry contract and prepare for recon throughout your enlistment. You can get with your career planner and tryout for recon in the future where the chances of you passing are much higher. Ultimately it’s your choice but I’ve seen it time and time again and most dudes don’t make it due to the swim. Best of luck man 🤙🏼

[@Thebluesky0311]

Ojectively speaking, the better option is to go Option 40 in the Army and join the 75th Ranger Regiment than become a 0321 Recon Marine. The Ranger battalions are actually doing high speed shit and once you prove you're good enough to stay in Regiment and get the Tab, you've got more opportunities. If recon is your thing, they've got the Regimental Reconnaissance Company, which is a SMU (i.e. Tier 1 unit) in JSOC. The problem with Marine Recon is that it's not in SOCOM so it doesn't get the deployments, money, equipment, opportunities, etc. It's a conventional USMC asset. You bust your ass going through BRC to get the 0321 MOS only to find the Corps, in practice, mostly just uses the Recon battalions as grunt battalions. You'll never actually get to do that recondo shit. It's a talent pool for MARSOC. That's all.

[@MarkChristian-t2y]

You better be in great condition and shape before you even try to be a RECON MARINE 0321 IS MY MOS AND I STEPED INTO A WORLD THAT NOT ANYONE CAN DO

[@ryank0351]

He speaking the truth😊

[@EckRD]

For most, I would do time in the Grunts and learn the basic fundamentals of being an Infantryman. Further Conditioning yourself physically and mentally while being an 03( insert). During your time at the Grunts, practice swimming and learn Land Nav properly 😁. I knew one Marine who crushed it after SOI ITB East and eventually went on to 2nd Recon batt. I can't imagine being a boot at a Recon unit and freshly new from SOI. I remember my first day morning at said unit on 2007. 🤣 Semper Fi Gunny

[@TSYONTZ]

I 100% agree. Everybody wants to do bad ass things until it’s time to do bad ass things such as recon or MARSOC. Start in the regular infantry and do exactly as this guy said, learn the basics learn the fundamentals, learn how to be a proficient rifleman and then try out for recon because your success rate will skyrocket if you do that. If you don’t listen, and you try to go straight out of MCT or ITB your chances of success are much much lower.

[@thewatcher4552]

@@TSYONTZ Call of Duty and the GWOT changed the game for these kid's man. I had a full-time job, did JROTC, and DEP'ed a year before I even graduated HS. Today's youth think KZbin is a job, probably don't even take out the trash, have little patriotism, DON'T exercise their mind or body, but they want to operate. RUDE AWAKENKING! WE aren't even at war.

[@MarkChristian-t2y]

I was in RECON from 78 to 81 and the training is not for the weak and light hearted

[@ConservativeTeacherReacts]

I was in 2nd Force, and I was a MCIWS, I can confirm if you can't swim you won't make it.

[@TSYONTZ]

Yep, it’s always the guys who can run fast and do pull-ups who think they will have a cakewalk through recon training and they’re always the first to go….NO SWIM, NO PASS. SIMPLE AS THAT.

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

​@@TSYONTZ I work as a lifeguard

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

​@@TSYONTZ deos being a honor graduate in marine boot camp help ,when volunteering for recon?

[@TSYONTZ]

Nope. Has nothing to do with it at all. After boot camp it doesn’t matter at all. Just keeping it real.

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

@@TSYONTZ Can work as a lifeguard help me for recon?

[@AISolutions619]

If I go in 0300 with my asvab score not being high enough for recon can I retake it once in to try out for recon ?

[@tomhawk375]

Cool, he used a picture of where Recon Marines end up as the thumbnail.

[@rickb7351]

All the smart ones at least

[@bruceolivar1313]

Why does no one tell the Marines attending MCT that they can volunteer before they graduate and leave for their "A" School?!?

[@SecretPersonComment]

I want to go recon as soon as I can when I enlist in 2024.

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

Nice

[@SecretPersonComment]

@@emmanuelawosusi2365 what about you?

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

@@SecretPersonComment infrantry first

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

@@SecretPersonComment good luck bro you need a gt score 105 or higher

[@SecretPersonComment]

@@emmanuelawosusi2365 yeah I was thinking about going 0331 or 0381 first.

[@NYRalltheway14]

No. If there is a mission to be had the whole DOD will be fighting for it. Spend 2 years in the fleet, go to advanced school, learn a little about leadership and then go to A&S. I think recon dudes are solid af but if any marines will get some in the future: it will be the unit under SOCOM and not marine corps organic

[@ri3m4nn]

When I in, I was asked to volunteer because of my PT scores were high.

[@NathanBattig]

so it’s possible to tryout for recon at mct?

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

Soi yes

[@dusitthehto1946]

I was gonna join the military as an infantryman in the army or marines but my dad told me that I won't be fit if I choose that job I was like ok lol.

[@TSYONTZ]

Wut 👀

[@dusitthehto1946]

Yep, I'm not even in Athletics back in my high school day.

[@Callmebigwilly]

My dad told me not to sign anything when I was 18 and not to do it. It was the best decision I’ve ever made. Got me out of my small town, got to see the world, taught me a lot. My dad also told me he was proud and the best decision for not listening to him😂

[@owgbboss8336]

Does everyone get the opportunity to try out for recon at every SOI

[@TSYONTZ]

Recon comes and gives a brief to the students. From there you can volunteer if you meet the minimum requirements at the time.

[@dh2006dh]

Having been an 0321 , the truest thing you said… everyone wants to be Recon until its time to do Recon shit.

[@TSYONTZ]

Bingo! Movies and games glamorize the job but people forget that it’s HARD ASS WORK.. It’s not a game 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

​@@TSYONTZ swin in high school is that good?

[@-jay5038]

Will I be taught on how to swim if I joined infantry ?

[@TSYONTZ]

You’ll learn how to swim in boot camp. You won’t be a pro, but you’ll learn the absolute basics

[@SlimeSquare]

Look up the new Infantry Marine Course and their new Infantry Physical Assessment Test. Marines are now required to swim 300m in basic infantry school or they get recycled. By design, the new Infantry school looks like it will better prepare basic infantry Marines for Recon if they're looking to go career.

[@harleymartin.h6428]

Thx

[@TSYONTZ]

No problem

[@osvaldocaraballo7640]

Yes signed me up

[@BW-kv9wj]

What’s the minimum GT score for recon?

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

105

[@low-budgefudge2164]

How do you prepare for the swimming?

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

Find a pool

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

Work as a lifeguard

[@low-budgefudge2164]

​@@emmanuelawosusi2365 thx

[@Vort3xinDCS]

Semper fi

[@brandongrimstead7532]

grandmas pool gettin some more attention🤟

[@OwenGriffin-u5i]

just like in the civilian world you need something to fall back on is the moral of the story.

[@sheldonperkins8753]

It's NOT EASY AT ALL! MOST S.O.F. UNITS DO ALMOST THE SAME THING!? RETIRED MARINE

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

Nice

[@JorgeLopezmeditation]

🎉

[@fnulnu8243]

100% agreed. I volunteered for recon out of SOI. 10+ of us tried out. We did two PFT test back to back. Same with the O course and a beach run. After an hour in the pool on day 2, 3 of us were left. They deliberately did everything they could to near drown us. It wasn't a "try out", they were just fucking with us. We swam the 7 Olympic sized pool laps in the given time. We did the water treading test with and without the rubber brick. Then the games REALLY started. I was literally held under until I passed out. My other buddy was given a PRC-77 radio and told to walk from one of the pool to the other and if he surfaced he was out. My 3rd buddy was dunked, surfaced, dunked, surfaced until he passed out. I lost ALL respect for recon that day. I went on to absolutely love being an 03 and have no regrets. I don't know how MARSOC does their selection but if you wanna do cool shit, STA is the way to go.

[@rickb7351]

Whatever excuse you have to tell yourself to sleep at night

[@fnulnu8243]

@@rickb7351 I sleep awesome and appreciate your concern.

[@garycole520]

@@rickb7351Well, there is some truth in what you said; RIP(Recon indoctrination program), Recon screening, BRC,… appears to have standardized tests now. In the past it did degenerate into a hazing environment if there was no adult supervision around, along with pre SCUBA.

[@primal9806]

lord if i could swim..

[@TSYONTZ]

We’ll teach you 🫡

[@primal9806]

@@TSYONTZ I'm already a Marine Gunney, i can swim enough to pass basic swim call. Just not enough to keep up with those guys. I'll keep working on it though.

[@primal9806]

@Buddy Bud Guy I'm not a gunney i was referring to the Gunnery Sergeant who made this video. As for the "cringey anime stuff" i can't like anime because i'm a Marine? 😭😭

[@primal9806]

@Buddy Bud Guy In all honesty. I believe some Anime actually send a good message in terms of training and pushing yourself to the limit. Specially with all the complacency in the world these days.

[@rockfox360dirtbikes3]

My MOS is recon….

[@mikezacher]

Mine was backwards and ended up in recon. Was in the 3rd wing. In communications.In 1982 Had orders to 3rd recon. This was before it was disbanded. And reestablished. I never wanted to be in Recon. Last duty station was on Onslow beach. 2nd RECON A CO. camp Lejeune

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@MarkChristian-t2y]

Helo casting

[@brettlaw4346]

Maybe baking volunteer pool sessions into recruit training and SOI free periods would be useful, like a Sunday morning swim duty NCO.

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

Or get be fit

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

No

[@stepbrokevin2513]

i cant swim but im joining marines aaround december

[@TSYONTZ]

Marines will teach you how to swim, don’t trip

[@MarkChristian-t2y]

The poo😢 is the ultimate test

[@Huntovan]

DOR! DOR!

[@dukeadams2288]

Is combat instructor a sda now?

[@TSYONTZ]

I don’t think it’s an SDA. they switched it to a tier 1 billet unfortunately 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@ralphriffle1126]

Dont join the Marines unless you are guaranteed U.S. Army basic and advanced parachute trainning as well as U.S.Army Ranger School. To be the best traim will the best

[@itsAmeOFP]

Lol what’s with the thumbnail

[@badkarma442]

Spell doritos

[@diegoPJPRMFF]

If you need to watch these videos thinking if you should or shouldn’t you already aren’t ready for recon and you will fail.

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

No

[@waynesnelling8259]

this guy doesn't even have recon guys in the thumbnail... not off to a great start with credibility lol.

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

That doesn't matter bro,he is right about his information

[@offspringfan1288]

Recon hasn’t seen combat since 2013. Total waste of taxpayers dollars.

[@brucepeckham6043]

who the hell else has seen combat since 2013? some SEALs and MARSOC are working the Somalia area deterring Houthi pirates. That's about it. In a real war, Marine Recon/Force Recon and Army Airborne Rangers will see more combat than anyone else. SEALs too. It's all about if it's war or not. True

[@XtrmTJ97]

0311, 0321, 8654, 0369 I didn't volunteer, I was asked by a very large Lt. that if he dropped me off 10 miles off shore, could I swim in? I answered him, , I would swim the 10 miles or drown trying. He said good, follow me. Thus started my time in Reconnaissance. 78-79 3rd RECON BN. Onna Point Okinawa Brovo Co. 2nd plt. 80-82 1st. RECON BN. DRP/Scuba Locker High speed, low drag

[@BlossomField91]

Ojectively speaking, the better option is to go Option 40 in the Army and join the 75th Ranger Regiment than become a 0321 Recon Marine. The Ranger battalions are actually doing high speed shit and once you prove you're good enough to stay in Regiment and get the Tab, you've got more opportunities. If recon is your thing, they've got the Regimental Reconnaissance Company, which is a SMU (i.e. Tier 1 unit) in JSOC. The problem with Marine Recon is that it's not in SOCOM so it doesn't get the deployments, money, equipment, opportunities, etc. It's a conventional USMC asset. You bust your ass going through BRC to get the 0321 MOS only to find the Corps, in practice, mostly just uses the Recon battalions as grunt battalions. You'll never actually get to do that recondo shit. It's a talent pool for MARSOC. That's all.