Marine corp Force Recon?

Question

i'm swearing into the marine corp saturday. I'm going to be a MP but I'm considering trying out for reconnaissance. i was wondering what do recon units do on a day to day basis?

Answer 1

Day to day they train at their craft when they are no in use. Lots and lots of it so you better like it!

Answer 2

Depends there is recon and then there isn force recon.  Each has their own jobs.  Both  are very physical and mentally demanding.  Force recon is by far the top echelon and their selection process is very strict.  Spend some time in your mos Im sure wherever you get stationed there will be a recon unit there also.  Talk with them and get some insight.  They do recon indocs all the time.  But just because you can do 100 pull ups and run 3 miles in 15 mins does not garantee a spot you have to prove yourself as a team player and prove to be an operator

Answer 3

First of all, there are no more active duty Force Recon units.  They have all been deactivated and now there is MARSOC.  But there are still three active duty Recon Battalions.

The day to day routine at a Force Company or any of the Recon Bn’s all depends on what stage of deployment training or preparation you are in.  Of course daily PT is a requirement, and always expected unless training has priority.  But each day is different as much as they are the same.  When a platoon is just picking up and rebuilding after a deployment, that platoon or company is in school phase.  This when the you try to get your Marines to the schools that they need to go to, and schools that will best support the platoon or company while deployed.  Those Marines that have completed their basic courses will go to the advance courses, those there are new to the community will continue their basic courses, those not selected for schools or are finished enjoy the down time.  Once school phase is over, so is the break.  Now the focus is on deployment.  You could spend the day at a weapons range, diving, parachuting, patrolling, preparing for training, planning, and a host of other things that just need to get done.  This is a six month phase at a minimum.  

As for changing your MOS after you get in, you can do that when you reenlist.  You will have to be screen to ensure that  you are physically qualified and not just your PFT score.  If you are color blind, you will not be accepted, but they also look at your vision and any past injuries that could flare back up due to the rigors of the community.  It isn’t always an easy life, but your worst day in Recon will still be far better than your best day any place else.