United States Marine Corps Reconnaissance Selection and Indoctrination

The two amphibious/ground reconnaissance assets of the United States Marine Corps, Division and Force Reconnaissance, are generally trained in the same aspect and environment of intelligence collection for a Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Commander, regardless of their difference in tactical area of responsibility (TAOR).

The screening process tests potential recon candidates in their combat swimming skills, physical stamina and endurance; it is a 48-hour event that is held on the last Thursday of each month at either MCB Camp Pendleton or MCB Camp Lejeune; the FMF Reconnaissance and all the organic division reconnaissance assets conduct their own distinct selection process.

After the pool screening is completed, the candidates run in formation down to the red course to perform a physical fitness test.

[citation needed] The last event in the selection and screening board is a run with a plastic rifle and a field pack containing a 50 lb (23 kg) sand bag.

In 2007, the Marine Corps folded the recon screening process into the initial phases of the Basic Reconnaissance Course.

[3] Sometimes Marines in RIP would remain in the platoon for weeks or possibly months; until there were openings in processing for the BRC syllabus.

However, due to changes made recently, Marines who wish to join the reconnaissance community must first complete the School of Infantry's Rifleman Course prior to being assigned to the 'Marines Awaiting Recon Training' (MART) platoon.

Since the Marine Corps lacks the facilities, they usually outsource their training to other cross-service schools sponsored by the United States Army and Navy.

[4] Division and Force Recon Marines must complete Level "C" of the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) School.

When slots become available and the FMF budget permits it, the recon Marines of both the division and force may attend other advanced courses from cross-service schools.