2/26/2019 Marine Corps Recon Screening - US Military

MILITARY BRANCHES U.S. MARINES

Marine Corps Recon Screening And Prep Course

RECON Screener And Prep Course

Image by Nusha Ashjaee © The Balance 2019 

BY MARINE CORPS NEWS SERVICE Updated February 19, 2019

The RECON Marine Screener is

Screener conducted every month in Lejeune and Camp Pendleton.
Motivated Marines who wish to join the reconnaissance community are o ered the chance
to take the RECON Screening Test and see if they qualify for the RECON Primer Course. The
test is the following: 500m swim in cammies, USMC PFT (pullups, crunches, 3 mile run)
Obstacle Course, Pool Skills that include treading, brick swim, gear retrievals, Long Ruck
and several other very physically demanding events.

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/marine-corps-recon-screening-3332791 1/10
2/26/2019 Marine Corps Recon Screening - US Military

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/marine-corps-recon-screening-3332791 2/10
2/26/2019 Marine Corps Recon Screening - US Military

The Screener Details And Qualifications

The beginning challenges of becoming a reconnaissance Marine takes place at monthly

screening locations conducted at the East and West Coast pools and begin bright and early
at 4:30 a.m. Any Marine wishing to obtain the reconnaissance military occupational
specialty, 0321, must be a United States citizen and releasable by their MOS monitor. The
Marines must meet the following basic requirements: have a general technical score of 105
or higher on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, obtain a first class score on
the physical fitness test, possess a combat water survival 1 qualification, be eligible for a
secret clearance, have no page 12 entries in their service record book and have a minimum
of 18 months remaining on current enlistment contract upon completion of the basic
reconnaissance course.

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/marine-corps-recon-screening-3332791 3/10
2/26/2019 Marine Corps Recon Screening - US Military

In addition, the Marine's Battalion or Squadron Commander must submit a written

endorsement for them to take part in the screening. Many qualifications are mandatory for
becoming the eyes and ears of ground forces. Some go through the screening process
several times before obtaining the RECON MOS or in this case, access to RECON training
(Basic RECON Course). Due to this screener program and the RECON Primer Prep Course,
the attrition rate is front loaded into the training. Having fully capable and qualified Marines
attend the Basic RECON Course is the goal of the Screener and Prep.

The attrition rate at BRC is small comparatively.

Corporal Christopher B. Davis, patrolman, Provost Marshal's O ce and Twentynine Palms

native explained he has "been out to the screening on a few di erent occasions, but I'm not

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/marine-corps-recon-screening-3332791 4/10
2/26/2019 Marine Corps Recon Screening - US Military

going to give up until I succeed." It takes motivation, discipline, and persistence to be

successful in this training pipeline and many Marines learn the first time the level of fitness
and swimming proficiency needed to be successful the next time.

With the logistical concerns out of the way, the screening process started o with a 25-
meter underwater swim, a deep water rifle retrieval, a tower jump, a 30-minute water tread,
a five-minute flotation with trousers and a timed 500-meter swim in uniform. After the pool
portion of the screening was completed, the Marines performed a physical fitness test.

The Next Step: Primer Course

After the Screener, the RECON Primer is next. The Basic RECON Primer Course (BRPC) lasts
five weeks and is designed to prepare and select marines that are physically ready to
attend and pass the Basic Reconnaissance Course (BRC). BRPC focuses on swimming
skills, pool drills, running, rucking, high repetition calisthenics, log PT, obstacle courses,
land navigation and much more. The course is designed to test Marines both physically and
mentally. All students regardless of rank must attend and complete BRPC prior to attending
the Basic Reconnaissance Course.

While BRC training can be physically challenging it takes more than just brute strength to
be successful. Mental strength weighs heavily in navigating the rigors of training.

Sta Sgt. Anthony J. Rivera, training sta , 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, explained, "to be
successful, you can't just say it takes one type of person. You just got to have heart. You
just have to have that desire."

The motivation for desire can stem from di erent sources, whether it is the opportunity for
travel or the advanced training the reconnaissance MOS provides.

Davis said, "(Reconnaissance) is something di erent, I wanted to be more pro-active

instead of reactive."Advertisement

First Sgt. Erik Shirre s, Headquarters and Service company first sergeant, 1st
Reconnaissance Battalion, explained another source of motivation, "Recon Marines have a
reputation as the best of the best. We bring the finest the Marine Corps have to o er."

Once selected, Basic Recon Course Marines can expect to spend a lot of time in the water
learning how to negotiate the surf and training with a Zodiac boat. Communication and
land navigation skills are also covered during training.

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/marine-corps-recon-screening-3332791 5/10
2/26/2019 Marine Corps Recon Screening - US Military

Screenings are held weekly at Camp Pendleton and at the end of every School of Infantry
training. All screenings are open to local Marines. For more information, contact First Sgt.
Advertisement
Shirre s at DSN 361-2936 or (706) 763-2021.

U.S. MARINES
U.S. MARINES
What Are the Marine Corps Weight and
Height and Weight Standards for the
Fitness Standards?
USMC

U.S. MARINES
U.S. MARINES Marine Infantry Packing Up for a
It's More Than Weight: New Body-Fat Combat Patrol in Iraq
Standards for the Marine Corps

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/marine-corps-recon-screening-3332791 6/10
2/26/2019 Marine Corps Recon Screening - US Military

U.S. MARINES
U.S. MARINES Military Overview of the Marine Corps
Marine Corps Crew Chiefs S.W.A.T. Teams

U.S. MARINES
U.S. MARINES What is Marine Corps Mess Night?
Marine Corps Fraternization Policies

U.S. MARINES U.S. MARINES

What Is the Marine Corps Policy on Here Is What to Know About the
Hazing? Marine Corps Combat Fitness Test

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/marine-corps-recon-screening-3332791 7/10
2/26/2019 Marine Corps Recon Screening - US Military

U.S. MARINES U.S. MARINES

What Rules Govern Uniform Wear by K-9 Dogs Protect U.S. Marine Corps
Retirees and Veterans? Members

U.S. MARINES
U.S. MARINES
Marine Corps Designated Marksmen
All About Marine Corps Customs and
Traditions

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/marine-corps-recon-screening-3332791 8/10
2/26/2019 Marine Corps Recon Screening - US Military

U.S. MARINES U.S. MARINES

Special Operations: Marine Raiders What Are Your O cer Career Options
Within the US Marine Corps?

Our Best Money Tips, Delivered

Enter your email... SIGN UP

Finding a Job

Career Paths

Succeeding at Work

ABOUT US PRIVACY POLICY

ADVERTISE COOKIE POLICY

TERMS OF USE CAREERS

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/marine-corps-recon-screening-3332791 9/10
2/26/2019 Marine Corps Recon Screening - US Military

CONTACT EDITORIAL GUIDELINES

ALSO FROM THE BALANCE TEAM

The Balance Careers is part of the Dotdash publishing family.

LIFEWIRE | THOUGHTCO | TRIPSAVVY | THE SPRUCE and more

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/marine-corps-recon-screening-3332791 10/10