Force Recon

[C./Fields]

I might not understand this right or have correct info, but why do they have it so you go on assignment with them for a time and then are assigned back to the unit you were in before that? Also, why do officers have to stay back and don't go into "the field"(Source:http://www.forcerecon.com/reconfaq.htm Question 9)? I was actually considering it as a future career option until I discovered those 2 things.

[Drill for life]

The GT score has been highered to 110 and I will tell you this a Recruiter will never and I mean never meet his Quota for UZ Enlistment options, you have to do your research when you sign up and be real buddy buddy with recruiter to get the UZ enlistment option. It is one of the few enlistment options in the Marine Corps where you will get a Enlistment Bonus($5,000, I never got one, I don't really care about the money). Now it is Enlistment option, when you enlist you pick a MOS(Ex. 0311(Rifleman mine,most common MOS in The Marine Corps) then you talk to your recruiter about getting a 0321 Contract(UZ enlistment option) it will be thrown out the window if you don't Graduate Boot,Get Expert Marksmanship,1st Class PT and Qualify Swim(Don't ask me ihave no clue about this, it is important though, you will still have a Contract but will not be eligible to attend NAvy Diving School only Army Airborne School). I have heard at the end of Basic and SOI they will ask who wantes to be Recon(It is MARSOC now)ans you'll sign something if you qualify. That is really all I know, if you want to know more as a Recruiter.

[PhoenixCadet]

I might not understand this right or have correct info, but why do they have it so you go on assignment with them for a time and then are assigned back to the unit you were in before that?

If you're talking MARSOC, this was actually addressed on one of the USMC sites (official ones) that detailed an article about the organization. It stated that you serve a limited amount of time in MARSOC (i.e. you won't go your entire career with them) because the Marine Corps feels the skills you gain as a MARSOC Marine will help other units, as well. As more and more Marines become a part of MARSOC, then finish up their duties with them, they'll take their skills they learned to other non-MARSOC units.

-PC

[C./Fields]

If you're talking MARSOC, this was actually addressed on one of the USMC sites (official ones) that detailed an article about the organization. It stated that you serve a limited amount of time in MARSOC (i.e. you won't go your entire career with them) because the Marine Corps feels the skills you gain as a MARSOC Marine will help other units, as well. As more and more Marines become a part of MARSOC, then finish up their duties with them, they'll take their skills they learned to other non-MARSOC units.

-PC

I guess I can understand that, but I just wish there was a way to stay in and that officers could actually go out "into the field" with there men like in most other SpecOps units...

[cscsmp]

I guess I can understand that, but I just wish there was a way to stay in and that officers could actually go out "into the field" with there men like in most other SpecOps units...

There is a way. Join the Army or Navy.

[C./Fields]

There is a way. Join the Army or Navy.

And that's exactly why I'm going Army officer and my backup is Navy officer.

[DiscoSnake]

Have you thought about Air Force officer? I believe the Air Force position is Combat Controller. I may be wrong because it has been a little while since I was briefed on the topic.

[C./Fields]

Have you thought about Air Force officer? I believe the Air Force position is Combat Controller. I may be wrong because it has been a little while since I was briefed on the topic.

They mostly just set up airfields and prep drop zones, right? ehh...

[DiscoSnake]

If I recall correctly yeah something like that. They are the first ones into the area that set up everything and keep the area guarded while the Base is being set up.

[TruBlu]

Combat Controllers operate under AFSOC and are used to infiltrate and direct air power; very similar to TACP, only they operate under AFSOC and aren't regularly fixed to Army units. From what I know, field work in these areas as officers does not exist. The AF website for career fields (www.airforce.com) does not list combat controllers, TACP, or SERE, and more, as officer opportunities. If you 'want' field work as an officer in USSOC, you'll want to go Army or Navy, although when acting in full strength (as if they ever aren't lol), Marines send out their officers also.

[spurdshart]

This can get somewhat confusing.
MarSoc is one program and yes, they intend to rotate you back to other units.
Force Recon is not exactly the same as MarSoc.
It is hard to explain but if you get into Force Recon , they do not rotate you back to other units unles you request it.

To answer why the MarSoc rotate back. Well the regular Marine Infantry take on special operations as part of business as usual and this is a slow road to making sure we have almost every battalion capable of special operations missions. When you put 20 guys like that in a unit, they tend to bring that unit up to a new level.

Officers do not stay in the rear. They are trained to do what the enlisted do, and if you ever get in depth with what officers go through in Infantry Officers Course, you would see just how capable even a brand new officer is with technical skills.

[Dirtynappy]

2nd time I've seen that people believe officers don't go out in the field. You will be hard pressed to find a general in the dirt with a recon team but yes you will find officers.

SEAL teams too. Officers in the rear with RTO (for you Army guys) are gonna want and need to talk to the officers in the field.

Werd about technical skills. Officers are trained to do things differently for a reason. Something about being in charge and while many take some jabs about land nav many officers even new ones are good to go and have to find their path just like a new enlisted member.

You can be a good follower just as well as being a good leader.