Becoming a
Critical Skills Operator
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As a Critical Skills Operator (CSO), you will operate as a cross-cultural diplomat and global scout. You will possess the unique ability to exert influence in areas and situations that are absent authority.
Requirements
To be considered a Critical Skills Operator in MARSOC, you must…
Be eligible to obtain and maintain a secret clearance
Have a minimum GT score of 105
Have a minimum PFT of 235
Have no more than two NJPs on current enlistment
Be able to pass the MARSOC swim assessment
Be eligible to reenlist
Meet the MARSOC medical screening criteria.
Have no more than 18 months time in grade (TIG) as a Sgt upon attending the Individual Training Course (ITC)
Make a lateral move to the critical skills operator MOS upon selection
The Selection Process
Assessment and Selection (A&S) is a mandatory 2-phase course to screen physical ability, confidence, situational awareness, and acclimatization.
Phase 1
A&S Phase 1 is a grueling, three-week course that tests the physical and mental capability of each candidate. You will be evaluated on:
- PFT
- Abandon ship drill
- 300-meter swim
- 11-minute tread
- 12-mile ruck
- Physical in-test
Phase 2
A&S Phase 2 is a mentally and physically challenging evaluation that enables MARSOC to identify Marines that have attributes compatible with special operations missions and the MARSOC way of life.
Becoming a Marine Raider
A&S selects proceed to the Individual Training Course (ITC), a nine-month program that turns a Marine in to a CSO.
Earn it Every Day
Throughout your nine months at ITC, you will learn:
- SERE
- Medical skills
- Communication skills
- Small unit tactics
- Amphibious tactics
- Combat marksmanship
- Close quarters battle demolitions
- Urban combat
- Special reconnaissance training
- Irregular warfare
ITC graduates per year
weapons mastered during ITC
meters in longest ocean fin-swim
An honor like no other
Upon successful completion of ITC, enlisted Marines are awarded the primary MOS 0372, Critical Skills Operator. CSOs then go on to attend a 6-month basic language course.
Ready to take the next step? Contact a recruiter today to get started.
