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Marine Raider Recruiting

Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s a few answers to our most common questions.

    Assessment & Selection
    How can I prepare for A&S?

    You can utilize the 10-week Fitness Guide or download the TrainHeroic app to prepare for A&S. You can expect to execute all exercises you see in these guides at A&S.

    How long should I physically train for A&S?

    If you meet the screening requirements to attend A&S, it should take you no more than 12 weeks to prepare.

    How can I become competitive at A&S?

    Contact us for tips to success. You can also utilize all fitness preparation tools and training opportunities to better your chances of selection.

    What happens if I'm injured at A&S?

    You will return to your parent command. Marine Raider Training Center may authorize and offer you the opportunity to return, as long as your career timeline supports. Ultimately, you must be determined medically qualified prior to screening for a later A&S.

    What is the selection rate for A&S?

    MARSOC A&S does not select to a number. Selection is based on those candidates who meet all the SOF traits.

    What happens if I am not selected at A&S?

    A&S is voluntary. If you are not selected, you will return to your command. A&S staff will inform you of your eligibility to re-apply.

    Eligibility & Requirements
    Can reservists apply?

    At this time MARSOC is not offering Assessment & Selection (A&S) slots to reservists.

    Do I have to re-enlist to go to A&S?

    A candidate must have a minimum of 90 days remaining on contract from the start of A&S to attend. However, reenlistment is required prior to reporting to ITC.

    Is there an age restriction?

    There are currently no age restrictions to become a Marine Raider.

    Do I need to be an excellent swimmer in order to qualify for A&S?

    Candidates should meet the current Marine Corps intermediate swim qualification for initial screening, and will receive further training at Assessment and Selection Phase I.

    Swim Assessment as follows:

    • Conduct abandon ship drill from a 6 meter platform (in accordance with CWS- 4).

    • Swim 300 meters continuously in utility blouse and trousers without combat equipment (CBE) and boots using the breast stroke or side stroke.

    • Tread water in a utility blouse and trousers unassisted for 11 minutes then transition to the survival float using the blouse or trouser for floating for four minutes.

    • Must demonstrate confidence in the water and the ability to remain afloat.

    For those of you preparing for Assessment and Selection, additional aquatic preparation guidance can be found on page 23 of the 10-week training guide and log (5.3 mb PDF), and videos that focus on proper technique for the breast stroke and side stroke.

    Families
    How much time will my Marine spend away from home?

    Operational tempo vary depending on the mission your Marine’s team is performing. A Marine Raider trains—sometimes away from home—to prepare for deployment and to ensure mission success. There is no “typical deployment,” but most pre-deployment training is 10-12 months followed by a 6-9 month deployment.

    After a deployment, time with family is a command priority. Throughout your Marine’s career at MARSOC he will have the opportunity to break up his operational tempo with schools and non-deployable billets.

    Will I know where my spouse is going?

    Marine Raiders are deployed throughout the world as needed. While there are many times in which you will be given the information you need, there will be times when the success of the mission depends upon secrecy even from family members.

    What will my Marine do on deployments?

    Your Marine will operate in a small, highly-skilled and immaculately-trained team of Marine Raiders. MARSOC teams are bound by trust and cohesion and work effortlessly together—giving them an advantage over many military units.

    Where can I go for more family-specific information?

    Resources for families are available at this link here.  You can also contact support below:

    • MARSOC Family Readiness: (910) 440-0779
    • MARSOC Recruiting: 1-888-93-MARSOC
    MARSOC
    What does MARSOC do?

    MARSOC’s core activities are:

    • Direct action
    • Special reconnaissance
    • Preparation of the environment
    • Security force assistance
    • Counterterrorism
    • Foreign internal defense
    • Counterinsurgency
    Read more
    How is MARSOC different from RECON?

    MARSOC conducts missions by direction of the SOCOM Commander. These missions are normally conducted in irregular and unconventional settings. MARSOC Marines receive additional training with Special Operations Equipment and Tactics in order to fulfill these missions. USMC Recon conducts missions as part of the MAGTF in support of conventional operations.

    Officers
    Are there service obligations for A&S Officer selects?

    At the conclusion of A&S you will sign a NAVMC 118(11) requiring a five year service obligation which will begin upon graduation of the Individual Training Course (ITC). This ensures Team Commanders will have the opportunity to deploy twice before in-zone eligibility for Major.

    Are there time-in-service restrictions?

    No, there are currently no time-in-service restrictions for Officers.

    Are there additional qualities desired/expected from Special Operations Officers?

    The leadership qualities required for success in MARSOC are in line with those required for successful leadership in any Marine Corps unit.  SOO Principles, codified by the Marine Raider Training Center, are:

    • Own the institution
    • Provide leadership at the point of friction
    • Integrate and combine capabilities
    • Lead planning, bridging top-down requirements with bottom-up solutions
    • Influence higher, adjacent, supporting commands and host nation partners to achieve the desired end state
    Are there any officer MOSs more preferred or likely to be selected at A&S?

    No. There is no preference for any specific MOS. While the highest total percentage of selectees are in the 03XX MOS, it does not necessarily relate to an increased success rate, but more accurately reflects the disproportionate number of 03XX candidates attending A&S.

    When is the ideal time to apply for A&S?

    he ideal time to begin screening and working on the application process is after attaining 1stLt and well before career designation. You must attend Assessment & Selection (A&S) prior to departing your first duty station. It is best for officers to attend between their first and second deployments if assigned to a Victor unit.

    Note: Officers who are not career designated can apply to attend an A&S, but you must be career designated prior to reporting Individual Training Course (ITC). However, if you have been previously screened and not selected, you must be screened, selected and accept career designation prior to applying to A&S.

    When is the earliest and latest I can apply for A&S?

    You can begin the screening process shortly before promoting to First Lieutenant, then submit your application after promotion. As a Captain, your PMOS monitor must approve you to attend an Individual Training Course (ITC) with no more than 24 months’ time in grade. For applicants who are in a Victor unit, if you meet the requirements listed above, it is recommended you attend A&S between your first and second deployments.

    If selected at A&S, what happens next?

    You will return to your parent command and complete the remainder of your tour. Your monitor will write you PCS/PCA orders to the previously approved ITC. This is subject to change based on the needs of the Marine Corps and USSOCOM.

    What happens if I am not selected at A&S?

    You will return to your parent command, complete the remainder of your tour, and continue your career as an officer in the Marine Corps. Your career as an officer will not be affected; there is no negative paperwork provided. Additionally, MARSOC may have other billet assignments within your PMOS, 8006, or 8007 MOSs. Contact your PMOS monitor for more information and future assignment possibilities.

    If I am not selected at A&S, will I have another opportunity to apply?

    Only extraordinary circumstances warrant additional opportunities for officers to attend A&S. As a Special Operations Officer (SOO) candidate, you must understand you have a very limited window to attend A&S and will likely have only one opportunity. However, those not selected at A&S, Marine Raider Training Center may authorize and offer the opportunity to return, as long as your career timeline supports.

    Other
    If I re-enlisted for a bonus in my current MOS or the OPFOR, will I have to pay it back?

    If you reenlisted for the OPFOR bonus, you are not eligible to attend assessment and selection for MARSOC. You must meet the requirements of your contract.

    Can I choose to go back to my MOS after my five years are up?

    An 0372 would have to request a lateral move back out of the MOS to return to the general purpose force upon completion of a 60 month tour.

    What special pays will I receive?

    0370/0372 Operators receive at a minimum SDA level 5 which is $375 on top of base pay. Special skill sets gained while at MARSOC will add corresponding special duty allowances. This may include, but not limited to: Language, Jump & Dive, Deployed Entitlements, Career SOF Incentives, Reenlistment Bonuses (Enlisted only), and Civilian Clothing Allowance while deployed.

    Will I need to do a B-billet while at MARSOC?

    Currently, 0372s do not fill SDA billets outside the command.

    What is the deployment tempo like?

    MARSOC units have a flexible deployment cycle ranging from 90 days to 8 months.

    Can I choose my duty station in MARSOC?

    The MARSOF monitor will assign you to one of the operating battalions upon completion of ITC. EFMP members may be able to stay on current station (Pendleton/Lejeune).

    Haven't found the answer to your question?

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