How do you become a Recon Marine?

Candidates for Marine reconnaissance units must pass several classes and be in excellent physical shape. They must also have perfect or correctable vision and must maintain a clean disciplinary record for a least a year.

1. Join the Marines

   The Marine Corps admits candidates aged 17 to 29 who have earned at least a high school diploma.

2. Get screened for reconnaissance classes

   Officers select recruits during basic training to participate in the Basic Reconnaissance Primer Course.

3. Pass the assessment test

   Marines take a skills assessment test to determine their job roles. Joining a reconnaissance unit requires a combined score of 105 or higher on the verbal and arithmetic portions of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery.

4. Excel at fitness

   The Marine Corps requires reconnaissance members to excel at pull-ups or flexed-arm hangs, crunches and the 3-mile run.

5. Fix vision problems if necessary

   Members of a reconnaissance unit must have perfect vision, but candidates with imperfect vision can undergo corrective surgery.

6. Stay disciplined

   To qualify, candidates must have maintained a clean disciplinary record for a full year.

7. Pass both reconnaissance courses

   Complete a 5-week primer course that teaches basic skills and water survival. Finally, complete a 12-week course covering subjects such as navigation, demolition and amphibious operations.