Intro
Unlock the elite world of Marine Force Recon. Discover the 7 rigorous phases of the Marine Force Recon Pipeline, from initial screening to advanced training. Learn about the challenges of Reconnaissance Selection, Advanced Reconnaissance Training, and more. Get insider knowledge on the US Marine Corps most selective special operations unit.
Marine Corps Force Reconnaissance, also known as Force Recon, is an elite unit of the United States Marine Corps that specializes in deep reconnaissance and direct action missions. The selection process for Force Recon is notoriously challenging, and only a small percentage of Marines who attempt to join the unit are successful. The selection process is divided into seven phases, each designed to test a candidate's physical and mental limits.

Phase 1: Initial Screening
The first phase of the Force Recon pipeline is the initial screening. This phase is designed to identify candidates who possess the basic qualifications and skills required for Force Recon. Candidates must meet the minimum eligibility requirements, which include being a U.S. citizen, having a high school diploma or equivalent, and scoring a minimum of 105 on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test.
Candidates who meet the minimum eligibility requirements are then invited to attend a briefing on the Force Recon program. During this briefing, candidates are given an overview of the program and the challenges they will face during the selection process.
Phase 2: Physical Screening Test (PST)
The second phase of the Force Recon pipeline is the Physical Screening Test (PST). This test is designed to assess a candidate's physical fitness and determine whether they have the necessary physical attributes to succeed in Force Recon.
The PST consists of a series of physical challenges, including a 500-yard swim, a 1.5-mile run, and a set of pull-ups. Candidates must complete each challenge within a certain time limit and achieve a minimum score to pass the test.

Phase 3: Dive Phase
The third phase of the Force Recon pipeline is the Dive Phase. This phase is designed to teach candidates the skills they need to become a certified scuba diver. Candidates learn how to use scuba diving equipment, navigate underwater, and perform a variety of underwater tasks.
The Dive Phase is challenging, both physically and mentally. Candidates must learn to work underwater, navigate through dark and murky waters, and perform tasks while underwater.
Phase 4: Jump Phase
The fourth phase of the Force Recon pipeline is the Jump Phase. This phase is designed to teach candidates the skills they need to become a certified parachutist. Candidates learn how to use parachuting equipment, navigate through the air, and perform a variety of parachuting tasks.
The Jump Phase is also challenging, both physically and mentally. Candidates must learn to jump out of an airplane, navigate through the air, and land safely.

Phase 5: Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) Training
The fifth phase of the Force Recon pipeline is Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) training. This phase is designed to teach candidates the skills they need to survive in hostile environments, evade capture, resist interrogation, and escape from captivity.
SERE training is challenging, both physically and mentally. Candidates are taught how to survive in a variety of environments, including deserts, jungles, and arctic regions. They are also taught how to evade capture, resist interrogation, and escape from captivity.
Phase 6: Close Quarters Combat (CQC) Training
The sixth phase of the Force Recon pipeline is Close Quarters Combat (CQC) training. This phase is designed to teach candidates the skills they need to engage in close quarters combat. Candidates learn how to use a variety of weapons, including pistols, rifles, and knives.
CQC training is challenging, both physically and mentally. Candidates must learn to engage in combat at close range, using a variety of tactics and techniques.

Phase 7: Final Exercise
The seventh and final phase of the Force Recon pipeline is the Final Exercise. This phase is designed to test a candidate's skills and knowledge in a variety of areas, including reconnaissance, direct action, and special operations.
The Final Exercise is challenging, both physically and mentally. Candidates must demonstrate their ability to work as a team, use a variety of skills and tactics, and complete a variety of missions.
Only a small percentage of candidates who start the Force Recon pipeline are successful in completing all seven phases. Those who are successful are awarded the Force Recon insignia and become part of an elite unit of the Marine Corps.
Gallery of Marine Force Recon Pipeline:
Marine Force Recon Pipeline Image Gallery










Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the Marine Corps Force Recon pipeline?
+The Marine Corps Force Recon pipeline is a series of seven phases that candidates must complete to become a member of the Marine Corps Force Reconnaissance unit.
How long does it take to complete the Force Recon pipeline?
+The length of time it takes to complete the Force Recon pipeline varies depending on the individual candidate's progress. However, it typically takes around 12-18 months to complete all seven phases.
What is the dropout rate for the Force Recon pipeline?
+The dropout rate for the Force Recon pipeline is around 50-60%. Only a small percentage of candidates who start the pipeline are successful in completing all seven phases.
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of the Marine Corps Force Recon pipeline. The pipeline is a challenging and selective process that pushes candidates to their limits, both physically and mentally. Only a small percentage of candidates who start the pipeline are successful in completing all seven phases, but those who do are rewarded with the opportunity to become a member of an elite unit of the Marine Corps.