The Marine Corps is continuing to expand its special operations command, and now male Marines in any MOS can apply (female Marines may apply for personnel and command functions). Previously, the command accepted only Marines in the infantry field and field radio operators.
To qualify to become a Special Operations Marine, male Marines must meet the following minimum qualifications:
- Be in the rank of Corporal, or above (exceptional Lance Corporals are sometimes selected)
- Have a minimum of 105 on the GT composite score of the ASVAB.
- No nonjudicial punishments for the past year, and no more than two NJPs during the current enlistment contract (Note: This is expected to change to no NJPs period, during the entire career sometime later in 2009).
- Must achieve a "first class" score on the Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test (Note: While a "first class score" is the minimum acceptable, the average SPEC Ops Marine PFT score is 279. Marines who want to successfully complete the training program should strive for a score of 270 to 275.
- Must achieve a second-class score on the Marine Corps Combat Water Survival Test (including 30 minutes of treading water).
- Must be a US Citizen.
- Must be eligible for a Secret Security Clearance.
- Must pass an intelligence test and a psychological evaluation.
Training
Marines who pass the administrative screening attend the three-week MARSoc Assessment and Selection Course. Between 100 and 120 Marines attend this course at a time, and usually only 80 to 85 graduate.
Those who make it through Assessment and Selection proceed to the seven month Marine Corps Special Operations Course at Camp Lejeune. This training pipeline is rumored to be among the toughest in the Marine Corps. During the course, prospective Spec Ops Marines learn about foreign weapons, tactical communications, fire support, force protection, light infantry tactics, medical training, and internal defense doctrine. The course concludes with a three-week practice special operations mission.
