Force Recon Part 2

WHO MAKES IT; WHO DOESN’T

Selection exams for Force Recon are held once a month.  Only three or four of the 15 to 20 candidates are actually selected to train.  Even after reaching this goal, many fail to complete the course because they are injured. 

Those who make the cut go on to the Force Reconnaissance Individual Training phase for six months.  There, they learn basic and advanced skills.  In addition, they learn infantry tactics, such as patrolling techniques and then must complete the Army’s airborne course:  the Combatant Driving School.  There, they learn open and closed-circuit breathing systems, and attend SERE (Survival Evasion Resistance Escape) School.

Candidates attend an eight week version of the US Army Ranger course at Force Recon’s advanced training school.  They undergo intense instruction in winter survival and rock climbing.  Pathfinder School and training in free-fall parachuting, shooting, and basic medical skills follow. 

As if this wasn’t enough, the candidates spend six months in Unit Training Phase, which includes seven packages:   long range communications, amphibious training,  arms training, foreign weapons training, advanced dive course, advanced parachuting, and a field exercise, where they combine everything they have learned.

Drop in next week for a more detailed view of these packages.

May God bless you and the United States of America,

Jane