Force Recon Part 3

TRAINING

Last week, I listed the seven training packages candidates for Force Recon need to master.  Today, we’re going to learn a bit more about each of these packages.

The long-range communications training includes satellite communication (SAT/COM), Morse code, and multiband radios.  (For a woman who is still struggling to learn to use her i-phone, this is remarkable.)

In amphibious training, the warriors learn how to conduct hydrographic surveys and how to launch from submarines and other vessels.  In advanced dive course, they fine tune infiltration and extraction techniques.

Advanced parachuting demands that the candidates learn the techniques of HAHO (high altitude, high opening) into drop zones from 25,000 feet.

Foreign weapons training teaches the men to identify and fire weapons from other countries while arms training teaches how to call for close air support.

Finally, the field exercise demands that the candidate combine everything they’ve learned, including amphibious infiltrations and extractions, hydrographic surveys, mountain and desert patrols at bases around the United States, a parachute jump. 

After they have completed all of these exercises, they are assigned to bases around the world for another six months, where the focus is on direct action missions, including hostage rescues, takedowns of ships and oil platforms, and helicopter deployments.

Are you bursting with pride, as I am, in these courageous warriors who put everything on the line to protect the United States of America and our way of life?  I hope so.

May God bless you and the United States of America,

Jane

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