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Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/How long does it take to become a scout sniper?
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Question
I am interested in joining either recon or scout/sniper for the Marine Corps. How long does it take from arriving to boot camp to completing scout/sniper training. I just want to learn about recon before I consider doing it for a career.
Johnny:
The short and quick answer is "years". There is no hard and fast time line for either scout/sniper or recon, due to training delays, different start dates for classes, etc. Scout/Sniper isn't something that 'new' Marines with zero fleet time are typically allowed to do. You'll need to have several years 'in' before you get selected for that type of training, as well as be an expert rifle shot.
You CAN enlist to go directly to Recon, but you'll have to qualify for that once you complete recruit training. Then you'll be sent to pre Recon school, then Recon school. Plus jump school and dive school. That entire process takes, literally, several years to complete. You'll be in a recon unit once you complete your Recon school.
If you haven't talked to a recruiter, do so. They will be able to give you exact lengths of schools.
Lastly, EVERYone wants to do recon/scoutsniper ect. Not everyone is capable, or can do that. If you decide to enlist, concentrate on becoming a Marine FIRST, then all the other stuff. Recruit training by itself is your first hurdle, and you should put your energy towards attaining that goal.
Jason
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Answers by Expert:
Jason Grabill
Expertise
Questions relating to US Marine Corps; rank, awards, uniforms, career choices. I can also help people spot and expose fakes (people pretending to be Marines or have awards they didn`t earn). Considering the Marines as a career? Or another branch, like the Air National Guard? Drop me a line. HOWever..know that I am NOT a recruiter. I can offer my expert opinion and advice, but can't (and won't) over rule what a recruiter says, they are the 'on duty' expert.
Experience
Infantry Rifleman, MOS 0311: 3 years. Marine Barracks Security (Marine Barracks, Annapolis, Maryland(not Embassy Duty): 3 years. Parachutist: MOS 9962: Got my wings in August of 1984.
Intelligence Specialist: MOS 0231 10 years working as an Intelligence Analyst with a Fixed Wing Fighter Squadron, Force Service Support Group, and at Headquarters, Marine Corps. Field Radio Operator: MOS 2531. Served as a Platoon Sergeant in a Communications Platoon assigned to MEU Service Support Group 24 (Special Operations Capable). Did a hitch in the Army reserves as an 11B (Infantryman), 3 years. Finished out my career in the Air National Guard as a BioEnvironmental Engineer MOS 4B3X1, did that for a few years.
I"ve been collecting and selling Marine Corps and other military uniforms, medals, and field gear since I was 8 years old.
Organizations
United States Marine Corps Logistical Company.
Publications
I was an Editorial writer for Marine Corps Times from 1998-2000.
Education/Credentials
Extensive library of research materials relating to uniforms, medals, and equipment of the military and the Marine Corps. 22 College credits, Community College of the Air Force. Certified Historical Interpreter.
Awards and Honors
Kosovo Campaign Medal w/1 star
Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with 4 stars.
Numerous other unit awards.
I was on duty on 9/11 at HQMC, near the Pentagon, and responded to that location to try and lend a hand if needed...
Past/Present Clients
United States Marine Corps Historical Company, Guardian Security and Investigations, lead Investigator for 'Stolen Valor' cases.
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