Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 1/4/2010

Question
Long question short; I'm not sure weather to join the navy seals or marines force recon special operations?

Answer
Nick,
It all depends upon what you're looking for and what you expect to get from it.

They both do similar things, SEALs typically do it via water and RECON does it on land.  The training for both is extremely difficult and you're required to be in outstanding physical condition.  Most of these guys are wiry, muscular fellows and tough as nails.  They're just some of the few that are fortunate enough to be born that way.  Military training just hones the muscles they already have, It does NOT put out of shape guys in good condition.  If you meet those physical requirements I envy you.

RECON typically operates independently further behind enemy lines than SEALs conducting deep reconnaissance, and reporting battle damage after an attack.  Using both helicopter and waterborne insertions and extractions they perform unconventional special operations with silence and stealth, similar to Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, or Air Force Combat Controllers.  The principal mission of RECON is reconnaissance, to collect any intelligence of military importance, observe, identify and report enemy actions.

RECON members typically attend the Basic Reconnaissance Course, the Army Basic Airborne Course, the Military Free Fall School, the Infantry Rifleman Course, the Navy Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape course, the High Risk Personnel Course, the USMC Combatant Diver Course, and the Special Operations Training course.

Navy SEAL training is very similar except they receive training in Underwater Demolition, boat operations, hostage rescue, and counter-terrorism.

So do you consider yourself a water guy or a land guy?  The choice is yours.
I wish you luck.
Colonel Howell