Is 0321 (Reconnaissance Marine) a Good MOS?
United States Marine Corps · Military Occupational Specialty
Quick Facts — 0321 (Reconnaissance Marine)
AIT / Training
12 weeks
Training Location
Basic Reconnaissance Course (BRC), MCB Camp Pendleton, CA
Career Field
Reconnaissance
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About 0321 Reconnaissance Marine
Infantry Marine skilled in amphibious reconnaissance and ground reconnaissance. In addition to basic infantry skills, possesses proficiency in scout swimming, small boat operations, and refined observation, scouting, patrolling and long-range communications skills. Under Force Design 2030, recon battalions expanded role — infantry battalions added Fires and Recon companies, and snipers moved from infantry to recon (0322 MOS). Division Recon handles close/distant recon for division commanders; Force Recon handles deep reconnaissance and direct action for MEF/JTF commanders.
12 weeks
Basic Reconnaissance Course (BRC), MCB Camp Pendleton, CA
Reconnaissance
Recruiter vs. Reality
What the Recruiter Says
You'll be the elite of the elite — Recon Marines are the eyes and ears of the Marine Corps. You'll attend BRC, earn your Jack, and operate in small teams behind enemy lines conducting reconnaissance that shapes the entire battlefield. It's the closest thing to special operations in the Marine Corps without going MARSOC.
What It's Actually Like
BRC has a 50-60% attrition rate and the pipeline is 6+ months before you even hit a battalion. You'll be cold, wet, and exhausted in ways infantry Marines can't imagine. The operational tempo post-Force Design 2030 is higher than ever — recon battalions absorbed the sniper mission (0322), gained new boat companies, and are the cornerstone of the stand-in force concept. The swimming never stops. Your knees and shoulders will pay the price. But the capability and brotherhood in a recon platoon is unmatched in conventional forces.