MCRD Parris Island -- An assessment team from the Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command visited the Depot Tuesday to spread the word about MARSOC and hopefully find "a few good men and women."
"We came here for two reasons," explained Gunnery Sgt. James Stivers, staff noncommissioned officer-in-charge, Assessment Selection Branch, MARSOC. "One, we are here to get information out about MARSOC, and two, to recruit the [drill instructors and other] Marines at Parris Island who are some of the highest quality Marines in the Corps, as far as stamina, physical fitness and moral [strength]."
The MARSOC organization is a component command of the United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM) that represents the Marine Corps' contribution to the U.S. Special Forces team. The organization was activated on Feb. 24, 2006, during ceremonies held at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C.
"The purpose of MARSOC is as an additional component of SOCOM to support the country's War on Terrorism," said Stivers.
The assessment team was looking for Marines, male and female, of all military occupational specialties and ranks ranging from lance corporals to lieutenant colonels, excluding those in avionics.
According to Stivers, while females are not eligible for deployable billets, many are serving MARSOC in support billets and at the unit's headquarters.
Marines wanting to join MARSOC need to meet several requirements before being considered. All Marines must come on a volunteer basis only, be U.S. citizens, have a minimum General Technical (GT) score of 105, be medically and physically able to perform duties, have a 1st class physical fitness test score, have a minimum of 36 months remaining in the Corps to dedicate to MARSOC and be eligible to receive a security clearance.
In order to receive orders to MARSOC or the needed training, Marines need to be ready to transfer duty stations and cannot be currently serving as a drill instructor, recruiter or be on Marine Security Duty. However, any Marine can undergo screening for assessment at any time.
After possible candidates meet all the requirements, they receive an invitation to be screened, which tests the candidates with mental, team and physical events to determine if they have the right capabilities to succeed in MARSOC.
"This is a very well designed program," said Stivers. "You will be faced with morally ambiguous situations. You also need to have good people skills and determination. If it gets tough, are you going to quit? Bottom line - we can't have quitters.
"Our two big things are maturity and morality. Couple those with physical ability, and you have a win-win package."
While individual training for MARSOC depends on each specific billet, Marines may be sent to Jump School, Dive School or other special training schools, and have the opportunity to learn advanced weaponry and medical aid, to include trauma victim care.
Despite the rigorous standards MARSOC demands, Stivers said there are many benefits to joining the elite organization.
"You will work with highly qualified, competent and motivated Marines and sailors," said Stivers. "You know when you are standing on the line, the guy next to you wants to be there, too."
Special Forces Marines also have opportunities to work with all military branches, including their special operations service members, and many unique foreign militaries.
Marines serving with MARSOC are also eligible for many of the special duty pay options available.
For more information on MARSOC or to volunteer, visit www.marsoc.usmc.mil. To volunteer, contact the MARSOC assesment team at (910)450-2722 or e-mail msos.a&s@usmc.mil.