USMC Recon School at Camp Pendleton

[Baz]

I was talking to a friend whose son is at Camp Pendleton right now - his second week - in Recon School.

He said they are trying hard to get him to quit.

Said of the previous class of 18 - only 2 made it through.

Those are some pretty high standards.

I know we have a few Marines here. Oorah!

[Baz]

Oh - and he also said the other day they were carrying huge logs (3 men per log) running along the beach at Trestles with perfect waves going off...my friend is going to ship his son his surfboard straight away.

[zotman72]

The Marines are an unique breed apart. My son starts Infantry Officer's School in Quantico next week. The washout rate is apparently over 60%. This IOS session is having at least 10 women attempting to complete the course as well. None have yet to do so. A lot of secrecy in Corps about what goes on at IOS. I wish your friend well at Recon. I am extremely proud of my son.

[kevin993]

Lightning from the sky, thunder from the sea. Different unit, but same ethos. Best of luck to anybody brave enough to try to make the cut. Godspeed to those that do.

[mossguy]

Originally Posted by Baz

Oh - and he also said the other day they were carrying huge logs (3 men per log) running along the beach at Trestles with perfect waves going off...my friend is going to ship his son his surfboard straight away.

I would hesitate on the surfboard shipping. He won't have time to use it, probably nowhere to store it, and may be seen by staff as lack of commitment. I haven't been there so I don't really know.

[Porchdog]

My younger son (18) just signed on with the USMC Reserves. He goes to Parris Island in August. His MOS is 0621 (Field Radio Operator) so I think he'll be going to Pendleton.

Once he's done there he'll start Engineering at Penn State.

I'd be reluctant to send him a surfboard myself.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by Porchdog

My younger son (18) just signed on with the USMC Reserves. He goes to Parris Island in August. His MOS is 0621 (Field Radio Operator) so I think he'll be going to Pendleton.

Once he's done there he'll start Engineering at Penn State.

I'd be reluctant to send him a surfboard myself.

My friend's son was at Parris Island initially.

As to the surfboard - according to my friend - the Marines have their own private section of the beach for surfing, etc.

[HHI944]

Originally Posted by Porchdog

My younger son (18) just signed on with the USMC Reserves. He goes to Parris Island in August. His MOS is 0621 (Field Radio Operator) so I think he'll be going to Pendleton.

Once he's done there he'll start Engineering at Penn State.

I'd be reluctant to send him a surfboard myself.

He won't be missing much at MCRDPI.....the island is recessed in Port Royal Sound enough that it gets friggin nothing for waves unless theres a really nasty storm inbound.

massive respect to those going through OIS or Recon School...
I've not actually seen either, but I did get the opportunity to be support staff for Army ORS and it is beyond intense, even for those not in Qual Course.

[Hugh R]

42 years ago. I was in the USMC, I went to PI, I have no fricking idea how I made it. It was the hardest thing I ever did in my life. I was 17. I went in as the proverbial 120 lbs weakling and came out ripped and trim. Not recon. They were a totally different animal. Massive respect for him.

[chocolatelab]

Originally Posted by Baz

My friend's son was at Parris Island initially.

As to the surfboard - according to my friend - the Marines have their own private section of the beach for surfing, etc.

From oceanside to san onofre they own the coast.

Down by Oceanside they have a break just north of the jetty called dmj's.

It freakin great.