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Archive for the ‘Profession of Arms’ Category

‘Buck Sergeant’ Training Program: 50th SFS Support Guardian, Airmen Development

Thursday, December 5th, 2024

PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. (AFNS) —  

Acknowledging the U.S. Space Force’s mission, structure and unique demands, Space Operations Command leadership developed the Guardian and Airmen Development Program to foster a new generation of leaders. The program equips Guardians and Airmen with the necessary skills and traits to meet the current and future demands of the Space Force.

From monthly functional cross-organizational training with other military installations to mentorship and professional development opportunities surrounding topics such as Great Power Competition, contingency operations and mission command, units under Space Base Delta 1 are wasting no time supporting the GADP campaign.

The 50th Security Forces Squadron, located at Schriever Space Force Base, is on such a path.

“[GADP] is a program started by Chief Lloyd [SpOC senior enlisted leader] to equip younger Airmen and Guardians with the knowledge that’s integral to them developing their leadership skills,” said Air Force Master Sgt. Bryan Nelson, 50th SFS operations superintendent. “We created the Buck Sergeant Training Program, which is geared towards security forces first-line supervisors, second-line supervisors and really anybody, because the information there is valuable regardless of rank.”

“We go in-depth as to what leadership looks like from a security forces standpoint — how to prioritize and execute certain tasks … These Airmen at a relatively young age can find themselves supervising five, six or seven people at one time. And it’s not uncommon, depending on where you’re stationed, for staff sergeants and technical sergeants to have 20-plus people underneath them. So, how they prioritize their time and how they execute tasks is critical to avoiding task saturation and maintaining that work-life balance.”

The term “buck sergeant” refers to a legacy USAF rank established in 1976 describing a junior ranking noncommissioned officer.

At that time, USAF leaders changed the E-2 through E-4 grade structure to establish a three-tier enlisted force structure — Airman, noncommissioned officer and senior NCO. This change included an additional E-4 rank of “Senior Airman.” For the Senior Airmen to advance to the NCO “sergeant” rank — also E-4 and often referred to as “buck sergeant,” the Airman would have to meet certain criteria, including 12 months’ time-in-grade and completion of the NCO Preparatory Course,” according to A Chronology of the Air Force Enlisted Chevrons.

While the term “buck sergeant” is colloquial, it highlights the distinction between different levels of NCO ranks and the progression within the USAF’s rank structure — marking the transition from a junior Airman to a more formal leadership role. The 50th SFS “buck sergeant” program targets young leaders taking on supervisory responsibilities and addresses a range of development topics beyond leadership and management, such as counseling, progressive discipline, writing, interpersonal communication, etc.

“Once you go to Airman Leadership School, you come out and are ready to supervise — but you’re probably not equipped 100% with all the information that you need,” said Air Force Master Sgt. Edward Wilson, 50th SFS operations and training section chief. “That’s where we come in with this Buck Sergeant Training Program. Development in each career field is different, so we specifically looked at our career field to figure out what we need to enhance. We aim to fill in gaps where information may have been lost in translation or missed. This is to make sure we have our people humming on all cylinders.”

“There’s a saying, ‘each one teach one’ … That’s honestly what we’re doing. We’re trying to make sure that the knowledge that we have, collectively, is passed on to the next generation. And our expectation for them is they don’t harbor that information, and they continue to share it with their subordinates.”

Looking ahead, program leaders aim to expand the initiative, both in scope and impact, paving the way for broader development opportunities.

“I think this program is super beneficial,” said Air Force Tech. Sgt. Eddie Jones, 50th SFS unit deployment manager. “If we can get it off the ground the way we intend, we would like to grow this program and even venture out of our career field — inviting other squadrons, other career fields to take part and share that wealth of information. I think that’ll build connections… It’s a ‘one team, one fight’ type of deal where we have these common goals, and the most effective way of getting to those goals is to train and learn together.”

To learn more about Space Base Delta 1 and the 50th SFS, visit here.

By Keefer B. Patterson

Army Mountaineering Badge Update

Wednesday, December 4th, 2024

During AUSA Sergeant Major of the Army Michael R. Weimer announced several qualification badge updates including the implementation of a Mountaineering badge to holders of Special Qualification Identifier (SQI) “E” which is awarded to graduates of the Basic Military Mountaineering Course (BMMC) a National Guard course held at Army Mountain Warfare School (AMWS) in Vermont.

For decades graduates have worn the Ram’s Head insignia. While not authorized for active duty Soldiers, National Guard troops have probably worn the badge on their uniform.

In fact, it has a long history in the Army. It was derived from the Distinctive Unit Insignia or unit crest for the 85th Infantry Regimental crest which was one of three regiments comprising the 10th Light Division (Alpine) when it was activated in July 1943. In the 1950s, the United States Army Mountain and Cold Weather Training Command at Fort Carson and Camp Hale, Colorado adopted the Ram’s Head Device as the badge worn by their cadre.

Despite this, when SMA Weimer made the announcement he stated that it would be a completely new badge and that the service would not adopt the Ram’s Head Device.

Instagram account @ovisapparel has seen artist concepts of the proposed badge and shared them online.

This is his post verbatim so as not to add or subtract from what was shared.

The Army Mountaineer Badge, an official replacement for the current Rams Head Device, is slated to be finalized this month. In October, the AMWS was asked to submit designs to the Heraldry office for use as inspiration. Initially I was told there would be ‘no animals allowed’, as the SMA appears to have a disdain for ‘goats’.

Above are three designs we created with my original artist and submitted to the Office of Heraldry. Directly after this, I heard there was strong pushback (from people with much more influence than me) on there not being a Ram involved in the conversation (shoutout).

I have been fortunate enough to see the two final designs being debated, one of which is in fact a Rams Head. I’m not comfortable sharing those quite yet, but I can say the other design is a combination of two of our sketches shown above, which is pretty rad (1 & 3). Funny enough, we just drew #3 as an undercover Ram (if it’s flipped upside down). Got ‘em.

~The AMWS was not a source for any of this information and remains unaffiliated with OVIS – this all remains as speculation until we see a Memo~

Here are the drawings:

Registration Now Open for the 2025 U.S. Army Small Arms Championships

Monday, November 18th, 2024

Soldiers from across the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserve, National Guard and Air National Guard are invited to attend.

Military Academy, College ROTC cadets and OCS candidates are also eligible to compete.

Soldiers will have the opportunity to learn from USAMU instructors before competing in rifle, pistol, and multi-gun matches.

Register here for this time-honored tradition.

IWC Hosts 2nd Annual Irregular Warfare Colloquium Featuring 15+ Academic Institutions

Sunday, November 10th, 2024

The Department of Defense’s Irregular Warfare Center (IWC) hosted its second annual Irregular Warfare Colloquium, which took place on Sept. 26-27, 2024, at the AMA Conference Center in Arlington, VA. This pivotal event brought together scholars and subject matter experts from more than 15 universities across the U.S. and internationally to discuss topics related to irregular warfare and research.

The Colloquium unfolded over two days, starting with a welcome address by IWC Director Dr. Dennis Walters. Through his remarks, Dr. Walters underscored the importance of innovation and stated that the upcoming generation is “the last best hope for finding a solution for irregular warfare.”

During the opening remarks, Sam Paulson, graduate student, Johns Hopkins University, was recognized by Dr. Walters for placing first in the Center’s IW Student Working Group Essay Contest. The Colloquium comprised research presentations from both junior and senior scholars, as well as working groups to provide constructive feedback.

Presenters were paired together based on their respective subject areas and provided an overview of their research. Event emcee Dr. Sandor Fabian, IWC Deputy Regional Advisor for Europe and Africa, Morgan 6 contractor, moderated the presentations and discussions. Following the in-depth presentations, audience members presented questions and presenters received feedback from other participants.

The Center selected these participants based on their quality of work and potential contributions to irregular warfare. Participants engaged in research discussions on the Center’s key topics of interest, including cyber operations, information and influence operations, resistance movements, proxy warfare, great power competition below the threshold of war, and women peace and security.

Senior scholars and subject matter experts (SMEs) were engaged with the participants throughout the Colloquium. Two senior scholars exhibited their research; Dr. Maria Papageorgiou (Newcastle University) highlighting Sino-Russian disinformation synergies, while Dr. Peter Campbell (Baylor University) presented on cyber defenses.

Dr. Papageorgiou discovered the Colloquium through the IWC Call for Papers on LinkedIn and was thrilled that her research was accepted. She continued, “I think that it is very important that there is an international output, so I was happy that they invited me to come from the UK.” Dr. Fabian gave participants an overview of the name “Irregular Warfare” and how it is conceptualized in the U.S. and abroad.

IWC SME Jake Zenn explained that a “Key benefit is that this event brings together professionals who are interested in IW and the role it plays in international affairs today.” He emphasized this further, “IW is a complex subject that can be difficult to research; the junior scholars valued and benefited from interacting with the SMEs in terms of academic and professional development. The SMEs were engaged with participants and offered guidance on how to contribute to our understanding of IW through academic publications and more.”

The Colloquium offers participants opportunities for professional development. Dr. Joshua Hastey, IWC Deputy Regional Advisor for U.S. Pacific Command and U.S. Forces Korea, Morgan 6 contractor, noted, “First and foremost, the Colloquium introduces junior scholars into a robust and active community of professionals committed to understanding complex threats and operations.” He continued, stating, “For these junior scholars, this Colloquium offers an unparalleled opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge discussions on irregular warfare while receiving direct feedback from both senior scholars and seasoned practitioners. The event fosters a collaborative space where emerging researchers can refine their ideas, expand their networks, and influence the future of IW doctrine and strategy. It’s also been a pragmatic career step for some of our alumni.”

Asher Peck was a returning Colloquium participant, and selected to present on Chinese malign influence in Paraguay. He reaffirmed Dr. Hastey’s sentiments on the Colloquium enabling academic growth. Peck said, “This is a must-attend event for any junior scholar interested in IW, as the connections made, and wisdom gained during my time here have enriched my academic and professional life.”

Along with the junior and senior scholars’ experience, participants who attended to listen to the presentations found benefits. Alessandro Brenci, a student at George Mason University, discovered the IWC through the Center’s Perspectives publications. Brenci utilized the Center’s research in his thesis on private military security companies and hybrid warfare strategies. “I knew that I wanted to be involved in this organization, so I reached out to become a part of the Student Working Group. The opportunity to attend the Colloquium, especially as an international student, is incredible.”

IWC Deputy Director and Chief of Staff, Lori Leffler, provided closing remarks, which were preceded by Dr. Hastey’s encouragement for participants to stay involved. Following the event, Leffler emphasized the need for scholar-practitioner engagement. She noted, “The second annual Colloquium is crucial for our Center.

This event is not solely an academic one, but it contributes to advancing the IWC’s mission of collaboration to build a networked IW community. The role of scholars, at any level, is imperative to the development of IW understanding and doctrine.”

A special thank you to all of the second annual IWC Colloquium presenters: Ivana Stradner, Johns Hopkins SAID; Henry Leverett and Victor Kiss, Vienna School of International Studies; Asher Peck, Regent University; Anna Given, Institute of World Politics; Jaclyn Giunta, Norwich University; Derek Ricke, University of Denver; Genna Moellering, Carnegie Melon University; Jesse Nuese, New York University; David Kong, RAND Graduate School; Lea Korb, Potsdam University; Dr. Maria Papageorgiou, Newcastle University; Dr. Peter Campbell, Baylor University.

The IWC serves as the central mechanism for developing the Department of Defense’s (DoD) irregular warfare knowledge and advancing the Department’s understanding of irregular warfare concepts and doctrine in collaboration with key allies and partners.

The Center’s foundation is built upon three Lines of Effort:

AMPLIFY and collaborate to build an innovative and adaptable global networked IW community of interest.

Strategically ILLUMINATE current and future irregular threats, crises, and obstacles.

ADDRESS current and future irregular threats to the US, allies, and partners by providing optionality to leaders.

Through these LOEs, the Irregular Warfare Center addresses current and emerging security concerns and challenges with world-class research, rigorous analysis, top-tier strategic education and training for U.S. and international partners.

Courtesy of Irregular Warfare Center

New from SPARTANAT Books: Combat At Night

Friday, November 8th, 2024

„Own the night“ is more than just a catch-phrase – it’s a modern tactical necessity. Night time is when many predators come out to hunt, and that includes the kind on two legs. The hours of darkness can provide protection and a tactical advantage to defenders as itpresents special challenges for scouts and attackers, but operating effectively at night can be mastered even without modern night vision technologies.

Darrkness should be the friend of every modern Soldier and law enforcement officer, and each should be capable of operating effectively and achieving tactical ddominance in this environment.  „Night Combat” explains how to prepare for engage in battle during darkness, and how to emerge victorious. Topics include:

Human Factors
Training for Night Combat
Equipment for Night Combat
Conducting a Firefight at Night
Combat Methods & Tactics

NIGHT COMBAT” is available now on Amazon.com for $25.99, plus taxes and shipping.

Further information about other books in the series can be found on the SPARTANAT website.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Hermann CONRAD is an active special operations forces soldier and instructor in a Tier 1 unit with more than 20 years of SF experience in training and operations – with night fighting skills as a particular necessity.

Christian VÄTH founded Light Infantry International in 2023 to establish new standards in the training of light infantry forces. Night combat plays a central role in his training system.

ENGLISH EDITION

Lawrence HOLSWORTH is a former parachute infantry Sergeant in the US Army 82nd Airborne Division, with expertise in several infantry weapons systems and well-trained in the conduct of night operations (usually without the aid of modern night vision devices).

ABOUT SPARTANAT:

SPARTANAT.com is the leading German-language online magazine covering the tactical market. In Germany, Austria and Switzerland, it is almost obligatory for the tactical community to visit SPARTANAT daily. SPARTANAT also now has a growing international readership and the creation of the English editions of their popular book series consolidates this position. For further information contact lawrence@strikeholdconsulting.com.

 

Chinese Way of War vs Military Culture: Topic of Latest CASO Panel

Wednesday, November 6th, 2024

THE ARMY UNIVERSITY, FORT LEAVENWORTH, Kansas – The ongoing Russo-Ukrainian conflict continues to alter the geopolitical situation in Europe and the Indo-Pacific Command region.

The latest Cultural and Area Studies Office panel, recognizing the National Defense Authorization Act’s definition of China as a pacing threat, focused the discussion on the Chinese way of war and the People’s Liberation Army.

Dr. Mahir J. Ibrahimov, CASO Director, set the stage for the session by introducing the topic, and the Brigadier General Mark W Siekman, Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Reserve, Combined Arms Center, who provided senior leader opening remarks.

Panelists from various Command and General Staff College and Army University departments, analyzed whether or not a clear Chinese way of war is present within the PLA’s current state of their air, ground force, maritime and even historical background as a pacing threat, or if it is more of a cultural adaptation.

“If you’ve heard GEN Flynn, the current USARPAC commander, he would argue, China is the most consequential threat, in the more consequential theater, and in the most consequential time,” Siekman said.

Chinese recovery from Century of Humiliation 

More than a dozen unsuccessful conflicts, spanning more than 100 years, to include the Century of Humiliation, as discussed by Dr. Geoff Babb, Department of Military History, CGSC, can be described as a prologue to the PLA today.

“The Century of Humiliation does not belong to Chinese Communist Party but rather the people of China and is highlighted by the Chinese Communist Party and Xi Jinping,” he said.

Pre-People’s Republic of China, Babb discussed, faced humiliating defeats to Britain, France, and the United States, the later creating the foundational distrust between the U.S. and China that stands today.

The PRC is primarily focused on protecting borders and sovereignty which drives the military and economic decisions of leaderships like Xi Jinping’s, who faced turning a country’s dismal combat track record around.

The introduction of Communist China to the military environment created, what could be argued, a way of war vice a military culture to rejuvenate the nation.

“The Chinese are, in my opinion, strategically defensive and operationally offensive,” Babb said. “When that might change or is that changing is unclear, but they’re certainly building the military forces to be able to do that.”

The PRC’s influence of the PLA is not something to be overlooked, Babb pointed out, highlighting the New Golden Age with the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative and Treasure Fleet, which combines merchant and military ideals, and the Restored Wall with A2AD.

Each of the three could suggest the PRC’s values and shared understandings, or culture, have created a bridge to the PLA’s way of war.

Three P’s and Two Hows to Understanding PLA’s Ground Force Modernization

Proximity to politics, professionalization, and principles plus how the PLA is seeing itself in modernization and how we make sense of what PLA is trying to do was the framework for understanding the PLA’s modernization efforts presented by Lt. Col. Jason Haub, Advanced Strategic Leadership Studies Program, School of Advanced Military Studies.

The PLA, having seen nearly a dozen major reforms, was brought to its current theater command structure, thanks to Jinping spurring another massive reform in 2016.

Decisions like this for the PLA are dual tracked through the PRC and PLA, Haulb explained, making it difficult for the PLA ground forces’ modernization to remain a headline priority.

The most recent restructuring jeopardized the PLA ground force’s status within the larger PLA, suggesting a military culture shift, that could create barriers to the PLA’s attempted professionalization.

Further, these PRC driven military adjustments continue to cloud the clarity of what the Chinese way of war is.

“PLA ground forces are not the top priority in terms of modernization effort, and probably have some of the largest hurdles as they grapple with what is this new joint structure, joint theater command structure and how the PLA will fight,” Haub said.

Haub described PLA as a problem solving, learning organization, with a ground force that has a breadth of catching up to do to remain a near threat to the U.S.

“I think it is important to have the framework of a Chinese way of war but to also understand, when we put that aside, how we assess things for what they are and not simply limit ourselves to view things only through an overly sensitive cultural lens,” he said.

Air and space Chinese way of war 

China continues struggling with engine manufacturing and modernization, creating disproportionate aircraft improvements, that hold them back from competing equally with the U.S. air modernization effort.

This, however, is not enough to continue the narrative of the exponential U.S. – Chinese air/space gap.

“The capability gap is rapidly shrinking in both the air and space domains. It’s more concerning now in the air domain. Given a bit more time, it is quite plausible that the PLAAF will outstrip the U.S. Air Force in terms of numbers,” Dr. John Modinger, Associate Professor, SAMS, and retired Air Force said.

When it comes to above the ground combat, the Chinese have adopted, what Modinger described, as a “copying and pirating” approach to remaining a competitive threat.

Most air and space craft in the Chinese war portfolio are near identical mimics of American versions.

While not completely aligning with the definition of a Chinese way of war, Modinger offered that the number of crafts and satellites in the U.S. technology constellation is what separates the two nations.

“We see increasing evidence of the Chinese mirroring the United States,” he said. “Not going with their own way of war, but in fact paralleling our developments, if not stealing our technology.”

China goes so far with this technique as to recruit the pilots manning the top-of-the-line U.S. air and space crafts, Modinger explained.

Add to the air and space pot a 550% increase in the number of Chinese launched satellites, the gap above the clouds continues to shrink.

Space and air are competition lanes the U.S. continues to lead not just China, but the world, in terms of technology and use. However,  Modinger pointed out that the closing gaps should be noted.

“China will continue to increasingly drop from ‘near’ peer competitor to pacing threat or peer threat,” he said.

Chinese Maritime Triple Threat 

The Chinese PLA Ground Force is seemingly shackled from rapid modernization due to the cumbersome collaboration with the PRC, and the PLAFF must resort to looking off the U.S.’s paper to remain competitive in the sky.

On the sea, the Chinese way of war is harder to define due to a simple lack of actual combat tested instances.

Dr. John Kuehn, DMH, CGSC, began his discussion suggesting the Chinese fight at sea is primarily defensive.

“It is built on a doctrine of local area dominance, which is extensive anti-access, area denial systems,” he said.

In the way of war vice military culture lens, Kuehn suggested, overall, the Chinese lean culturally, strategically defensive, and operationally offensive.

The Chinese Navy is the most individualized, meaning not mimicking the U.S. counterpart, of those within the PLA in terms of size and regional location.

The Chinese Navy tonnage exceeds that of the U.S.’s but with a majority being surface ships.

The size and variety of maritime presence is largely a question mark of capability, Kuehn said, due to the Chinese naval history being river based.

Outside the riverbanks, the PLA Navy’s contemporary mission is the defense of the first island chain from Hokkaido in the north down to Singapore.

This fits the Chinese approach to security, to strategy, to warfare, which is using the weaker to undermine the stronger,” Kuehn said. “Use of mines. Use of coastal warfare. Use of non-belligerent tactics. Use deception. For the Chinese this looks like anti-cruise ship missiles, anti-ship ballistic missiles. Missile batteries ashore.”

Additional supplements to the Navy are the Chinese’s enormous Coast Guard and “bully” of maritime security, militia.

“The Coast Guard has some of the biggest cutters in the world,” Kuehn said. “They have at least 50 cutters that are big enough to be used as a second Navy.”

This trio of maritime protection using (illegally) water cannons, shouldering, intel collection and missile use makes the PLA Navy an aspect of Chinese combat power worth understanding.

“This is an area, where on continuum of conflict the Chinese has choices and they are already executing them with their very high handed and sort of bullying approach to maritime security especially in the South China Sea,” Kuehn said.

Whether the four areas of PLA modernization are seen as a clear definition of a Chinese way of war or a rather a semi-contemporary adopted military culture, the challenge Chinese military forces present to U.S. national security is one of importance and need of attention.

This panel is part of a seminar series discussing issues of operational and strategic importance to the U.S., which CASO in coordination with CGSC, universities, think tanks, interagency and other partners conduct every two to three months, which is also live streamed on CGSC’s Facebook page.

The full panel discussion can be viewed on the CGSC Facebook here: www.facebook.com/USACGSC/videos/2468414380022454/.

All past CASO panels are available for viewing on the CGSC YouTube page here: Cultural and Area Studies Office (CASO) – YouTube

By Sarah Hauck, The Army University Public Affairs Office

TacJobs – 20th SFG(A) Seeks MI NCOs

Monday, November 4th, 2024

Alabama is looking to fill some vacancies!

Do you fit the criteria?

Do you want to work with the best?

Send us a message on guardsf.com by clicking on “Contact a Green Beret.”

Solicitation for Qualified Marines to Lateral Move (LATMOVE) into the Reconnaissance Primary Military Occupational Specialty (PMOS) 0321

Thursday, October 31st, 2024

R 301506Z OCT 24
MARADMIN 524/24
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA MM//
SUBJ/SOLICITATION FOR QUALIFIED MARINES TO LATERAL MOVE (LATMOVE) INTO THE RECONNAISSANCE PRIMARY MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY (PMOS) 0321//
REF/A/MSIGD:  DOC/CMC/TECOM/20240207//
REF/B/MSIGD:  DOC/CMC/RECONNAISSANCE TRAINING COMMAND SCREENING 
CHECKLIST VER 4/20191203//
REF/C/MSIGD:  MSG/CMC/MPP/092051ZOCT24//
NARR/REF (A) IS NAVMC 1200.1K,  MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES MANUAL.  REF (B) IS THE RECONNAISSANCE TRAINING & ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (RTAP) AND BASIC RECONNAISSANCE COURSE (BRC) COMMAND SCREENING CHECKLIST.  REF (C) IS  MARADMIN 483/24, FISCAL YEAR 2025 SELECTIVE
RETENTION BONUS PROGRAM AND FISCAL YEAR 2025 BROKEN SERVICE SELECTIVE RETENTION BONUS PROGRAM.//  
POC/S.UZIEL/LTCOL/POF RECONNAISSANCE OCCUPATIONAL FIELD MANAGER/TEL: 703-692-4494/STEVEN.UZIEL@USMC.MIL//
POC/M. EATON/MGYSGT/POF RECONNAISSANCE MOS SPECIALIST/TEL: 703-692-4305/MICKEY.EATON@USMC.MIL//

GENTEXT/REMARKS/1. Purpose.  This MARADMIN solicits qualified Marines to apply for LATMOVE into the 0321 PMOS during Fiscal Year 2025.  Manpower and Reserve Affairs (M&RA) has categorized the 0321 PMOS as a critical career force skill shortage.  The demand for qualified Marines to LATMOVE to this PMOS will remain high for the foreseeable future.
2.  Background.  Marine Reconnaissance Battalions and Force Reconnaissance Companies are specialized units trained to conduct multi-domain reconnaissance, surveillance, and specialized limited scale raids in support of the Ground Combat Element, Marine Air Ground Task Force, or Joint Task Force.  They are responsible for gathering and reporting information about the enemy, terrain, and
weather conditions in contested maritime environments as part of an integrated naval campaign.
2.a.  Reconnaissance Marines represent the epitome of physical fitness and mental aptitude and are part of a highly trained force that is critical to the Marine Corps’ mission against
global threats.  They must possess a range of skills unique to reconnaissance formations and thrive in politically sensitive or geographically denied operational environments.  They must have strong communication skills and be able to operate independently or as part of a small team under austere circumstances.
2.b.  Reconnaissance Marines undergo extensive training in amphibious reconnaissance, combat diving, parachuting, sensor operation, and advanced combat marksmanship.  They may also receive qualifications as snipers, Army Rangers, explosive breachers, additional Joint Terminal Attack Controllers, and advanced Survival,
Evasion, Resistance, and Escape specialists.
2.c.  Reconnaissance Marines serve in both the Active and Reserve Components (RC) and may be assigned to a variety of units across the Fleet Marine Force, Supporting Establishment, and external Special Missions Units.
2.d.  Reconnaissance LATMOVE applicants must meet the following
criteria:
2.d.1.  Must be a U.S. citizen.
2.d.2.  Must be a volunteer.
2.d.3.  No derogatory page 11 entries within the last 12 months.
2.d.4.  No NJPs within the last 12 months and with no more than one NJP during the current contract.
2.d.5.  No courts martial convictions.
2.d.6.  Security requirement: must have minimum interim secret security clearance based on National Agency Check, Law Enforcement
and Credit Check.
2.d.7.  Must possess a minimum General Technical score of 105 or a minimum Clerical score of 105.
2.d.8.  Marines must possess a Water Survival-Intermediate, water survival qualification to enter RTAP.
2.d.9.  Must possess a Water Survival-Advanced, water survival qualification to enter BRC.
2.d.10.  Must obtain a passing score in all following land and aquatic events during RTAP:
2.d.10.a.  Max set pullups–min 8/target reps 15+ 2:00 minute rest.
2.d.10.b.  Max set crunches–min 75/target reps 85+ 2:00 minute rest.
2.d.10.c.  Max set pushups–min 42/target reps 60+ 10:00 minute rest.
2.d.10.d.  3-mile run–min 22:30/target 19:30-10:00 minute rest.
2.d.10.e.  Obstacle course x2–min 8:00.
2.d.10.f.  500-meter swim-15 minutes (side or breaststroke, continuous swim).
2.d.10.g.  25-meter underwater swim.
2.d.10.h.  Rifle retrieval.
2.d.10.i.  25-meter rifle tow.
2.d.11.  Marines must attain passing scores in all elements of the Reconnaissance Physical Assessment Test and Reconnaissance Aquatic
Competency Test during separate training evolutions and will be required to attain passing scores to graduate BRC.
2.d.12.  Must be medically qualified to perform jump and combatant dive operations.  LATMOVE enlisted Marines must have completed a
Naval Special Warfare/Special Operations (NSW/SO) physical prior to reporting to BRC.  This includes a report of medical history (DD form 2807-1) and a report of requested MOS change
(DD form 2808).  The completed NSW/SO physical must be reviewed and countersigned by an Undersea Medical Officer.
2.e.  Reconnaissance Marines serve a critical role within the RC.
To be eligible for the 0321 PMOS in the RC, Marines must meet the following criteria:
2.e.1.  Selected Marine Corps Reserve (SMCR). Marines must affiliate with or be a current member of a SMCR Unit.
2.e.2.  Individual Mobilization Augmentee.  Marines must be affiliated with a SMCR unit.
2.e.3.  Individual Ready Reserve. Marines must be discharged from the Active Component or Selected Reserve under honorable conditions.
2.e.4.  Direct Affiliation Program (DAP). Active Component or Active Reserve Marines can apply for LATMOVE within the RC via the DAP.
They must be released under honorable conditions.
2.e.5.  RC Marines must sign a Statement of Understanding accepting the requirements and conduct of Permanent Change of Station (PCS)
orders to attend reconnaissance entry level training.
2.e.6.  Marines approved for LATMOVE into the 0321 PMOS may rate a Selective Retention Bonus (SRB).  For example, per reference (c), a
qualified Zone A Sergeant who agrees to reenlist in conjunction with a lateral move will qualify for both the $40,000 72-month lateral move kicker and the $57,000 PMOS bonus, totaling $97,750, once they have gained the 0321 PMOS.
3.  Execution.  Interested Marines are encouraged to contact the Reconnaissance Recruiter at 910-449-2071/keith.mycek@usmc.mil
(School of Infantry – East) or 760-763-9117/brett.bowman@usmc.mil (School of Infantry – West). Additional details can be found at:
https://www.2ndmardiv.marines.mil/talent-management/Recon-Lateral-Move/. Personnel
seeking to initiate the LATMOVE process should contact their Career Planner or Prior Service Recruiter. Eligible Marines must complete reference (b), which includes screening and suitability assessment information. recon_recruiting@usmc.mil. Personnel seeking
to initiate the LATMOVE process should contact their Career Planner or Prior Service Recruiter.  Eligible Marines must complete reference (b), which includes screening and suitability assessment information.
3.a.  Marines approved for LATMOVE by M&RA will execute PCS or Permanent Change of Assignment orders to Reconnaissance Training
Company, School of Infantry-West, Camp Pendleton, CA.
3.b.  This MARADMIN is applicable to the Total Force.
3.c.  Commanders and Senior Enlisted Leaders are encouraged to disseminate the information contained in this MARADMIN to all hands.
4.  Direct all questions to MARADMIN POCs.
5.  Release authorized by MajGen Ryan S. Rideout, Director of Manpower Management Division, Headquarters Marine Corps, Manpower
and Reserve Affairs.//

Date Signed: 10/30/2024 | MARADMINS Number: 524/24

Interested Marines visit www.2ndmardiv.marines.mil/Talent-Management/Recon-Lateral-Move for more info.