PREPARATION

Preparation: The two ways that Marines can prepare for Assessment and Selection are:

1) The A&S 10 Week Preparation Guide. This guide is designed to assist prospective candidates in attaining the appropriate level of physical fitness to be successful at MARSOC’s A&S. Marines attending A&S perform physical tasks involving obstacles, swimming while wearing utilities, and traveling long distances cross country while carrying a rucksack. Applicants are advised to complete the entire program prior to reporting. Following the A&S guide helps every applicant prepare for these physical tasks. Total body strength and physical endurance is mission critical at A&S. Click here for the 10 week prep guide.

2) Assessment and Selection Preparatory and Orientation Course (ASPOC). MARSOC conducts ASPOC for all personnel applying for A&S. The primary goal of the course is to enhance an applicant’s physical ability, confidence, and situational awareness prior to undergoing the formal A&S program. Additionally, this course will educate the applicant on the roles and missions of MARSOC as to ensure an understanding of the nature and level of commitment expected of a Critical Skills Operator/Special Operations Officer. Each ASPOC is led by MARSOC CSOs who teach, coach, and mentor each participant. This orientation course will give the candidates an opportunity to interact with permanent personnel. The physical focus will be on the last 3 weeks of the prep guide, instruction on nutrition, physical fitness methodology, injury prevention, aquatic skills, and basic land navigation.

*For Sergeants and below ASPOC is mandatory. For SNCO’s and Officers, the course is optional.