MarSOC recruiters stress maturity, smarts

[unhappycamper]

MarSOC recruiters stress maturity, smarts
By Jennifer Hlad - The Associated Press
Posted : Monday Nov 5, 2007 14:58:11 EST

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. — When people picture military special operations, many think of Rambo-type men kicking in doors and shooting up bad guys.

But Marine Corps Special Operations Command is not quite like the movies or the video games.

While MARSOC Marines must pass rigorous physical tests to be accepted, they also must prove their intelligence, maturity and determination, officials said.

“We’re trying to find those who can operate on either end of the spectrum; the warrior poet,” said Capt. Jon Hayes, officer in charge of recruiting, screening, assessment and selection.

Not just someone who can “kick the door down and kill the bad guy,” he said, but someone who can also feed the village’s children and secure the water supply.

~snip~

The idea is to help countries with fledgling governments or who may have no control over parts of their country take control, so terrorists can’t use the area to their advantage, said Lt. Col. Sean Conley, assistant officer in charge of Marine Special Operations School.


Rest of article at: http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2007/11/ap_marsocmature_071105/



uhc comment: Is this part of the Africom buildup?