IBM DOS/VS COBOL permits an optional RECORDING MODE clause in a SELECT statement, also called a file-control-entry.
RECORDING MODE IS mode
The mode must be F, V, U, or S. It describes the manner in which records are placed into blocks, which is irrelevant under DOS, Windows or Unix. Compatibility with IBM DOS/VS COBOL means that ACUCOBOL-GT ignores it.
You may put a RECORDING MODE clause into a SELECT statement, but only when the compiler is in the IBM DOS/VS compatibility mode.
Put the RECORDING MODE clause in any convenient spot after the ASSIGN clause.