7 Ways to Join Marines

Introduction to Joining the Marines

Joining the Marines is a significant decision that requires careful consideration, dedication, and a strong desire to serve one’s country. The United States Marine Corps is an elite branch of the military, known for its bravery, discipline, and sacrifice. If you’re interested in becoming a Marine, there are several paths you can take, each with its own unique requirements and benefits. In this article, we’ll explore the different ways to join the Marines and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.

Meeting the Basic Requirements

Before we dive into the different ways to join the Marines, it’s essential to meet the basic requirements. To be eligible, you must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident
• Be between the ages of 17 and 28 (with some exceptions for older candidates)
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Score well on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test
• Pass a physical fitness test and meet the body fat percentage standards
• Undergo a background check and meet the moral standards of the Marines

These requirements are in place to ensure that only the most qualified and dedicated individuals join the Marines.

1. Enlisted Marines

The most common way to join the Marines is as an enlisted Marine. This path requires you to attend boot camp, where you’ll undergo rigorous training and learn the skills necessary to become a Marine. As an enlisted Marine, you’ll have the opportunity to choose from a variety of Military Occupational Specialties (MOS), such as infantry, artillery, or administration. To become an enlisted Marine, you’ll need to:

• Meet the basic requirements
• Take the ASVAB test and score well
• Choose an MOS and attend the corresponding training
• Complete boot camp and advanced training

2. Officer Candidates

If you have a bachelor’s degree or higher, you may be eligible to become an officer in the Marines. Officer candidates attend the Officer Candidates School (OCS), where they learn leadership skills and prepare for a career as a Marine officer. To become an officer candidate, you’ll need to:

• Meet the basic requirements
• Have a bachelor’s degree or higher
• Take the ASVAB test and score well
• Attend OCS and complete the training

3. Marine Corps Reserves

The Marine Corps Reserves offer a unique opportunity to serve part-time while still pursuing a civilian career. As a reservist, you’ll attend drills one weekend a month and two weeks a year, and be prepared to deploy in times of need. To become a Marine Corps reservist, you’ll need to:

• Meet the basic requirements
• Attend boot camp and advanced training
• Choose an MOS and attend the corresponding training
• Drill one weekend a month and two weeks a year

4. Marine Corps Reserve Officers

If you have a bachelor’s degree or higher, you may be eligible to become a reserve officer in the Marines. Reserve officers attend the Officer Candidates School (OCS) and learn leadership skills, preparing them for a career as a Marine officer. To become a reserve officer, you’ll need to:

• Meet the basic requirements
• Have a bachelor’s degree or higher
• Take the ASVAB test and score well
• Attend OCS and complete the training
• Drill one weekend a month and two weeks a year

5. Marine Corps Scholarship Programs

The Marines offer several scholarship programs for students who are interested in pursuing a degree while serving their country. These programs include the Navy-Marine Corps ROTC Scholarship and the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation. To be eligible for these programs, you’ll need to:

• Meet the basic requirements
• Be enrolled in a participating university
• Maintain a high GPA and meet the program’s requirements

6. Marine Corps Enlisted Commissioning Programs

The Marines offer several enlisted commissioning programs, which allow enlisted Marines to become officers. These programs include the Enlisted Commissioning Program and the Marine Corps Enlisted Commissioning Program. To be eligible for these programs, you’ll need to:

• Meet the basic requirements
• Have a certain number of years of service as an enlisted Marine
• Take the ASVAB test and score well
• Attend OCS and complete the training

7. Marine Corps Direct Commission

The Marine Corps Direct Commission program allows individuals with specialized skills or expertise to become officers without attending OCS. This program is highly competitive and requires a high level of education and experience. To be eligible for this program, you’ll need to:

• Meet the basic requirements
• Have a bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field
• Have a certain number of years of experience in a relevant field
• Be recommended by a commanding officer

👮 Note: The Direct Commission program is highly competitive, and only a limited number of candidates are selected each year.

In summary, there are several ways to join the Marines, each with its own unique requirements and benefits. Whether you’re interested in becoming an enlisted Marine, an officer, or a reservist, there’s a path that’s right for you. By meeting the basic requirements and choosing the right path, you can embark on a rewarding and challenging career as a United States Marine.