7 Ways To Join The Marine Corps

Joining the Marine Corps can be a challenging and rewarding experience, offering opportunities for personal growth, career development, and service to the country. If you're considering a career in the Marines, there are several ways to join, each with its own unique requirements and benefits.

The United States Marine Corps is an elite branch of the military known for its rigorous training and high standards. Whether you're a high school student, a college graduate, or a career changer, there's a path to joining the Marines that's right for you.

In this article, we'll explore seven ways to join the Marine Corps, including the requirements and benefits of each path.

1. Enlisted Service

Enlisted service is the most common way to join the Marine Corps. As an enlisted Marine, you'll start your career at the bottom and work your way up, gaining experience and responsibility as you progress. To join the Marine Corps as an enlisted member, you'll need to meet the following requirements:

Be a U.S. citizen
Be between the ages of 17 and 28
Have a high school diploma or equivalent
Score well on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test
Pass a physical fitness test
Meet the Marine Corps' body fat percentage requirements

As an enlisted Marine, you'll attend boot camp at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Parris Island, South Carolina, or San Diego, California. After completing boot camp, you'll attend Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) training, where you'll learn the skills and knowledge necessary for your specific job.

Benefits of Enlisted Service

Opportunities for advancement and promotion
Competitive pay and benefits
Opportunity to serve in a variety of roles and specialties
Access to education and training programs

2. Officer Candidate School (OCS)

Officer Candidate School (OCS) is a 10-week training program that prepares college-educated individuals for a career as a Marine Corps officer. To attend OCS, you'll need to meet the following requirements:

Be a U.S. citizen
Have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
Be between the ages of 20 and 30
Score well on the Officer Candidate Test (OCT)
Pass a physical fitness test
Meet the Marine Corps' body fat percentage requirements

As an officer candidate, you'll attend OCS at the Marine Corps Base in Quantico, Virginia. During the 10-week program, you'll learn leadership skills, tactics, and Marine Corps history and traditions.

Benefits of OCS

Opportunity to serve as a leader in the Marine Corps
Competitive pay and benefits
Access to education and training programs
Opportunity to specialize in a variety of fields, including aviation, engineering, and intelligence

3. Marine Corps Reserve

The Marine Corps Reserve is a part-time force that allows individuals to serve in the Marine Corps while also pursuing a civilian career. To join the Marine Corps Reserve, you'll need to meet the following requirements:

Be a U.S. citizen
Be between the ages of 17 and 30
Have a high school diploma or equivalent
Score well on the ASVAB test
Pass a physical fitness test
Meet the Marine Corps' body fat percentage requirements

As a reservist, you'll attend drill weekends and annual training exercises, where you'll learn new skills and stay current on Marine Corps procedures.

Benefits of the Marine Corps Reserve

Opportunity to serve in the Marine Corps while pursuing a civilian career
Competitive pay and benefits
Access to education and training programs
Opportunity to specialize in a variety of fields

4. Marine Corps ROTC

The Marine Corps Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) is a four-year college program that prepares students for a career as a Marine Corps officer. To participate in the Marine Corps ROTC program, you'll need to meet the following requirements:

Be a U.S. citizen
Be a full-time college student
Have a minimum GPA of 2.5
Score well on the SAT or ACT
Pass a physical fitness test
Meet the Marine Corps' body fat percentage requirements

As a Marine Corps ROTC student, you'll attend classes and training exercises, where you'll learn leadership skills, tactics, and Marine Corps history and traditions.

Benefits of Marine Corps ROTC

Opportunity to earn a college degree and become a Marine Corps officer
Competitive pay and benefits
Access to education and training programs
Opportunity to specialize in a variety of fields

5. Platoon Leaders Class (PLC)

The Platoon Leaders Class (PLC) is a two-year college program that prepares students for a career as a Marine Corps officer. To participate in the PLC program, you'll need to meet the following requirements:

Be a U.S. citizen
Be a full-time college student
Have a minimum GPA of 2.5
Score well on the SAT or ACT
Pass a physical fitness test
Meet the Marine Corps' body fat percentage requirements

As a PLC student, you'll attend classes and training exercises, where you'll learn leadership skills, tactics, and Marine Corps history and traditions.

Benefits of PLC

Opportunity to earn a college degree and become a Marine Corps officer
Competitive pay and benefits
Access to education and training programs
Opportunity to specialize in a variety of fields

6. Marine Corps Cybersecurity Program

The Marine Corps Cybersecurity Program is a unique opportunity for individuals with a background in computer science or cybersecurity to serve in the Marine Corps. To participate in the program, you'll need to meet the following requirements:

Be a U.S. citizen
Have a bachelor's degree in computer science or cybersecurity
Have a minimum GPA of 3.0
Pass a physical fitness test
Meet the Marine Corps' body fat percentage requirements

As a cybersecurity specialist, you'll work to protect Marine Corps networks and systems from cyber threats.

Benefits of the Marine Corps Cybersecurity Program

Opportunity to serve in a unique and challenging field
Competitive pay and benefits
Access to education and training programs
Opportunity to specialize in a variety of fields

7. Marine Corps JROTC

The Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) is a high school program that prepares students for a career in the Marine Corps. To participate in the JROTC program, you'll need to meet the following requirements:

Be a U.S. citizen
Be a high school student
Have a minimum GPA of 2.5
Pass a physical fitness test
Meet the Marine Corps' body fat percentage requirements

As a JROTC student, you'll learn leadership skills, tactics, and Marine Corps history and traditions.

Benefits of Marine Corps JROTC

Opportunity to prepare for a career in the Marine Corps
Competitive pay and benefits
Access to education and training programs
Opportunity to specialize in a variety of fields

Marine Corps Image Gallery

What are the requirements for joining the Marine Corps?

To join the Marine Corps, you'll need to meet the following requirements: be a U.S. citizen, be between the ages of 17 and 28, have a high school diploma or equivalent, score well on the ASVAB test, pass a physical fitness test, and meet the Marine Corps' body fat percentage requirements.

What is the difference between enlisted and officer service in the Marine Corps?

Enlisted service is the most common way to join the Marine Corps, and involves starting at the bottom and working your way up. Officer service, on the other hand, involves attending Officer Candidate School (OCS) and serving as a leader in the Marine Corps.

What is the Marine Corps' Cybersecurity Program?

The Marine Corps' Cybersecurity Program is a unique opportunity for individuals with a background in computer science or cybersecurity to serve in the Marine Corps. As a cybersecurity specialist, you'll work to protect Marine Corps networks and systems from cyber threats.

If you're considering joining the Marine Corps, we encourage you to explore the different paths available to you. Whether you're interested in enlisted service, officer service, or one of the Marine Corps' many programs, there's a way for you to serve and make a difference.