If you're thinking about becoming a Marine Corps officer, there are a few different ways to get there. Whether you're in college, already graduated or serving in the military, the Corps offers several paths to a commission. Each one has its own set of requirements.
Officers, who make up about 12% of the Marines, are the branch's leaders. Commissioned officers serve in a variety of roles, from manpower and intelligence to infantry and reconnaissance.
To commission as a Marine Corps officer, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be at least 18 at the time of application, and no older than 28 in most cases
- Have a high school diploma and have a bachelor's degree or be working toward one
- Meet the branch's moral standards
- Pass the Physical Fitness Test (PFT)
- Have demonstrated potential for leadership
- Earn a minimum required score on one of the following aptitude tests: SAT, ACT or the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)
Marine Corps officers are commissioned through several paths, including the Naval Reserve Officers' Training Corps (NROTC), the U.S. Naval Academy, the Platoon Leaders Class (PLC) and the Officer Candidates School (OCS) programs.
Naval Reserve Officers' Training Corps (NROTC)
The NROTC Scholarship Program is a college-based program that includes a Marine Corps option. It allows students to enroll in elective leadership and military courses and offers tuition and other financial benefits at more than 60 of the country's leading colleges and universities.
Four-year NROTC scholarships are available to high school graduates on a competitive selection process in which consideration is given to such factors as high school record, college board scores, extracurricular activities and leadership. At graduation, NROTC cadets are commissioned as second lieutenants.
US Naval Academy
Since 1883, Marine Corps officers have been commissioned from the U.S. Naval Academy, where graduating midshipmen earn a bachelor of science degree either in one of seven engineering programs or in one of 11 disciplines offered apart from engineering programs. Today, nearly 17% of each graduating class receive a regular Marine Corps commission.
Students must receive a nomination from a member of Congress to be admitted. Graduates from the academy receive their commission as second lieutenants in the Marines.
Platoon Leaders Class (PLC)
The Platoon Leaders Class program allows full-time college students to pursue a commission without interrupting their academic careers.
Applying to this program may be done upon the successful completion of the first semester or quarter of their freshman year. Applicants must be pursuing a four-year baccalaureate degree from an accredited college. They are eligible to receive financial assistance after successful completion of their first summer of training.
PLC officer candidates attend summer training sessions at the Marine Corps Officer Candidates School in Quantico, Virginia. Freshmen and sophomores participate in two six-week sessions, and juniors participate in one 10-week session.
Aviation guarantees in the PLC-Aviation Program are available to those who qualify. In this program, individuals can receive flight experience and instruction to familiarize themselves with flying before military flight training begins.
PLC-Law is a post-baccalaureate degree program for law school attendees. Active duty is postponed until a student obtains a law degree and passes the bar examination.
Officer Candidates School (OCS)
This is the most common route. Located at the historic Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia, the school educates and trains officer candidates in the knowledge and skills necessary for commissioning.
Additionally, the Officer Candidate Course (OCC) is pre-commissioned training for college seniors and graduates who want to be Marine Corps officers. Upon graduation from college, candidates attend one 10-week officer training course and receive a reserve commission upon successful completion of training.
Enlisted Commissioning Programs
In addition to the avenues described above, the Marine Corps has programs for qualified enlisted personnel to earn commissions as officers. These include the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program, the Enlisted Commissioning Program and the Meritorious Commissioning Program.
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