FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
YOUR QUESTIONS. MARINE ANSWERS.
Most people interested in becoming a Marine have lots of questions. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about joining and serving in the Marine Corps.
DO I HAVE TO BE A US CITIZEN TO JOIN THE MARINES?
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You must be a United States citizen or legal resident to enlist in the Marine Corps. If you meet these requirements, you can contact a recruiter here. This page is managed by the Marine Corps Recruiting Command. For more information about acquiring a Permanent Resident Visa please visit the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services website: https://www.uscis.gov/green-card.
WHAT IS THE MARINE PFT?
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The PFT is a standard test that measures the battle-readiness of each Marine once a year, with a focus on stamina and physical conditioning. The test consists of a three-mile run, pull-ups or pushups, and crunches. Marines are assessed on a points system across these three categories and must receive a high enough score to pass.
Those who wish to pursue a ground combat MOS must complete the gender-neutral ground combat arms Initial Strength Test (IST). A Marine Corps Recruiter is the best person to ask about specific enlistment requirements, and he or she may be able to help you develop a plan to ensure that you meet those requirements.
DO YOU GET TO CHOOSE YOUR MOS OR DOES THE MARINE CORPS CHOOSE IT FOR YOU?
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Based on your qualifications, you will get the choice of a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) field. Marine Corps recruiters are the best resource for information about a specific MOS. You can contact a Marine Recruiter by requesting more information.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR MARINE OFFICER TRAINING (OCS)?
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Before beginning Marine Officer Candidates School, your Officer Selection Officer will guide your physical training regimen and prepare you for the challenge of becoming a Marine Corps Officer.
WHAT DOES LIFE AS A MARINE OFFICER LOOK LIKE?
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Marine Officer Candidates earn their commissions after graduating from college and completing a program such as Platoon Leaders Class or Officer Candidate Course. They then attend The Basic School, followed by specialized training that prepares them for their Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). Officers serve in the operating forces, leading Marines in their primary MOS. After their first tour, they serve in non-MOS-related positions such as recruiting duty. Officers also attend career-level schools like Expeditionary Warfare School and may seek advanced degrees.
Promotions are based on time in rank, successful performance in assignments, and appropriate education. During active service, officers and their families have access to a wide range of personal and professional resources such as healthcare, travel, advanced education, and financial benefits. Above all, they are part of the Marine Corps family, and this camaraderie, as well as their leadership training and experience leading Marines, lasts a lifetime.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER MARINE RECRUIT TRAINING?
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After graduation from recruit training, Marines attend the School of Infantry (SOI). Those with an Infantry Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) are trained at Infantry Training Battalion (ITB) over the course of 52 days, and those with a non-Infantry MOS are trained at Marine Combat Training Battalion (MCT) over the course of 29 days. Upon completion of SOI, non-Infantry MOS Marines attend their MOS school, which entail differing lengths, graduation requirements, and locations. All Marines are then assigned to a unit with a Permanent Duty Station (PDS) and may be deployed overseas if their unit is ordered to do so. Learn more about recruit training and request more information here.
WHAT ARE THE MARINE SPECIALTIES AVAILABLE FOR MARINE CORPS OFFICERS?
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Marine Corps Officers are assigned to many Military Occupational Specialties (MOSs) which fall under three main categories: Ground, Air, and Law.
Ground: the majority of Marines operate in ground specialties, in roles ranging from infantry to combat service support.
Air: Marine Pilots and Naval Flight Officers train on jets, helicopters, tilt-rotor aircraft, and turboprop aircraft.
Law: training for Judge Advocates supplements a law degree, with instruction for practicing law in the military. Please see Roles In The Corps for more information.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MARINE BASIC TRAINING VS. MARINE OFFICER TRAINING?
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Marine Officers and Enlisted Marines train together, deploy together, and come to rely on one another during their time in the Corps. Both Marine Officers and Enlisted Marines have opportunities in most fields, but they are trained to take on different roles within a field. Whether you begin your journey on the officer side or on the enlisted side, if you have what it takes to earn the title Marine, you will become part of a brotherhood that lasts a lifetime.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO JOIN THE MARINES?
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You can search through our Marine Corps Requirements here. A Marine Corps Recruiter is the best person to ask about any specific questions, and he or she may be able to help you develop a plan to ensure that you meet the requirements. To contact a Marine, click here.
WHAT IS THE MAX AGE TO JOIN THE MARINES?
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Waivers may be available on a case-by-case basis for those over the eligible enlisted age of 29 to join the Marines. Contact your local Marine recruiter to discuss your personal qualifications.
WHAT HEALTH CONDITIONS DISQUALIFY YOU FROM THE MARINES?
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To enlist in the Marine Corps, every applicant is administered a physical exam similar to a high school sports physical. Any health concerns and conditions can be discussed with your local Marine Corps recruiter or Officer Selection Officer (OSO).
CAN I JOIN THE MARINES WITH A GED?
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Applicants with a GED or other non-traditional diplomas will need to be further reviewed by a Marine Corps recruiter. Additionally, these applicants must meet the same enlistment standards that all applicants do, including being 17 years-old and meeting other physical, mental, and moral requirements. To enlist or discuss opportunities in the United States Marine Corps, contact a Marine Recruiter.
WHAT ARE THE HEIGHT AND WEIGHT REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MARINE CORPS?
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Height and weight requirements to enlist in the Marine Corps are different for each recruit. A recruiter is absolutely the best source for answers to specific questions. Request more information.
CAN I BECOME A MARINE OFFICER OVER THE AGE OF 28?
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Waivers may be available on a case-by-case basis for those over the eligible Marine officer age of 28. Contact your local Marine Corps recruiter or Officer Selection Officer (OSO) to discuss your personal qualifications.
WHAT IS THE AGE REQUIREMENT TO BECOME A COMMISSIONED MARINE OFFICER?
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You must be at least 18 years of age to become a commissioned officer in the Marines; however, waivers may be available on a case-by-case basis. Contact your local Marine Corps recruiter or Officer Selection Officer (OSO) to discuss your personal qualifications.
DO I HAVE TO PASS THE ASVAB TO JOIN THE MARINE CORPS?
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Marines are counted on to make sound decisions quickly and are constantly placed in situations where their mental acuity is tested. Because of this, those who seek our title must pass a series of timed, multidisciplinary tests known as the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery).
WHAT IS THE MINIMUM ASVAB SCORE NEEDED TO JOIN THE MARINES?
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To enlist in the Marine Corps you must pass the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) with a minimum score of 31, but certain Military Occupational Specialties may require a higher score. A Marine Corps Recruiter is the best person to ask about any specific questions, and he or she may be able to help you develop a plan to ensure that you meet the requirements. Request more information here.
HOW TO BECOME A MARINE OFFICER?
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While all Marine Corps officers must have a degree from an accredited four-year university before receiving their commission, you may discuss options available to you with an Officer Selection Officer (OSO).
DO I NEED TO GRADUATE COLLEGE TO BECOME A MARINE OFFICER?
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While all Marine Corps officers must have a degree from an accredited four-year university before receiving their commission, college students can begin their training toward earning a commission during college. Enlisted Marines without a college degree may apply to earn a degree and seek a commission through one of the enlisted-to-officer programs.
DO I NEED A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA TO JOIN THE MARINES?
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You will need to receive your high school diploma before beginning Marine recruit training; however, you can talk to a Marine recruiter or sign your enlistment contract before graduating high school. A recruiter can answer any questions you have, including discussing case-by-case options for those with nontraditional high school diplomas or completion certificates.
I AM OLDER THAN 29. CAN I ENLIST IN THE MARINE CORPS?
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Waivers may be available on a case-by-case basis for those over the eligible enlisted age of 29. Contact your local Marine recruiter to discuss your personal qualifications.
CAN I JOIN THE MARINES IF I AM YOUNGER THAN 17?
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No, you must be at least 17 years old to enlist in the Marine Corps. However, you can request more information regardless of age. Contact a Marine Recruiter to learn more about becoming a Marine.
WHAT IS THE MARINES AGE REQUIREMENT TO ENLIST?
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You must be 17 years old to contact a Marine Recruiter and enlist in the Marine Corps. If you meet those requirements, please contact a local recruiter by requesting more information. You will also receive information in the mail about the Marine Corps.
WHAT IS THE MARINE CORPS TATTOO POLICY?
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As tattoos vary from one person to another, recruiters are the best resource for questions about tattoos, including placement, number, and how they may affect your career in the Marine Corps. Contact a Marine recruiter for more information on becoming a Marine.
HOW TO TELL YOUR FAMILY YOU WANT TO JOIN THE MARINES?
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This page is a great resource for both you and your family as you talk about enlisting in the Marine Corps. It will provide a list of topics you can discuss with your family. A recruiter can also help you find the best way to discuss the decision with your family.
HOW CAN I ATTEND MARINE RECRUIT TRAINING GRADUATION?
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Information regarding Marine recruit training graduation day is available on the website of each Marine Corps Recruit Depot.
WHAT AND WHEN IS THE MARINES FAMILY DAY?
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Marines family day occurs the Thursday before graduation for new Marines. The purpose is to give family and friends a chance to see their Marine on base.
HOW CAN I PREPARE FOR MARINE OFFICER TRAINING?
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Prepare for a visit with a Marine Corps Officer Selection Officer by making an appointment. While walk-ins are taken, an appointment ensures that you have the Officer Selection Officer's undivided attention. Before you go, write down any questions you have about becoming a Marine Officer. Don't be afraid to ask them. Answering your questions is part of the Officer Selection Officer's job. Bring pen and paper to take notes during your talk. Don't forget to gather informational brochures and booklets when you visit.
Fill out this form to receive local recruiter information.
HOW DO I FIND A MARINE CORPS OFFICER SELECTION OFFICER (OSO) NEAR ME?
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Fill out this form to find a Marine Corps Officer Selection Officer (OSO). The contact information for a Marine Corps selection station near you will be provided after you submit the form.
WHY IS THE RECRUITER THE BEST RESOURCE FOR JOINING THE MARINE CORPS?
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The recruiter is the best resource for joining he Marine Corps because only a Marine knows what it’s really like to be a Marine. The recruiter has been through the journey you are considering, from the beginning of the decision process all the way through recruit training and beyond. It is the recruiter's job to help you decide if the Marine Corps is a good fit for you.
HOW DO I CONTACT A MARINE RECRUITER NEAR ME?
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Go to Contact a Marine and fill out the form. Contact information for your nearest Marine Corps recruiter will be provided after the form is submitted.
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR A VISIT WITH A MARINE RECRUITER?
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Schedule an appointment by calling the Marine recruiting office nearest you. The phone number will be provided after you submit the Contact A Marine form. Having an appointment will ensure that you have the recruiter's undivided attention. Write down any questions you have about becoming a Marine before you go, and do not be afraid to ask them. Answering your questions is part of the recruiter's job. Bring pen and paper to take notes during your talk. Remember to gather informational brochures and booklets when you visit.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AT MY FIRST MARINE RECRUITER VISIT?
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Meeting with a Marine recruiter does not imply an obligation to serve. At certain steps in the decision process, such as before taking the Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test, you may be asked to sign paperwork.
WHAT IS COMMISSIONING IN THE MARINES?
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Commissioning is the process of earning an official appointment as a Marines Corps Officer. There are several ways to seek a commission, including Platoon Leaders Class, Officer Candidate Course, NROTC, the Naval Academy, The Citadel ,and enlisted-to-officer programs. Please see Process to Commission as a Marine Corps Officer for more information.
CAN WOMEN JOIN THE MARINES?
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Yes, women can join the Military. All Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) are available to females in the Marine Corps. Contact a Marine to request more information.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ENLISTED MARINE AND A MARINE CORPS OFFICER? HOW DO I KNOW WHICH PATH IS RIGHT FOR ME?
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Enlisted Marines make up the majority of the Marine Corps and include ranks from Private to Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps. Marine Officers are leaders of Marines and include ranks from Second Lieutenant to Four-Star General. Whether you are interested in service as an enlisted Marine or as an officer, a recruiter will be able to discuss your options based on your education level, experience, and goals.
DO THE MARINES PAY FOR COLLEGE?
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Yes, The Marines can pay for your college. As a Marine, up to 100% of your education expenses may be paid for by the federal government through programs like Tuition Assistance, the GI Bill, and the Marine Corps College Fund. Dependent upon force readiness needs and deployment status, Marines may attend school through the two- or four-year College Degree Program, which covers tuition, fees, and textbooks at selected colleges and universities, and Marine Officers may be eligible for financial assistance with advanced degrees.
WHAT BENEFITS DO ENLISTED MARINES RECEIVE?
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The Marine Corps provides a full benefits package, including salary, medical, housing, vacation, and other standard benefits. In addition, every Marine acquires invaluable leadership skills and also receives the honor of being called a United States Marine. A Marine Recruiter can explain the benefits of the Marine Corps in further detail.
DO MARINES GET HEALTH BENEFITS?
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The Marine Corps offers many health benefits for Marines and their families. While serving in the Marine Corps, every Marine and his or her immediate family will receive a number of health benefits including free comprehensive medical insurance and competitively priced dental insurance. You can learn more about the benefits of becoming a Marine by talking to a Marine Recruiter.