If you are a citizen of the United States and have a bachelor's degree or in the process of getting your bachelor's degree, you may be eligible for the Marine Corps officer program.
Do I need to be studying a particular major to apply for the Marine officer program?
All majors and areas of study are acceptable. Marine officers must have the desire to be a leader, have a well-rounded background and experience, and be flexible.
Does it matter what college I attended?
The officer program is independent from a college or university. The program is available to seniors or graduates from any accredited four-year college.
What is the difference between Platoon Leaders Class (PLC)/Officers Candidate Class (OCC) and what the recruiters were offering to high school students?
PLC/OCC are components of the Marine Corps officer training. Officer training is a college program. When you complete your college education and the summer officer training requirements, you will be offered a leadership position as a Second Lieutenant of Marines.
Is the officer training the same as ROTC?
No, although both are college programs. The Platoon Leaders Class is conducted during the summer - and there is no obligation beyond attending the summer training. ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) is offered as a college course at many different colleges. In some programs offered by the Marine Corps, such as through the Marine Corps ROTC scholarship program, the recipients must take ROTC while in college. This is a prep class to understand and study the military. JROTC is a program offered in the high school to introduce the military way of life.
Yes. This program is independent from the college or university. Your training is during the summer so you can attend any accredited four-year college and still participate in officer training.
Will I receive college credits for attending Officer Candidate School?
Each college or university makes the decision about assigning and accepting credits for Officer Candidate School (OCS). The American Council of Education in Washington D.C. evaluated the curriculum for OCS. The council's credit recommendations are in "A Guide to the Evaluation of Education Experiences in the Armed Forces." You will receive about 452 hours of physical training and instruction in leadership and military tactics in OCS.
Will I need to leave college to be in the program?
No. To qualify for officer training, you should stay enrolled as a full-time student. You need a four-year degree to become an officer, and all training occurs during the summer months.
What opportunities are available to women who would like to be Marine officers?
Because the U.S. Marine Corps has much to offer, the number of women officers commissioned annually has grown 164% from 1995 to 2001. With the exception of combat arms, all other positions are available to women including aviation.
Will the Marines help pay my college loans?
Officer training programs offers annual tuition assistance. In addition, you will receive a competitive starting salary that can help you with loans or other expenses. Your recruiter can provide more information on the educational benefits available to you.