Enlistment Requirements 
Prior Service 
Enlisted vs. Officer Service 
Visiting a Recruiter 
Benefits 
Parent Questions 
Special Requests 
My Favorites 
 

Enlistment Requirements

Q: Do I have to graduate from high school before I can become a Marine?

A: You can talk to a recruiter or sign your enlistment contract before graduating, but you will need to receive your diploma before beginning recruit training. A recruiter can answer any questions you have, including discussing case-by-case options for those with nontraditional high school diplomas or completion certificates.

 

Q: I have health issues – can I still enlist?

A: To enlist in the Armed Forces every applicant is administered a physical exam similar to a high school sports physical. Any heath concerns and conditions can be discussed with your local recruiter.

 

Q: I am older than 29. Can I enlist in the Marine Corps?

A: Waivers may be available on a case-by-case basis for those over the eligible enlisted age of 29. Contact your local recruiter to discuss your personal qualifications.

 

Q: I am younger than 17. Can I enlist in the Marine Corps?

A: No, you must be 17 years old to enlist in the Marine Corps. However, you can request more information regardless of age. Please click on Contact a Recruiter at the top of the page to learn more about becoming a Marine.

 

Prior Service

Q: I have previously served in the Marine Corps – how do I reenlist?

A: Both active duty and reserve opportunities exist for those with prior Marine Corps service. Click on Contact a Recruiter at the top of the page and when you complete the form, indicate your interest in prior service opportunities. A prior service recruiter will contact you.

 

Enlisted vs. Officer Service

Q: What's the difference between enlisting and becoming an officer? How do I know which path is right for me?

A: Enlisted Marines make up the majority of the Marine Corps and include ranks from private to sergeant major of the Marine Corps. 
 
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 an officer, a recruiter will be able to discuss your options based on your education level, experience and goals.

 

Visiting a Recruiter

Q: How do I find a recruiter near me?

A: Click on Contact a Recruiter at the top of the page and complete the form to request more information. The contact information of a recruiting station near you will be provided after you submit the form.

 

Q: How should I prepare for a visit with a recruiter?

 

1. Make an appointment. While walk-ins are taken, an appointment ensures that you have the recruiter's undivided attention.
 

2. Write down any questions you have about becoming a Marine before you go, and don't be afraid to ask them. Answering your questions is part of the recruiter's job.
 

3. Bring pen and paper to take notes during your talk.
 

4. Don't forget to gather informational brochures and booklets when you visit.
 

 
 
 

Q: Will I be asked to sign anything on my first visit with a recruiter?

A: You are under no obligation when speaking to a recruiter. At certain steps in the decision process, such as before taking the ASVAB, you may be asked to sign paperwork.

 

Q: Why is the recruiter the best resource for joining the Marine Corps?

A: 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 decision process 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.

 

Benefits

Q: What benefits – such as health insurance, vacation time and education reimbursement – do enlisted Marines receive?

A: The Marine Corps provides a full benefits package, including salary, medical, housing, vacation and other standard benefits in addition to the leadership skills and honor of being a United States Marine. A recruiter can explain the details of each benefit provided.

 

Parent Questions

Q: Where do I find information about attending a recruit training graduation ceremony?

A: Information regarding graduation day is available on the website of each Marine Corps Recruit Depot. 
 
Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego: 
http://www.mcrdsd.usmc.mil/ 
 
Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island: 
http://www.mcrdpi.usmc.mil/ 

 
 

Special Requests

Q: I would like to show my support for the men and women of the Marine Corps by organizing care packages or volunteering my time and services. Where can I find more information?

A: http://www.marines.mil/community/Pages/HowYouCanHelp.aspx

 

Q: Where can I request a Marine Corps appearance at my local event?

A: http://www.marines.mil/community/Pages/RequestMarine.aspx

 

My Favorites

Q: What is My Favorites?

A: My Favorites is the section of Marines.com that allows you to collect the parts of the site that interest you. When you register for My Favorites, you can save these pieces and create custom paths through Marines.com and share them with friends and family.

 

Q: What is my user identity?

A: Your user identity allows you to save your paths for subsequent visits to Marines.com. To create one, all you need to provide is an email address, password and answer to one question about how interested you are in military service. You must be at least 14 years old to create a user identity.

 

Q: What happens if I forget My Favorites password?

A: Click on “Forgot your password?” at the bottom of the red My Favorites login panel. Then, enter the email address you used to register. An email containing a temporary password will be sent.

 

Q: How do I update My Favorites information?

A: Once you have logged in to My Favorites, your email address will appear in the upper right-hand corner of the page. Click on “Edit Profile” next to it to change your email address, password or interest in military service. Once you are finished, click "save."