A Marine is a member of the United States Marine Corps, an elite fighting force, trained to face any challenge with honor, courage, and commitment. Marines are warriors, leaders, and defenders of our Nation—instilled with discipline, driven by purpose, and bound by an unbreakable brotherhood.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
The Marine Corps core values are Honor, Courage, and Commitment. They guide every Marine’s actions—on duty and in life—defining how they lead, fight, and serve with integrity, bravery, and unwavering dedication to mission and country.
The Marine Corps motto is "Semper Fidelis"—Latin for "Always Faithful." Adopted in 1883, it represents a Marine’s lifelong commitment to the Corps, the mission, and each other—on and off the battlefield.
The official Marine Corps mascot is Chesty, an English Bulldog named in honor of legendary Marine Lewis “Chesty” Puller. This tradition began after World War I when Marines were nicknamed "Devil Dogs." Fierce in spirit and loyal by nature, Chesty represents the pride, discipline, and fighting spirit of the Marine Corps.
The United States Marine Corps operates over 35 major bases and installations across the United States and abroad. These include key locations such as Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in California, Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia, and Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in Japan. Each base supports the Corps' mission with training, logistics, aviation, and operational capabilities.
The Marine Corps Ball is celebrated every year on November 10th. This special event honors the founding of the United States Marine Corps in 1775. It’s a time for Marines, veterans, and supporters to come together, recognize the Corps’ proud history, and celebrate its values of honor, courage, and commitment.
The United States Marine Corps has approximately 180,000 active-duty Marines and around 38,500 in the Marine Corps Reserve. These numbers can vary slightly based on recruitment goals and national defense needs.
MCMAP, or the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, is a hand-to-hand combat system that combines martial arts techniques with mental and character development. It builds Marines who are not only physically skilled, but also mentally disciplined and ethically grounded—ready to lead and fight in any environment.
To contact a Marine Recruiter near you, 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.
Before your visit, research the Marine Corps and familiarize yourself with the enlistment process. Then 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 specific questions about benefits, MOS opportunities, and what life as a Marine is like 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.
At your first Marine recruiter visit, expect an introductory discussion about your interest and qualifications. 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.
A Marine recruiter is the best resource for joining the Marine Corps because they are a current or former Marine who can provide a realistic, firsthand account of the military experience. 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.
Joining the Marines involves meeting specific age, education, physical, and background standards. Requirements can vary based on your individual situation and the career path you're considering.
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.
To enlist in the United States Marine Corps, you must be at least 17 years old (with parental consent).
No, you cannot join the Marines if you are younger than 17, as the minimum age to enlist is 17 with parental consent. However, you can request more information regardless of age. CONTACT A MARINE RECRUITER to learn more about becoming a Marine.
Yes, you can, but you will need an age waiver because the standard age limit for enlisting in the Marine Corps is 28. These waivers are available on a case-by-case basis for those over the eligible enlisted age of 28.
CONTACT YOUR LOCAL MARINE RECRUITER to discuss your personal qualifications.
You must be a United States citizen or legal resident with a valid Green Card who is proficient in English 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.
Yes, you need a high school diploma to join the United States Marine Corps, though GEDs are accepted with additional requirements.
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.
Yes, you can join the Marines with a GED, but it's more competitive than joining with a traditional high school diploma.
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.
Yes, women can join the United States Marine Corps and the Military. All Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) are available to females in the Marine Corps permanently since 1943, with full access to combat roles since 2016.
Contact a Marine Recruiter to request more information.
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.
The Marine Corps has specific height and weight requirements based on body composition standards, with a minimum height of 58 inches for all recruits.
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.
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).
PFT stands for Physical Fitness Test, and it's 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 planks. Marines are assessed on a points system across these three categories and must receive a high enough score to pass. 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.
Yes, you must pass the ASVAB to join the United States Marine Corps. Marines.
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).
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.
Enlisted Marines execute tasks and carry out orders, while Marine Officers lead, plan missions, and manage personnel from a higher, more managerial position.
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.
Based on your qualifications and ASVAB score, 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.
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.
Marine Recon is a specialized intelligence-gathering force within the United States Marine Corps that is trained to gather critical intelligence on the battlefield. Recon Marines operate ahead of the main force—often in hostile territory—using stealth, precision, and advanced skills to provide vital information that shapes mission success. They are among the most highly trained warriors in the Corps.
Marine special forces are called Marine Raiders. They operate under Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC). These elite units specialize in direct action, special reconnaissance, and counterterrorism missions. Marine Raiders are elite warriors, trained to operate in the most challenging and high-stakes environments around the world.