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Become a Marine

Begin a life of honor, service, and purpose in the United States Marine Corps.

Contact a Recruiter
Become a Marine

Become a Marine

Choose your path

Who are Enlisted Marines?

Enlisted Marines are the technical experts and frontline operators of the United States Marine Corps, executing missions, maintaining equipment, and mastering the hands-on skills that keep units combat-ready.

U.S. Marines in dress blue uniforms standing in formation during ceremonial event.

Enlisted Requirements

To become an enlisted United States Marine, you must meet certain age, citizenship, and physical fitness requirements:

  • Be 17–28 years old
  • Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Pass the ASVAB test
  • Pass a background check and medical exam

Do you have what it takes? 

Find Out More
U.S. Marines in dress blue uniforms standing in formation during ceremonial event.
Marine recruiter in service uniform meeting with prospective recruit reviewing enlistment materials at desk.

01

Meet With a Recruiter

Marine recruiters are mentors who guide you every step of the way.

Whether you’re exploring your options or ready to commit, a recruiter gives you clear answers and real support. You’ll have the information you need to move forward with confidence.

Take the First Step
Marine recruiter in service uniform meeting with prospective recruit reviewing enlistment materials at desk.
A recruit in a red shirt and their Marine Recruiter perform cardio exercises during Marine Corps physical training outdoors.

02

Delayed Entry Program

The Delayed Entry Program (DEP) is designed for those who are committed to becoming Marines but are waiting to ship to recruit training or complete schooling.

Those in the DEP work with a Marine Recruiter, building the strength and discipline to succeed at recruit training.

Learn More About DEP
A recruit in a red shirt and their Marine Recruiter perform cardio exercises during Marine Corps physical training outdoors.
Marines in full combat gear navigating Crucible obstacle course with barbed wire during final training test.

03

Recruit Training

During recruit training, recruits are pushed to their physical and mental limits over 13 weeks.

Here they prove their determination, resilience, and fighting spirit to earn the title of United States Marine.

Learn More About Training
Marines in full combat gear navigating Crucible obstacle course with barbed wire during final training test.

More Than a Ceremony

Graduation

Those who make it through recruit training possess the discipline, grit, and determination to earn the title Marine.

Graduation marks the moment they become part of something greater than themselves.

Marines in dress blue uniforms standing in formation at graduation ceremony after completing boot camp.
Marine in camouflage with ghillie helmet operating machine gun during combat training at Camp Pendleton.

04

The School of Infantry and beyond

After recruit training, all Marines attend the School of Infantry. Here, every Marine learns essential combat skills. Because every Marine is a rifleman.

Infantry Marines go to Infantry Training Battalion (ITB).
Non-infantry Marines attend Marine Combat Training (MCT).

Learn About SOI
Marine in camouflage with ghillie helmet operating machine gun during combat training at Camp Pendleton.
Two Marines in camouflage uniforms reviewing tactical data on rugged field computer during aviation support operations.

05

MOS School

After SOI, Marines begin advanced training in their Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). They master the skills they need in their field.

When training is complete, they join a unit. There, they support the mission of the United States Marine Corps with focus and precision.

Explore Marine Roles
Two Marines in camouflage uniforms reviewing tactical data on rugged field computer during aviation support operations.

Marine Corps Reserve

Different Terms. Same Standards.

Reserve Marines complete the same rigorous acceptance process and training as active-duty Marines.

After training, they pursue civilian careers or education. But they remain always ready to answer the call.

Learn About the Reserve
Three Marines in full tactical gear with rifles standing against twilight sky during field operation.

The First Step to Becoming a Marine

The journey begins with a conversation.

A recruiter can answer your questions, guide you through the process, and help you understand what it takes to earn the title.

Contact a Recruiter

Who are Marine Officers?

Marine Officers focus on planning, decision-making, and overall command. They work with enlisted Marines to turn those plans into action.

Marine officer in dress blue uniform with white cover and gold insignia in formal portrait.

Officer Requirements

To become a U.S. Marine Officer, you need to meet certain age, citizenship, and educational requirements:

  • Be at least 20 years old (discuss eligibility with an OSO)
  • Be a U.S. citizen
  • Earn a four-year college degree
  • Pass physical fitness and background checks
  • Complete Officer Candidates School (OCS)  

Do you have what it takes?

See Officer Requirements
Marine officer in dress blue uniform with white cover and gold insignia in formal portrait.
Marine officer in service uniform speaking with prospective recruit at recruiting station office.

01

Meet With an Officer Selection Officer

An Officer Selection Officer (OSO) is your dedicated guide on the journey to earning a commission in the Marine Corps. From your initial questions to the final steps of selection, your OSO will help you understand your options and stay on track toward success. 

Contact an OSO
Marine officer in service uniform speaking with prospective recruit at recruiting station office.
Marine candidates carrying heavy rucksacks during endurance march on wooded training trail.

02

Officer Candidate Program

The Officer Candidate Program prepares qualified college students and graduates for Marine Officer training.

Officer prospects work together with candidates who are already partially trained and Marine Officers who are fully trained but awaiting selection for specific assignments.

Get Started
Marine candidates carrying heavy rucksacks during endurance march on wooded training trail.

Select Your Contract

Marine in full combat gear and helmet crawling through muddy water during tactical training exercise.

03

Officer Candidates School

Officer Candidates School (OCS) is more than training. It’s a test.

OCS is where aspiring Marine Officers are pushed to their limits physically, mentally, and morally.

Every challenge is designed to evaluate the resilience of candidates and their potential to lead Marines.

Step Up to the Challenge
Marine in full combat gear and helmet crawling through muddy water during tactical training exercise.

Accept Your Commission

Those who complete Officer Candidates School prove that they have the brains, brawn, leadership, morals, and determination necessary to lead other Marines.

At graduation they earn their commission as a Marine Officer.

Marines in service green uniforms taking oath with raised hands during formal commissioning ceremony.
Marine instructor providing tactical briefing to group of Marines in camouflage during field training.

04

The Basic School

The Basic School is where Marine Officers go to hone the necessary skills required to lead their future platoons.

It's a mix of classroom and applied trainings on a range of subjects that together create officers ready to make tough decisions under a variety of conditions. 

About the Basic School
Marine instructor providing tactical briefing to group of Marines in camouflage during field training.
Marine in camouflage and tactical vest inspecting military aircraft wing during maintenance operations.

05

MOS School

At the conclusion of the Basic School, Marine Officers are assigned an MOS. Officers then go on to more training specific to their MOS. There Marines become experts in their specialty so they can contribute their part in the Corps' mission. 

Learn More About Roles
Marine in camouflage and tactical vest inspecting military aircraft wing during maintenance operations.

Marine Corps Reserve

Marine Officers can choose to serve in the Reserve.

In the Reserve, they follow the same rigorous selection and training as their active-duty counterparts.

After earning their commission, Reserve Officers serve close to home and balance civilian careers with military leadership.

Marine Corps Reserve
Three Marines in full tactical gear with rifles standing against twilight sky during field operation.

Contact an Officer Selection Officer

The path to becoming a Marine Officer is demanding. But you're not alone.

An Officer Selection Officer (OSO) is ready to guide you through every step.

Contact an OSO