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Marine officers in full combat gear with communications equipment lead amphibious training operation at Camp Schwab beach.
Marine officers in full combat gear with communications equipment lead amphibious training operation at Camp Schwab beach.

Become a Marine Corps Officer

A Marine Corps Officer is responsible for making critical decisions, guiding strategy, and commanding Marines.

Officers are trusted with the success of missions and the safety of those they lead. They require sound judgment, mental toughness, and an unwavering commitment to the Marines under their command. 

What it Means to be a Marine Officer

Trusted to lead. Committed to purpose. Bound by brotherhood.

Marine officers in full tactical gear with rifles and communications equipment stand ready during combat training exercise.

To be a Marine Corps Officer is to accept one of the greatest responsibilities in military service: the trust of a Nation and the lives of the Marines you lead. Officers are not only decision-makers—they are strategic thinkers, combat leaders, and guardians of the mission. They are held to the highest standards because the stakes are that high.

Four Paths. One Purpose.

There’s more than one way to become a Marine Officer—but each path demands the same fighting spirit. There are even different paths for candidates in different stages of life. Regardless of the path you choose, each will push you to your limits and test your leadership.

Officer briefs Marines gathered in field during outdoor training instruction under clear sky with pine trees.
Officer briefs Marines gathered in field during outdoor training instruction under clear sky with pine trees.

Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps

An option for high schoolers

The Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) Marine Option is a college program that offers high school students a direct path to becoming a Marine Officer—through both education and leadership training.

Students choose a school with an NROTC program with a Marine Option and then apply to the school. Once accepted to a participating college or university, they pursue their chosen degree and receive military instruction through NROTC during the school year and summer training events. Upon graduation, those who complete all program requirements are commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the Marine Corps.

Most NROTC provides scholarships that cover all or most college costs for students, including tuition, books, and fees, and a monthly stipend for living expenses. In return, scholarship recipients commit to eight years of military service, with five years on active duty.

Basic eligibility requirements for NROTC scholarship applicants:

  • Be a U. S. Citizen.
  • Be 17 years of age by 1 September of the first year of college and younger than 27 on 31 December of the year in which college graduation and commissioning are anticipated.
  • Be a high school graduate or possess an equivalent certificate.
  • Be physically qualified and be within height-weight standards.
  • Personally exemplify and display character and morality, including no record of military or civil offenses.
  • A score of 74 on the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT), a composite score of 22 on the American College Test (ACT), or a combined score of 1000 in Math and Evidence-Based Reading on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT).
  • Meet admission requirements of an NROTC-affiliated college or university of choice.

Those who attend NROTC attend OCS prior to their senior year. Once they pass OCS and are commissioned as new officers, they report to The Basic School (TBS) for advanced training in leadership and military skills.

NROTC Homepage
Marine officer candidate climbs vertical obstacle during physical fitness training on obstacle course at Officer Candidates School.
Marine officer candidate climbs vertical obstacle during physical fitness training on obstacle course at Officer Candidates School.

Platoon Leaders Class

An option for students early in their college careers

The Platoon Leaders Class (PLC) is an undergraduate commissioning program for college students who want to become Marine Corps Officers. Open to students enrolled at any accredited college or university, PLC allows you to pursue your degree during the school year while completing Marine Officer training over the summer at Officer Candidates School (OCS) in Quantico, VA.

There are two PLC training options, depending on where you are in your college education:

  • Freshmen and Sophomores: Attend two six-week summer sessions, one after your freshman or sophomore year, and the second before your senior year.
  • Juniors: Complete one ten-week session during the summer before your senior year.

Each session is designed to screen and develop your physical, mental, and leadership abilities—to ensure you have what it takes to lead Marines. Once you graduate from college and successfully complete PLC training, you can accept your commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps.

Why choose PLC? This program is ideal for those who want to earn their commission without interrupting their education or college experience because it allows you to attend OCS in segments.

More about OCS
Officer candidate covered in mud holds rifle during combat endurance course training in wooded terrain.
Officer candidate covered in mud holds rifle during combat endurance course training in wooded terrain.

Officer Candidate Course

An option for graduates and soon-to-be graduates

The Officer Candidate Course (OCC) is a 10-week commissioning program for college graduates. If you’ve already earned your college degree or are about to graduate, the Officer Candidate Course (OCC) is your direct path to becoming a Marine Corps Officer.

This 10-week training program at Officer Candidates School (OCS) in Quantico, VA, is where you'll be tested physically, mentally, and morally to prove you have what it takes to lead Marines. Those who complete the course will take the Oath of Office and receive their commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps.

From there, new officers report to The Basic School (TBS) for advanced training in leadership and military skills, preparing to command Marines in any environment.

If you have the degree, the drive, and the fighting spirit, your opportunity to lead begins now.

Learn More
Senior officer congratulates newly commissioned officer during commissioning ceremony following Officer Candidates School.
Senior officer congratulates newly commissioned officer during commissioning ceremony following Officer Candidates School.

United States Naval Academy

A prestigious path for high schoolers

The United States Naval Academy (USNA) is the undergraduate college of the U.S. naval service, located in Annapolis, Maryland. For high school students who aspire to become Marine Corps Officers, the United States Naval Academy offers one of the most prestigious and challenging paths.

Students accepted into USNA spend four years earning a college degree while undergoing rigorous military and leadership training designed to develop the physical, mental, and moral qualities required of Marine Officers. Admission is highly competitive and requires a nomination—usually from a member of congress.

Those who graduate from the Academy and select the Marine Corps option will be commissioned as Second Lieutenants and immediately begin their advanced leadership and combat training at The Basic School (TBS) in Quantico, VA.

Learn More About TBS
Officer candidate performs inverted rope climb exercise while instructor observes during physical fitness training.
Officer candidate performs inverted rope climb exercise while instructor observes during physical fitness training.

Officer Candidate Pool Program

Before ever setting foot at OCS, many aspiring officers join the Officer Candidate Pool—a preparatory program designed to build readiness. In this program, officer prospects train alongside partially trained candidates and current Marine Officers awaiting selection or assignment.

Officer in tactical gear with rifle stands alert during cyber field training exercise in wooded area at Camp Lejeune.
Officer in tactical gear with rifle stands alert during cyber field training exercise in wooded area at Camp Lejeune.

There's a High Standard to Lead Marines

Like every Marine, officers must meet strict physical, academic, and moral standards. But to lead Marines, those requirements are even more rigorous and selective.

Explore the full list of general and physical requirements to see what it takes to earn your commission.

Learn More
Officer in dress uniform shakes hands with prospective candidate in modern building with battle colors displayed.
Officer in dress uniform shakes hands with prospective candidate in modern building with battle colors displayed.

Connect With an OSO

An OSO is your first mentor in the Corps

Every Officer’s journey starts with guidance—and that comes from an Officer Selection Officer (OSO). OSOs are specially trained to work exclusively with aspiring officers.

Talk to an OSO

FAQ

To find a Marine Corps Officer Selection Officer (OSO) near you, fill out this form or use the Marine Corps locator tool.

Prepare for a visit with a Marine Corps Officer Selection Officer (OSO) by making an appointment. While walk-ins are taken, an appointment ensures that you have the Officer Selection Officer's undivided attention. To prepare for your appointment with an OSO, prepare questions about becoming a Marine Officer, and bring materials to take notes.

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

FILL OUT THIS FORM to receive local recruiter information.

Life as a Marine Officer involves rigorous initial training, specialized career development, and leadership responsibilities that vary greatly depending on assignment and MOS.

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, such as 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.

No, the Marine Corps does not have its own service academy. However, individuals who want to become Marine Officers can attend the United States Naval Academy (USNA) in Annapolis, Maryland. USNA is the official service academy for both the Navy and Marine Corps. Midshipmen at the Naval Academy can choose the Marine Corps option, and those who meet the requirements and complete training are commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the Marine Corps upon graduation.

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).