Q: What’s the difference between enlisting and becoming an officer?
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 college graduates and include ranks from Second Lieutenant to General. Whether your son, daughter or student is considering college or not, the Marine Corps offers options for both. Learn more about the various opportunities in The Marines and College.

Q: Will my son, daughter or student be asked to sign anything on their first visit to a recruiter?
A: Your son, daughter or student is under no obligation when speaking to a recruiter. At certain steps in the decision process, such as before taking the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test, he or she may be asked to sign paperwork. Learn more about the Recruiters Role.

Q: How do I learn more about education opportunities offered by the Marine Corps?
A:The Marine Corps offers Tuition Assistance, the Post 9-11 GI Bill, the Marine Corps College Fund, and other educational opportunities. You can learn more about these opportunities in The Marines and College.

Q: What benefits—such as health insurance, vacation time and education reimbursement—do 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 leader of United States Marines. You can learn more about Travel and Leave; Health care and Insurance; and College Assistance in our Benefits section.

Q: What are the age restrictions of the Marine Corps?
A:The Marine Corps accepts Recruits ages 17-29; however, those 17 years of age require parental permission.

Q: Will the Marine Corps uphold the values that I have instilled in my son, daughter or student?
A:The Marine Corps instills Honor, Courage, and Commitment, which are the three core values. Marines are held to the highest standards, ethically and morally. Respect for others is essential, and Marines are expected to act responsibly in a manner befitting the title they’ve earned.

Q: How do I talk to my son, daughter or student about becoming a Marine?
A: We have provided some discussion topics to help start the conversation with your son, daughter or student.

Q: What type of training will my son, daughter or student receive in the Marine Corps?
A:Marines receive training that prepares them to be a Force in Readiness. Your son, daughter or student will receive training that will prepare them to win both on and off the battlefield.

Q: What are the physical requirements that my son, daughter or student will need to meet for the Marine Corps?
A:Your son, daughter or student will be in the best physical shape of his or her life while transforming into a Marine. Learn more about the physical demands of Recruit Training.

Q: Are there other parents or mentors with whom I could talk about their experience?
A:The Marine Corps is a not only a brotherhood, but it is a network of Marine families. Support is a distinguishing characteristic of the Corps. Learn more about the groups that you can connect with and how to support your family and your Marine.

Q: Where can I find stories of successful Marines to share with my son, daughter or student?
A: The Marine Corps creates successful individuals whether they are leading on or off the field. You can read about these outstanding individuals in Hometown Marines.

Q: How much will my son, daughter or student earn in the Marine Corps?
A:Learn more about salary information within the Corps.

Q: What kind of stress will my family endure if my son or daughter becomes a Marine?
A:Service in the Marine Corps is an honor, but it brings some stresses unfamiliar to civilian families. The demands of the Marine Corps are shared by both the Marine and his or her family. There are Marine family groups you can reach out to comprised of families who have shared your experiences.

Q: How can I support my son or daughter in his or her decision to become a Marine?
A: Learn more about how you can support your son’s or daughter’s decision.