Becoming an Enlisted Marine
Enlisted Marines make up the majority of the Marine Corps. They are trained to respond whenever necessary and are ready to protect our nation's interests in the air, on the ground and at sea.
To become an enlisted Marine, it takes the ability to achieve the highest standards of moral, mental and physical strength. For your son, daughter or student to become a Marine, he or she must meet the following requirements.- Must be between the ages of 17 and 29
- Must be a high school graduate or have earned a GED
- Must meet physical requirements, including a timed run, push-ups and crunches
- Must earn a qualifying score on the ASVAB test
A Marine Corps Recruiter can explain eligibility requirements for enlistment and waivers in further detail.
Marine Corps Recruit Training will be one of the most mentally and physically challenging experiences of your son’s or daughter’s life. In rising to this challenge, the character and abilities developed and the resulting pride will be worth the effort.
During Recruit Training, your son or daughter will be known as a recruit, and he or she will join men and women who have chosen this same path. Together they will form a strong bond that will last not only during their time in the Marine Corps, but throughout life.
At the end of Recruit Training, your recruit will become your Marine.
It’s also important to know the following regarding Recruit Training:- Training is 12 weeks of intense academic, physical and moral challenges.
- Training will prepare your son or daughter for the Marine Corps mission of defending our nation.
- If your son, daughter or student is not ready for Recruit Training, he or she can enroll in the Delayed Entry Program (DEP) which allows up to one year to become physically and mentally ready for training.
- Family and friends are encouraged to attend graduation.
Every Marine trains for a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), a specific role or job that contributes to the Marine Corps mission. Whether deployed overseas or supporting operations on bases here in the U.S., your Marine will execute key strategies and lead with confidence.
Additional information:- After graduation from Recruit Training, your Marine will undergo specialized training to prepare for their MOS (the term for a Marine's job).
- Deployment can take Marines all over the world on combat, humanitarian, peacekeeping and training missions.
- All Marine Corps bases include housing, health care and recreational facilities.
- Marines are given 30 days of leave (the military term for vacation) throughout the year.
Downloads
Talking to Your Son or Daughter about Becoming a Marine
Talking to Your Student about Becoming a Marine
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Comments (58)
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Other
Hi, Trae Miller here i am a 14 year old freshmen in high school fromLousiana and I am a patriot above anyone i know i have Ol Glory herself on my wall above my bed and really want to enlist in the marines I under stand fully what i must do and i understand that i must become a rifle man and i have already fired an M16, A5 Cabine, M14, and about every hunting rifle down here anyway i want to know if i can get a recruiter and email him qeustions thankyou and God Bless America.
Posted by: Trae Miller on 01/22/2012
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Supporter
I'm 16 and I sign my DEP papers in November, I can't wait to become a United States Marine.
Posted by: Ty Yeaton on 01/22/2012
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Other
Im 13 Years old and in 8th grade. I want to become a enlisted Marine. I know about the 12 weeks and all the training you do in those 12 weeks. I was hope someone could tell me things to do everyday so i can be mentally and physically be perpared.
Posted by: Alijah Evans on 12/23/2011
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Other
As for the physical aspect you could get in touch with a recruiter and see if they have an open P.T. where you would train with poolees, marines fresh out of boot, and other people like you. When it comes to the mental aspect you could do some reaserch into a JROTC program and find out just what kind of person a marine really is.
Posted by: Sami Malhas on 01/11/2012
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Supporter
im of 16 years old and im graduating highschool in two more years, would it be a better to drop out and get my GED so i can join the marine corp earlier? -pj
Posted by: percy zuzunaga on 12/15/2011
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COMMUNITY MANAGER
Hi Percy, the Marine Corps limits the number of applicants with a GED to 5% percent each year, and they 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, visit http://bit.ly/frOFiU or call 1-800-MARINES to contact a recruiter.
Posted by: Community Manager on 12/20/2011
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Father
My sons recuiter told him for him to enlist and go to boot camp quickly he had to enlist as a Reservist. And once he got thru with his training he could become on Active Duty. He has gone thru Parris Island, received an award for his shooting, finished combat training in North Carolina and now is in 29 Palms in Communication training. He Graduates on November 9th. He wants to make a career in the Marines. He talked to his recruiter to see about becoming on active duty to make his Career and his recruiter told him he may not be able to become active. He called us very disappointed about his recruiter lying to him. My question is Can he change from Reservist to Active duty. If not why would a recruiter tell a kid something just to get him to sign up. If we would have known this we would have waited until he could have signed up as an enlisted marine. Please can you help me out. Thanks from a concerned Father of a Marine
Posted by: Charles Jenkins on 11/28/2011
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Supporter
My name is Miguel Macadaeg, from Manila, Philippines. I'm 20 years old and very interested in becoming an enlisted Marine or an officer. The problem is, I am not a US citizen, nor am I a legal immigrant. If i apply for legal immigration with the express purpose of joining the Marines, God willing I pass all requirements, will I be granted legal immigration?
I also wanted to inquire if there are any benefits to enlisting, being a college graduate.
I hope to hear back from you soon, as I would like nothing more than to serve in the United States Marine Corp.
Thank you.
Posted by: Miguel Macadaeg on 11/19/2011
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Mother
My son wants to join the Marines. He is currently going to school to get his GED, is that good enough to join the Marines?
Posted by: Tammy Cooper on 08/24/2011
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146
Current Marine
He needs high school diplomia of any kind
Posted by: Dalton Heath on 12/13/2011
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26
Current Marine
He will also need 15hrs of collge classes.
Posted by: Dalton Heath on 12/13/2011
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31
Family
My grand daughter Brittney Miller just boarded the bus to basic.."The Marines"!! We are so proud of her!!
Posted by: Cynthia Anthony on 08/08/2011
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Other
Hi, my name is Santiago I'm 23 and I live in Uruguay. I would like to know if it's possible to join the US marines. I really like how intense is the trainning, and it would be an honor to defend the country that I respect so much and the country that I like. I would be pround in becoming a US marine and a US civilian. I have High school finished here in Uruguay.
Thank you very much,
Sincerely
Santiago Klappenbach
PS:I have High school finished here in Uruguay.
Posted by: Santiago Klappenbach on 07/12/2011
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Family
Im 13 and im really interested in joining the Marine Corps when im old enough and im in 8th grade.My brother has been in the Marines for 8 years and he keeps telling me not to go in when im old enough but i really want to so if you can...will you reply and tell me what goes on during boot camp so i can have a better understanding of what i would go through.
Thank you, Tori
Posted by: Tori Welch on 06/28/2011
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Mother
My son is being told that because he has a GED he needs 15 hrs of college credit before he can join the Marines. Is this true and if so why is that not stated on your web page?
Posted by: Mary Strickell on 06/28/2011
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Other
Its true and all branches of the military require the fifteen credits now. I also obtained a GED and am working towards the 15 credits. The best thing he can do is apply for the pell grant through the fafsa website. Take as much fast track 3-4 week classes as he can at the local community or state college. I got ten done in three weeks and will have the other five on August 2nd.
Hope that helps...
Posted by: Clayton Allison on 07/01/2011
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Other
Hi! my name is Cindy, i have been interested in joining the Marines since the 6th grade, im 18 and finishing up in high school as we speak. i would really love to join the Marines but i dont know if my career in mind can be set by joining? really want to know if i can get my career in mind started as marine. info would be very helpful thank you!
Posted by: Cindy Flores on 06/14/2011
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COMMUNITY MANAGER
Cindy,
To enlist or discuss opportunities in the United States Marine Corps, visit http://bit.ly/frOFiU or call 1-800-MARINES to contact a recruiter.
-LifeAsAMarine.com Community Manager
Posted by: Community Manager on 06/15/2011
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123
Supporter
Hi my name is Doug. I have been set on joining the Marine Reserve for some time now. i am older than the average recruit (I am 25 years old currently) but i have a clean bill of health and am in good physical shape. I do not have a high school diploma but I do have a GED. Are there any reasons I should be concerned about that could disqualify me from enlistment ? Thank you.
Posted by: Doug Penwell on 05/30/2011
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122
COMMUNITY MANAGER
Doug, Reserve Marines go through the same intense training programs and work in the same occupational fields as active-duty Marines, and as they train part-time at a Marine Corps Reserve unit near their home or school, these Marines can continue to pursue a full-time civilian career or education. To get answers to your questions about joining the Marine Corps Reserve, contact a recruiter at http://bit.ly/ijZExX. />
-LifeAsAMarine.com Community Manager
Posted by: Community Manager on 05/31/2011
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111
Other
honorables marines, mi nombre es david nieto, tengo 19 años, soy de colombia y ya preste mi servicio militar en mi pais, me gustaria saber si yo podria incorporarme en el cuerpo de infanteria de marina
Posted by: david nieto on 05/09/2011
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128
Other
i'm 24 and i'm an albanian citizen, currently i live and study in italy. i know that to join the marine corp i must have the green card or citizenship, but in my country is very hard to get the green card so can you help me some way ?
Posted by: tedi demiri on 05/02/2011
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130
Other
i am 13 and i want to become a marine but i live in england and i am still in secondary school. how do i become an american citizen?
Posted by: itanna alakija on 04/18/2011
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130
Other
I'm a 23 yr old male prior Army E-4 13F with an honorable discharge. I was wondering if the Marines were taking prior service members other than just prior Marines? Thanks for the help.
Posted by: Adam McClure on 03/23/2011
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141
COMMUNITY MANAGER
Adam, />
Service members of other branches of the military interested in becoming a Marine must meet the same standards and requirements that all civilians do, including completing Marine Corps recruit training. Get in touch with a Marine Corps recruiter at http://bit.ly/dJMUwK.
-LifeAsaMarine Community Manager
Posted by: Community Manager on 03/23/2011
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134
Other
I am 16 and will be turning 17 on june 6. I was wondering when I'll be able to talk to a recruiter.?
Posted by: michael cooper on 03/22/2011
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138
COMMUNITY MANAGER
Michael,
To enlist or discuss opportunities in the United States Marine Corps, visit http://bit.ly/frOFiU or call 1-800-MARINES to contact a recruiter.
-LifeAsAMarine Community Manager
Posted by: Community Manager on 03/22/2011
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142
Teacher
I would like a recruiter to e-mail me. I would like a recruiter come speak to my classroom of students.
Posted by: Linda Matthews on 03/16/2011
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140
COMMUNITY MANAGER
Linda,
To be connected to a Marine recruiter in your area please call 1 800 MARINES.
-LifeAsAMarine.com Community Manager
Posted by: Community Manager on 03/16/2011
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132
Supporter
Hi, I am 15 and very interested in becoming a marine. I have no problem with doing crunches and pull ups, however, my running is not that great. Do you think I would still have a good chance a Boot Camp?
Posted by: Matthew Brown on 03/15/2011
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136
COMMUNITY MANAGER
Matthew, />
To prepare for the physical demands of Marine Corps Recruit Training, you should know that a perfect score of 300 for a male on the Marine Corps' Physical Fitness Test (PFT) consists of 20 pull-ups, 100 crunches in less than two minutes, and a 3-mile run in 18 minutes or less. However, the minimum passing score is 135. 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. Contact a recruiter at http://bit.ly/gm06Z4.
-LifeAsAMarine.com Community Manager
Posted by: Community Manager on 03/22/2011
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161
Supporter
i was going to join the national guard but fail a pee test that was 8 months ago. am i able to join the Marines ??
Posted by: tj smiff on 03/09/2011
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142
Father
I'm very proud of my son joining the Marines, but my son was told months ago that he would most likely go to boot camp in october, but today they told him that October might not be possible until 2012 because they have no room....why is it that it take so long to go to boot camp?
Posted by: Juan Mejias on 03/02/2011
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152
COMMUNITY MANAGER
Juan,
Time between enlisting and your recruit training ship date can vary widely, and depends primarily on the needs of the Corps. Currently, most enlistees are experiencing a 6-9 month wait time, but your son's recruiter will be able to provide you with a more accurate answer.
-LifeAsAMarine.com Community Manager
Posted by: Community Manager on 03/03/2011
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148
Other
HELLO.
I would like us to join the Marines, but I am not a citizen of the United States (I'm from Mexico) I have 17 years and am about to finish high school specializing in mathematical physics and computer technician.
I can enter? Join the us Marines is my dream.
Thank you very much for your time.
Posted by: oscar valenzuela on 02/19/2011
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143
COMMUNITY MANAGER
Oscar, />
Thank you for your interest. You must be a United States citizen or legal immigrant to enlist in the Marine Corps. Once a Marine, non-citizens are eligible for naturalization, and many general naturalization requirements may be diminished or waived for qualifying service members. You can find more information on citizenship and military service at http://bit.ly/hFpH4T or contact a Marine Corps recruiter at http://bit.ly/eDsX6R.
-LifeAsAMarine Community Manager
Posted by: Community Manager on 02/21/2011
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145
Father
Hello, my son wants to become a Marine. He is currently 14 years old but we live in Italy. I am a US citizen, so is my son, born and raised there for his first 11 years. My concern is the requirement of being a high school graduate or to have a GED. If we are still living here by the time he graduates from high school, will his Italian diploma convert or be acceptable for Marine recruitment? I tried the 'contact a recruiter' page but could not complete it due to address and phone number requirements. Thank you for any information you can provide.
Posted by: Gregg M. on 01/16/2011
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170
COMMUNITY MANAGER
Gregg, />
You must be a United States citizen or legal immigrant to enlist in the Marine Corps. Once a Marine, non-citizens are eligible for naturalization, and many general naturalization requirements may be diminished or waived for qualifying service members. You can find more information on citizenship and military service at http://bit.ly/hFpH4T or contact a Marine Corps recruiter at http://bit.ly/eDsX6R.
-LifeAsAMarine.com Community Manager
Posted by: Community Manager on 03/22/2011
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136
Father
I understand the citizenship requirements, and as stated, both he and I are US citizens. My concern, which I can not get answers to anywhere is the requirement for high school graduate or GED. If he graduates from the Italian school system, will that be an acceptable document or will he have to do more education in order to get a US high school diploma.
Thanks
Posted by: Gregg M. on 03/24/2011
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128
COMMUNITY MANAGER
James,
Thank you for your interest in the Marine Corps. To learn more about the medical standards for enlisting please contact your local recruiter. To find the recruiter nearest you please visit www.Marines.com/RMI
Thank you,
LifeAsAMarine.com Community Manager
Posted by: Community Manager on 12/15/2010
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162
Other
What are some of the reasons I could be refused enlistment by the Marine Corps?
I have a few medical issues that I was told could be an issue; Gaucoma and a Heart Murmer are the main things. Would this be an issue?
Posted by: James Grubb on 12/15/2010
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199
Other
i am 17 and will be enlisting as soon as i graduate...are we supposed to drive to our recruit depot or will we be transported by the usmc. if so, what do we do with our vehicles?
Posted by: Greg Gibson on 11/27/2010
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210
Former Marine
Greg, Thank you for your interest in the Marine Corps along with your intent to join the ranks. From my experience, I was picked up at the recruiter's office and transported to our local MEPS station in Tampa, FL. I then boarded a commercial flight to South Carolina. Boarded a bus and was transported to Parris Island. Hope this helps and good luck!!
Posted by: Kirk Smurawa on 03/13/2011
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138
Supporter
Hi. I am 14 and I want to be a Marine. I read the information on this site and some others and I was just wondering what the physical requirements are and what boot camp is like? Thank you and GOD BLESS USMC!
Posted by: Jospeh Noble on 11/24/2010
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213
COMMUNITY MANAGER
Joseph,
To prepare for the physical demands of Marine Corps Recruit Training, you should know that a perfect score of 300 for a male on the Marine Corps' Physical Fitness Test (PFT) consists of 20 pull-ups, 100 crunches in less than two minutes, and a 3-mile run in 18 minutes or less. However, the minimum passing score is 135. 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. Contact a recruiter at http://bit.ly/gm06Z4 or call 1-800-MARINES.
-LifeAsAMarine.com Community Manager
Posted by: Community Manager on 03/03/2011
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167
Family
i live in Dear ID, and was wondering if i could get some recruiter info for around here.
Posted by: Jacob Wheeler on 11/09/2010
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210
COMMUNITY MANAGER
Jacob,
To enlist or discuss opportunities in the United States Marine Corps, visit http://bit.ly/frOFiU or call 1-800-MARINES to contact a recruiter.
-LifeAsAMarine.com Community Manager
Posted by: Community Manager on 03/03/2011
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148
Other
I am 14 and i want to be a Marine and i have my college picked out and i want to enroll as soon as i get out of college
Posted by: Connor Dextraze on 09/26/2010
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246
Friend
I am a prior service sailor looking for information on becoming a Marine can anyone help me if you have any info please.
Posted by: Michael Martin on 09/26/2010
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223
COMMUNITY MANAGER
Michael, />
Service members of other branches of the military interested in becoming a Marine must meet the same standards and requirements that all civilians do, including completing Marine Corps recruit training. Get in touch with a Marine Corps recruiter at http://bit.ly/dJMUwK.
-LifeAsaMarine Community Manager
Posted by: Community Manager on 03/22/2011
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141
COMMUNITY MANAGER
Jonathan - To contact a Recruiter about information on graduation requirements and other steps to becoming a Marine, please fill out the RMI form on Marines.com
http://www.marines.com/rmi
Posted by: Community Manager on 09/13/2010
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243
COMMUNITY MANAGER
Casey - Yes, these are still the correct requirements for receiving a 300 on the Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test. For more information on preparing for and completing Marine Corps Recruit Training, visit http://www.marines.com/main/index/making_marines/recruit_training.
Posted by: Community Manager on 09/13/2010
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226
Family
What is a perfect score for a PFT now? is it still 3 miles in 18:00, 100 crunches in two minutes, and 20 pull ups?
Posted by: casey waid on 09/01/2010
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251
Other
hey what happends when you dont got a high school diploma can they help me to get one?..
Posted by: Jonathan Taracena on 08/29/2010
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253
COMMUNITY MANAGER
Jonathan,
To enlist or discuss opportunities in the United States Marine Corps, visit http://bit.ly/frOFiU or call 1-800-MARINES to contact a recruiter.
-LifeAsAMarine Community Manager
Posted by: Community Manager on 03/22/2011
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125
COMMUNITY MANAGER
Anthony - A Marine Corps recruiter is the best resource for information related to enlistment requirements that are specific to your situation. Please fill out the form located on Marines.com to find a recruiter near you: http://www.marines.com/rmi
Thanks for joining LifeAsAMarine.com!
Posted by: Community Manager on 08/20/2010
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230
Other
What are the requirements for a citizen of Jamaica?
Posted by: Anthony Hamilton on 07/26/2010
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260
COMMUNITY MANAGER
Anthony, />
Thank you for your interest. You must be a United States citizen or legal immigrant to enlist in the Marine Corps. Once a Marine, non-citizens are eligible for naturalization, and many general naturalization requirements may be diminished or waived for qualifying service members. You can find more information on citizenship and military service at http://bit.ly/hFpH4T or contact a Marine Corps recruiter at http://bit.ly/eDsX6R.
-LifeAsAMarine Community Manager
Posted by: Community Manager on 02/21/2011
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137