ENLISTED TO OFFICER PROGRAMS

Marine Corps Enlisted Commissioning Education Program (MECEP): (Active Duty Only)

This program provides an opportunity for outstanding enlisted men and women on active duty to achieve careers as Marine Corps officers. Marines successfully completing the program receive a baccalaureate degree (four year college/bachelor degree) in an approved area of study.

Eligibility Requirements. Applicants must meet the physical standards for officer candidates as prescribed in the MANMED, except as modified by MCO 1560.15. Applicants may be either married or single and must be a U.S. citizen. They must be capable of obtaining a satisfactory national agency check and be eligible to receive a SECRET clearance. Applicants must have sufficient obligated service as specified in MCO 1560.15. The following additional eligibility requirements pertain:


Grade: Cpl or above.
Age: At least 20 but less than 26 years old by 1 July of the year applying. Waivers will be considered. (Intent is to commission the applicant by age 30.)
Education: Ranked in the top 50% of their high school graduating class or passed the GED equivalency test with a minimum score of 75% on each test.
SAT/ACT: Minimum SAT score of 1000 (Combined math & verbal). Waivers considered if applicant has an EL score of 115 or greater.

Application. Applications will be solicited annually by MCBul 1560 Series. The format for the application will be in accordance with MCO 1560.15. Applications will be submitted to the Commanding General, Marine Corps Recruiting Command (MRON) no later than 31 January of the application year.

Training. Marines selected for participation in the MECEP will be assigned to the MECEP Preparatory School in San Diego, CA, during early June for approximately ten weeks of instruction in mathematics, English, physics, chemistry or physical science, as appropriate to their areas of interest. (Refer to MCO 1560.15 for exceptions to the MECEP Prep school.) Participants will then be assigned to one of the participating institutions in their current grade with fully pay, allowances (excluding proficiency pay), promotional opportunities, and normal leave. Successful completion of Officer Candidates School is required prior to appointment to second lieutenant.


Naval Academy:

The Naval Academy offers qualified Marines an outstanding opportunity to embark on careers as officers in the Marine Corps or Navy. Naval Academy students are Midshipmen, U.S. Navy, receiving appropriate midshipman pay, tuition, room, and board. Upon graduation, they receive a Bachelor of Science degree and are commissioned either the Naval or Marine Corps Reserve. Graduates must be on active duty. The Secretary of the Navy may annually appoint to the Naval Academy 85 enlisted members each on the regular and reserve Marine Corps as well as 85 enlisted members each of the regular and reserve Navy. Reserves include those on inactive duty.

Eligibility Requirements. Eligibility requirements are specified in MCO 1530.11 and MCBul 1530 Series. Applicants must be medically qualified in accordance with the MANMED and MCO 1530.11. An applicant may not be married, pregnant nor have dependent children for which they are legally responsible. They must be a U. S. citizen and be of good moral character. Applicants must have sufficient obligated service as specified in the MCBul 1530 Series. The following additional eligibility requirements pertain:


Age: At least 17 but less than 22 by 1 July of the year entering the Naval Academy. Waivers will not be considered.
Education: Ranked in top 40% in high school with transcripts indicating college prep subjects and grades indicating college capability.
SAT/ACT: Minimum combined SAT score of 950 or ACT score of 43 (verbal/math). These scores are not competitive for entrance into the Naval Academy but will place an applicant in contention for the Naval Academy Prep School (NAPS).

Application. Application for nomination to the Naval Academy will be submitted to the Superintendent, U.S. Naval Academy in accordance with MCO 1530.11. Applications, with endorsements, are due by 31 January of the year of admission of the next class. Applicants are encouraged to make application for a nomination to both their Senators and the Representative from their congressional district.

Training. Four years of study at the Naval Academy resulting in a bachelor of science degree with major subjects in most generally recognized areas, such as mathematics, engineering science, management, etc. Candidates to the NAPS receive nine months of intensive instruction in preparation for the academic, military, and physical training curriculums at the Naval Academy. (Attendance at NAPS is not mandatory for Marine appointments to the Naval Academy.)


Enlisted Commissioning Program (ECP): (Active Duty and Active Reserve Only)

This program is intended to provide an opportunity to gain commissioned status as unrestricted Reserve officers. It allows qualified enlisted Marines in the Regular Marine Corps and in the Marine Corps Active Reserve (AR) Program to apply for assignment to Officer Candidates School (OCS) and subsequent appointment to unrestricted commissioned officer grade in the Marine Corps Reserve. Applicants must have satisfactorily earned a baccalaureate level degree from a regionally accredited college or university prior to applying for the program. This program is not intended to serve as a commissioning program for Marines who are better suited to serve as warrant officers. An aviator option is available to qualified applicants.


Meritorious Commissioning Program (MCP): (Active Duty and Active Reserve Only)

The Meritorious Commissioning Program provides an opportunity to gain commissioned status as unrestricted Reserve officers. This program allows commanding officers the opportunity to nominate qualified enlisted Marines in the regular Marine Corps and the Active Reserve Program, who have demonstrated exceptional leadership potential, for assignment to OCS and subsequent commissioning in the Marine Corps Reserve. Applicants must have satisfactorily earned an associated level degree or completed 60 semester hours or more of unduplicated college work at a regionally accredited college or university. Enlisted Marines possessing a 4-year degree are not eligible for MCP. This program is not intended to serve as a commissioning program for Marines who are better suited to serve as warrant officers. An aviator option is available to qualified applicants.

Eligibility, Application and Training for ECP and MCP

Eligibility Requirements. Eligibility requirements are specified in MCO 1040.43. Applicants for either program must be a United States citizen and be of unquestionable moral integrity. They cannot have any record of conviction by a court-martial or a civilian court, other minor traffic violations. The following additional eligibility requirements pertain for both programs:

Age: Ground candidates must be at least 21 years of age and less than 30 years of age on date of appointment to commissioned grade. Aviation candidates must be at least 21 years of age and less than 27 1/2 years of age on date of appointment to commissioned grade. No waivers will be considered for age requirements.
Aptitude Test Scores: Must possess either a minimum combined Math and Verbal SAT score of 1000; or a minimum combined Math and English score of 45; or minimum EL score of 115 from the AFCT. Refer to MCO 1040.43 for additional requirements.

Application. Applications will be submitted in accordance with MCO 1040.43 to formal selection boards convened by the CMC to select the best qualified for commissioning. The formal selection boards will convene three times per year. An annual selection board schedule will be released by ALMAR announcing the application deadlines, board convening dates, and training periods.

Training. Personnel selected will be assigned to a 10-week officer candidate class at Quantico, Virginia. Candidates who successfully complete OCS and who are recommended by the CG, MCCDC, will be appointed to the grade of second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. All officers so appointed will be further assigned to The Basic School for commissioned officer training.

Service Obligation. All applicants must agree that upon acceptance of a commission to serve at least 8 years in the Marine Corps Reserve from date of appointment to commissioned grade. A minimum of the first 3 1/2 years of that obligation must be served on extended active duty (EAD). Those Marines selected for the aviator option must consent to serve a minimum of 96 months on EAD if trained as a jet pilot and 72 months if trained as a helicopter or fixed wing transport pilot from the date of designation as a Naval Aviator.


Enlisted to Warrant Officer Program (WO):

The Warrant Officer Program is designed to provide to Marine Corps with technical specialists who perform duties that require extensive knowledge of a particular MOS and who can be assigned to successive tours of duty in their primary MOS. Applicants must be technically and professionally qualified to serve in one of the MOS's listed in the current Marine Corps Bulletin 1040 series soliciting applications for the year in which application is made. Qualified Active Duty, SMCR, and AR enlisted Marines are encourage to apply in accordance with MCO 1040.42. Marines selected for the program will be appointed to the grade of Warrant Officer (WO1) as indicated in the Marine Corps Bulletin soliciting applications.

Eligibility Requirements. Eligibility requirements are specified in MCO 1040.42 and the Marine Corps Bulletin in the 1040 series published annually to solicit applications for the program. All applicants must meet the basic reenlistment prerequisites per MCO P1040.31 (active duty applicants) and MCO P1040R.35 (reserve applicants). The following are a few of the eligibility requirements:

Grade: Sergeant or above.
Service: Active Duty - At least 8 years and less than 16 years of active naval service as of date of appointment. SMCR/AR - At least 8 years and less than 20 years of naval service as of the date of appointment.
Aptitude Test Scores: Either a minimum combined English and math score of 39 on the ACT; or a minimum combined math and verbal score of 900 on the SAT; or a minimum EL score of 110 from the ASVAB/AFCT.

Application. Applications will be submitted to the Commanding General, Marine Corps Recruiting Command (MROE) in accordance with the guidelines set forth in applicable current Marine Corps bulletins wand references.

Training. Attend the Warrant Officer Basic Course (WOBC) at Quantico, Virginia.


Enlisted to Warrant Officer (Gunner) Program: (Active Duty Only)

The Gunner program is designed to take qualified applicants from the ranks of the infantry senior staff NCO's and designated them "Marine Gunners". As Infantry Weapons officers, Marines selected will be a source of expertise on all aspects of infantry weapons. "Gunners" are expected to maintain a high degree of expertise by combining consecutive tours in the FMF with occasional training bullets. Due to continual FMF assignment, Marine Gunners should expect to spend a large amount of the time deployed. Selected applicants will be appointed to the grade of permanent CWO2 in MOS 0306.

Eligibility Requirements. Applicants must meet the basic reenlistment prerequisites per MCO P1040.31. They must have a GT Score of 110 or higher. Refer to MCBul 1040, Enlisted to Warrant Officer (Marine Gunner) Program for additional eligibility requirements.

Applications. Applications will be submitted to the Commanding General, Marine Corps Recruiting Command (MROE) per the instructions in MCBul 1040, Enlisted to Warrant Officer (Marine Gunner) Program.

Training. Marines selected will attend the Warrant Officer Basic Course (WOBC) at Quantico, Virginia. Following completion of the WOBC, selectees will attend the Infantry Officer Course and Weapons Instructor course.


Selected Marine Corps Reserve Direct Commissioning (SMCRDC) Program: (Reserve Only)

This program provides an opportunity for enlisted and WO/CWOs of the SMCR and AR marines to gain commissioned status in the Reserve unrestricted officer structure. The SMCRDC is a highly selective program and is not intended to serve as a commissioning program for Marines who are better suited to serve as Staff Noncommissioned Officers or Warrant officers.

Eligibility Requirements. Eligibility requirements are specified in MCO 1040R.10.

Applications. Applications will be submitted to the Commandant of the Marine Corps (MROE) anytime per the instructions in MCO 1040R.10.

Training. Marine selected will attend a 10 week Officer Candidates Course at OCS prior to appointment as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Subsequent to commissioning, the new officer will be required to attend The Basic School with the exception of those WOs who have already attended either the WO Basic Course or the Reserve WO Basic Course.

___________________________

MSgt USMC Retired
0369/8513/8541/8531

"He's a good enough fellow... but I fear he may be another Alcibiades."

From the cowardice that dares not face new truths,
From laziness that is content with half truths,
From the arrogance that thinks it knows all truth,
Good Lord, deliver me.
- KENYAN PRAYER

...the nrotc program is also available, generally to more junior enlisted Marines. anyone interested can find info on the CNET website or at https://www.nrotc.navy.mil/
hope it helps

Thank you, this was extremely informative!

that was exactly what I was looking for

If I become an enlisted Marine after college, and after a few years I decide to apply for OCS and get selected, will they release me from enlisted active duty to go attend OCS?

Ok..So If I join as Enlisted..and Then get my degree while I am in the Corps..I can then apply for a Commission?..And after I finish OCS I will be in the Marine Corps Reserve?..and not active duty? Please answer this question I am confused.

quote:

Originally posted by giggs88:
If I become an enlisted Marine after college, and after a few years I decide to apply for OCS and get selected, will they release me from enlisted active duty to go attend OCS?

I think you should just go directly to OCS if you have a college degree..No point in going through the hassle of switching from enlisted to OCS..Well that's just my opinion.

quote:

Originally posted by Steviethekid:
Ok..So If I join as Enlisted..and Then get my degree while I am in the Corps..I can then apply for a Commission?..And after I finish OCS I will be in the Marine Corps Reserve?..and not active duty?

Your commission will be in the Reserves but you have an ACTIVE DUTY OBLIGATION. After you complete your AD obligation, you must compete to "Augment" or remain on AD. If you your augmentation is apporved then your commission becomes a regular commission and you can stay in as long as they'll let you.

Thank you for your help.

So if i want to become an enlisted Marine, could i then during my time enlisted do the NROTC program?

Also, how does the training at boot camp differ from OCS/TBS?

If I did NROTC could I serve only as a Reservist so I could get my graduate degree?

Then MECEP and the Naval Academy are the only two things that will give regular commissions? I just want to make sure that I'm understanding correctly.

quote:

Originally posted by oorah_man:
If I did NROTC could I serve only as a Reservist so I could get my graduate degree?

No. Not in the Marine Corps you can't.

quote:

Originally posted by Stormier:
Then MECEP and the Naval Academy are the only two things that will give regular commissions?

Nope. Everyone gets a reserve commission as of now. That has been in place for about eight or nine years.

Ok, thanks. So, like say, you graduate from the Academy and have a committment of eight years. After this, then you can become regular if you want?

quote:

Originally posted by Stormier:
Ok, thanks. So, like say, you graduate from the Academy and have a committment of eight years. After this, then you can become regular if you want?

The AD commitment for USNA (or any other service academy) is actually 5 years (and 3 reserve).

I enlisted May 31st of this year, and leave May 30th of '06. I was planning on doing the MECEP program, but I am definately not top 50% of my graduating class. Does that mean I am SOL?

quote:

Originally posted by Timarine:
I enlisted May 31st of this year, and leave May 30th of '06. I was planning on doing the MECEP program, but I am definately not top 50% of my graduating class. Does that mean I am SOL?

First of all, become a Marine first, see if you like the Corps, then apply for MECEP. All the guys I've known that said, "I'm going to enlist and go for MECEP," NEVER did. They either ended up not liking the Corps and its responsibilities, or they never enlisted. (I'm not saying you'll be like that, but it is important to like your job and like being a Marine FIRST.)

Secondly, there's BOOST (Broadened Opportunity for Officer Selection and Training) you can look into. If you get picked for this, you go to a ten month course that will prep you for college. Upon successful completion of BOOST, you get picked up by either the Naval Academy, NROTC or MECEP.

But again, since you're enlisting first, you need to concentrate on that before you go for any commissioning programs. And when you're already a Marine, you really need to really shine at your MOS and your duties if you hope to get picked up for any of these programs.

All right thanks for the info. Is there a need to be worried about my class rank should I like my MOS and am good to go? Does BOOST have any requirements like class rank that would disqualify me?

Once again thanks and I will focus on being the best enlisted Marine I can be.

quote:

Originally posted by Timarine:
All right thanks for the info. Is there a need to be worried about my class rank should I like my MOS and am good to go? Does BOOST have any requirements like class rank that would disqualify me?

I don't know about class rank for BOOST, but I do know that BOOST is a second opportunity for USNA and NROTC if you couldn't get it while still in HS. (MECEP too, but again, MECEP is for Marines who have already proven themselves. I know Marines who got into MECEP via BOOST.)

quote:

Once again thanks and I will focus on being the best enlisted Marine I can be.

That's the spirit! Good luck to you!

How likely is that that enlisted soldiers can make it through MECEP or into the Academy if they had a really good high school record and >1200 on the SAT? Assuming that they are do they try to be the best soldier they can be as well. I could definitely make it into college at this point, but I'm not sure that I want to go to college at this point. Any serious replies would be much appreciated. Thanks.