Many questions to ponder upon when thinking about joining the Marines. Will you fit in? Are you old enough? Are you too old? Can you score well on the ASVAB, the basic qualifying test to enlist in the military?
Eligibility rules can be a little confusing. There are different rules for enlisting and for officer programs. Eligibility for Marine Corps is as following:
Enlisting: Enlisted members do the hands-on work of the military. They need at least a high school degree (a GED may or may not suffice).
Officer: Officers are the managers of the military. Most officer programs require a college degree at minimum, and are very competitive. Many officers have master’s or higher degrees.
Before you visit your local recruiter, be sure you meet the minimum qualifications for serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Some qualifications are required by all five services:
- You must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien.
- You must be at least 17 years old (17-year old applicants require parental consent).
- You must (with very few exceptions) have a high school diploma.
- You must pass a physical medical exam.
The enlisting requirements for the Marine Corps is as following:
- Meet exacting physical, mental, and moral standards.
- Be between the ages of 17-29. Waivers may be available for those over the enlisted age.
- Pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test. (Minimum AFQT Score: 32)
- Women are eligible to enlist in all occupational exception of combat arms specialties: infantry, tank and amphibian tractor crew members.
7 Steps:
Is the Marine Corps right for me?
