MARINES GET AN INSIDE LOOK AT BECOMING AN OFFICER

QUANTICO, VA — U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Christian Carrasco, an environmental compliance officer with Combat Logistics Battalion 25 and native of Poteet, Texas has always dreamed of becoming a Marine Corps officer. “I feel like I have something to offer to the Marine Corps, seeing the officers in their uniforms at the ball and seeing the way they carry themselves…I would like to be that figure … Continue reading MARINES GET AN INSIDE LOOK AT BECOMING AN OFFICER

Marine Corps Rank Structure

Officers Candidates School introduces tactical, operational, and administrative learning objectives. Candidates are encouraged to commit the Marine Corps rank structure to memory before arriving at Marine Corps Base Quantico, the crossroads of the USMC. Here is a complete breakdown of all Enlisted, Warrant Officer, and Officer ranks and associated grades. ENLISTED Often referred to as the backbone of the Corps, enlisted Marines with pay grades … Continue reading Marine Corps Rank Structure

Become an officer

How Do I Know If I Can Lead Marines?

Q: I’m a sophomore in high school. My number one concern is whether or not I’m officer material and can lead Marines. I don’t know if I can hold up to the leadership standards the Marines require. A: That’s a big question. Since you are starting this process so early, I would say the answer to that question is entirely up to you. If you want to … Continue reading How Do I Know If I Can Lead Marines?

Enlisted vs Officer: Know the Difference

Do you understand the Enlisted vs Officer difference? Our OSO friend shared his story in response to this question: I’m a reservist thinking about going to OCS. What is the main difference between being an officer and an enlisted Marine? Especially on the aviation side of the Marine Corps. My Story So I started out enlisting in the Marine Corps right out of high school, … Continue reading Enlisted vs Officer: Know the Difference

OCS is Not Boot Camp 2.0

Thanks to mustang officer 2ndLt W for answering our questions about the transition from enlisted recruit training/boot camp to a law candidate at OCS. Prior Service Marines Coming from a reserve unit and applying through an OSO, my application process was very similar to the one that civilians go through. Reservists go through a few small formalities with their units to get permission and approval to apply to … Continue reading OCS is Not Boot Camp 2.0

Law Candidates, This Will Make You Reconsider OCS

Thanks to Mustang Lt. W for answering our questions about the transition from enlisted Marine to a law candidate at OCS. Can you walk us through Law Candidates process/difference in applying for OCS? Applying for a law contract at OCS is just as easy as applying for a ground contract, but you will just have to show proof of a 150 LSAT or above to your … Continue reading Law Candidates, This Will Make You Reconsider OCS

Marine Mustang Officers Generals Gray Mattis

What’s a Marine Mustang Officer?

Mustang Officer: (slang) A military officer who previously served in the military as an enlisted service member. Most often, Marine Mustang Officers are prior enlisted Marines who commissioned without a break in service. So, they went through OCS via the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Programs, instead of leaving service, going to college perhaps, and then rejoining. In fact, some enlisted Marines attend the Naval Academy while … Continue reading What’s a Marine Mustang Officer?

From Infantry Sergeant to OCS Graduate

Thanks to SSgt San Miguel, an Infantry Marine and MECEP for answering our questions about the MECEP and OCS from a prior service Marines perspective. As far as the difference between an MECEP applying to OCS and a college student, I am not too sure but I can speak on my process from the MECEP standpoint. I want any Marine applying to the MECEP to … Continue reading From Infantry Sergeant to OCS Graduate