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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?
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
This post is aimed directly at the hard-charging future Marine in high school who does not really understand the different implications between the enlisted vs officer paths. First, for a very thorough discussion of how to decide which path is better for you, read the following post on Future Jarheads: Should I Become an Officer or Go Enlisted? Myth #1: Officer prospects must join the military ASAP … Continue reading Dispelling 5 Enlisted vs Officer Myths for Future Jarheads
Candidate Question: Will getting dropped from OCS permanently disqualify me from enlisted service? Answer: No. Every service is always looking for a few good men and women. You are allowed to enlist, if you really want to, after getting dropped from OCS. However, it’s roughly the equivalent of getting your degree, applying to a white-collar job at some Fortune 500 company’s corporate office, bombing the interview, … Continue reading Can I Enlist After Getting Dropped From OCS?
OSO: Officer Selection Officer Marine recruiters come in two categories: generic “Recruiters” usually refers to those serving the Enlisted Marine pipeline. An “Officer Recruiter” is an OSO, or Officer Selection Officer. He works out of an OSO…the Officer Selection Office. How to Contact an OSO This is where the confusion comes from. You might find OSO contact information online or at your college, but it’s … Continue reading How Do I Find a Marine Officer Recruiter? (Hint, it’s an “OSO”)
Candidate Question: I am currently enrolled in college, majoring in Computer Science. I have struggled quite a bit in finding a major to stick with, but am now positive this is the right major for me. I currently have roughly a 3.0 GPA and will continue to improve on that as I go. I have always been interested in serving our country. …after personal family … Continue reading Should I Talk to an OSO Before I’m “Ready” for OCS?
Interested in Becoming an Officer in the Marines? The Why – The What – The How The Why: Find your motivation What attracts you to becoming a Marine Corps officer? Before you make a life-altering commitment, you need to examine your motivation and your perception of military life versus the reality. First, let’s consider your motivation. Many things go into possible motivation, and here are a few examples: Are … Continue reading Becoming An Officer
The costs of joining the Marine Corps If you’re on the fence about joining, even after talking to a recruiter or Officer Selection Office, this post will not push you towards the “Join” side. Brace yourself for the dirty little secrets of the unglamorous side of Marine Corps officer life. You will miss your family If you have a close relationship with your family, sorry, … Continue reading Join the Military–With Your Eyes Wide Open
Candidate Question: Upon graduating college in 2009 I began the Army OCS and Air Force OTS application. At the time I knew very little about the various service branches and what life as a military officer would be like. Around October of 2009 I received a job officer to work with an alumni for a military non-profit in the Washington, DC area. At that point … Continue reading Candidate Q: Not Competitive for the Board? Now What?
This question is from a few weeks ago but should help clarify the thinking of the many applicants who have not been selected this year. Candidate’s Question: I had a few questions about being selected for OCS. I am 21. I contracted twice for the PLC program and was not selected because of my PFT run time which was 25:40 the first year and 23:30 … Continue reading Enlist First, Try to Commission Later?
