Joining the Marines is a chance to get your career on track and be a part of something greater than yourself. However, you must be aware of the Marine Corps requirements for enlistment.
Your first step is to discuss your goals and plans with a recruiter.
However, it is an excellent idea to prepare for your recruiter’s conversation by being aware of the basic requirements first.
Related Article – US Marine Corps PFT / CFT Calculator
Table of Contents
Height & Weight Requirements
The Marines, like the other military branches, take physical fitness seriously.
Therefore, they have strict guidelines in place for weight as it relates to your height.
Marine Corps Weight Standards for Men
| Height (inches) | Minimum Weight (in lbs.) | Maximum Weight (in lbs.) |
|---|---|---|
| 56 | 85 | 122 |
| 57 | 88 | 127 |
| 58 | 91 | 131 |
| 59 | 94 | 136 |
| 60 | 97 | 141 |
| 61 | 100 | 145 |
| 62 | 104 | 150 |
| 63 | 107 | 155 |
| 64 | 110 | 160 |
| 65 | 114 | 165 |
| 66 | 117 | 170 |
| 67 | 121 | 175 |
| 68 | 125 | 180 |
| 69 | 128 | 186 |
| 70 | 132 | 191 |
| 71 | 136 | 197 |
| 72 | 140 | 202 |
| 73 | 144 | 208 |
| 74 | 148 | 214 |
| 75 | 152 | 220 |
| 76 | 156 | 225 |
| 77 | 160 | 231 |
| 78 | 164 | 237 |
| 79 | 168 | 244 |
| 80 | 173 | 250 |
Marine Corps Height And Weight Standards for Women
| Height (in inches) | Minimum Weight (in lbs.) | Maximum Weight (in lbs.) |
|---|---|---|
| 56 | 85 | 115 |
| 57 | 88 | 120 |
| 58 | 91 | 124 |
| 59 | 94 | 129 |
| 60 | 97 | 133 |
| 61 | 100 | 137 |
| 62 | 104 | 142 |
| 63 | 107 | 146 |
| 64 | 110 | 151 |
| 65 | 114 | 156 |
| 66 | 117 | 161 |
| 67 | 121 | 166 |
| 68 | 125 | 171 |
| 69 | 128 | 176 |
| 70 | 132 | 181 |
| 71 | 136 | 186 |
| 72 | 140 | 191 |
| 73 | 144 | 197 |
| 74 | 148 | 202 |
| 75 | 152 | 208 |
| 76 | 156 | 213 |
| 77 | 160 | 219 |
| 78 | 164 | 225 |
| 79 | 168 | 230 |
| 80 | 173 | 236 |
Also, while you determine the Marine Corps requirements for weight and height, consider the Body Mass Index chart to ensure you are in the normal range for your age.
| Age Group | Body Fat % - Men | Body Fat % - Women |
|---|---|---|
| 17 - 20 | 18% | 27% |
| 21 - 25 | 18% | 27% |
| 26 - 30 | 19% | 28% |
| 31 - 35 | 19% | 28% |
| 36 - 40 | 20% | 29% |
| 41 - 45 | 20% | 29% |
| 46 - 50 | 21% | 30% |
| 51+ | 21% | 30% |
Related Article – Marine Corps Height and Weight Requirements
Vision Requirements
While your vision does not need to be perfect, it needs to be correctable if you wish to be a Marine.
Your eyesight acuity uncorrected can be 20/200, but correctable to 20/20 with glasses.
Furthermore, the Marines look for new recruits with normal color perception, a normal field of vision, and depth perception.
Some jobs have more stringent requirements, so check with your recruiter if you have a specific job in mind to verify vision requirements.
Age Requirements
If you are between the age of 17 and 28, you can enlist in the Marines.
However, if you are 17, you need parental permission.
If you wish to join as an officer, you must be between the ages of 20 to 28 for consideration.
ASVAB Score Requirements
One of the Marine Corps requirements is a minimum score on the ASVAB test.
You must score at least 31 on the AFQT to become a Marine if you have a high school diploma.
However, if you have a GED, you need a minimum score of 50.
GPA Requirements
The Marines do not have a specific minimum GPA requirement to join.
However, you must have your high school diploma or your GED.
It is vital to note some MOSs in the Marines require a high school diploma. Therefore, check with your recruiter if you have a specific job in mind.
Also, if you wish to join the Marines as an officer, you must have your high school diploma and a 4-year college degree.
Related Article – Marine Corps MOS List and ASVAB Scores
Citizenship Requirements
If you wish to join the Marines, you must be a U.S. citizen.
The other option is having legal immigrant status with permanent residence in the United States.
Many call the permanent residence card that proves your status the ‘green card.’
Other Requirements
If you want to be a Marine, you must be in great physical shape.
Before enlisting, the Marines expect potential recruits to take the Initial Strength Test (IST).
The IST consists of pull-ups, push-ups, planks, crunches, and a 1.5 miles timed run.
See Also
Military Pilot Vision Requirements
Vision Requirements for Each Branch of the Military
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