The United States Marine Corps (USMC) is a highly esteemed branch of the military.
As a result, there are many individuals that are interested in joining the Marines.
If you are interested in joining, then you’ll want to meet with a Marine recruiter early in the enlistment process.
This guide walks you through the enlistment process as well as how to locate a Marine Corps recruiter near you.
The guide also provides helpful tips and suggestions for meeting with a recruiter to make your appointment go smoothly.
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Step 1: Make Sure You’re Eligible
Step 2: Finding a Marine Corps Recruiter
Step 3: Prepping for Your Visit
Step 4: The Follow Up
Summary
Step 1: Make Sure You’re Eligible
The Marine Corps acts as the expeditionary and amphibious operations force of the U.S. Navy.
It also supports missions related to the U.S. Air Force and Army.
The Marine Corps is one of six uniformed services with approximately 177,000 active-duty members.
Additionally, the USMC manages over 32,000 troops in the Reserve unit.
The U.S. Marine Corps is the second smallest military branch behind the Coast Guard.
Therefore, it only recruits about 28,000 people for duty each year.
For comparison, that’s less than half the number of recruits that the Army brings to boot camp each year.
Furthermore, some consider Marine basic training as one of the most intense boot camps with a dropout rate of around 15 percent each year.
Nonetheless, there are plenty of opportunities to join the Marine Corps with the right focus and mindset.
Before you get too deep into the enlistment process, however, you need to make sure you meet the basic qualifications of the USMC:
- Between the ages of 17-28.
- A U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident.
- High school diploma or GED equivalent.
NOTE: The Marine Corps has additional standards if you wish to enter the USMC as a commissioned officer.
Related Article: How To Join The US Marine Corps
Additional Requirements
The United States Marine Corps is selective when it comes to picking recruits for boot camp.
For starters, the USMC has higher physical fitness standards compared to other military branches.
You also need to account for height and weight restrictions along with grooming expectations.
Secondly, every new recruit of the Marine Corps is required to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB).
The examination is like a test you would take in high school or college with a list of questions and answers.
It tests your knowledge and experience in several critical areas to locate a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) that is suitable for your abilities.
The Marine Corps has a minimum overall ASVAB test score you need to reach along with a minimum score for each qualifying MOS.
Click here to learn about all the different Military Occupational Specialities (MOS) or military jobs of the USMC.
New recruits are also expected to pass the medical evaluation at the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS).
MEPS checks your physical ability as well as your mental stability and competence.
Finally, once you complete MEPS and the ASVAB, you’ll transfer over to boot camp.
Marine Corps Recruit Training lasts 13 weeks and is one of the most physically and mentally challenging things you’ll endure.
Survive it and you’ll get recognized as a Marine at the graduation ceremony.
Related Article: 13 Pros And Cons Of Joining The Marines
Step 2: Finding a Marine Corps Recruiter
If you are seriously considering joining the Marine Corps then you’ll want to speak to a military recruiter.
The U.S. Armed Forces have recruiting offices across the country for every branch of the military.
Therefore, you can find a Marine Corps recruiter near you by searching for the term on Google.
Or, you can request more information and search for a nearby office on the official USMC website.
Meeting with a recruiter from the Marine Corps is a fantastic opportunity to ask all the questions and concerns you have about serving the country.
They also help assist you with the enlistment process and make sure you meet all the obligations before boot camp.
Additionally, you can request to speak with a USMC recruiter by text (Text MARINE to 627463) or live chat.
High schools and colleges frequently host military recruiters, which is another opportunity for prospective recruits.
Step 3: Prepping for Your Visit
When you prepare to meet a Marine Corps recruiter near you, try not to be extremely nervous.
While it’s natural to have some reservations, the entire point of the conversation is to address questions and concerns you have about serving in the military.
Keep in mind that military recruiters are employed by the government to sell the advantages of joining the Marines.
Consequently, it’s important to listen closely to what they have to say, but also follow up with other research and opinions.
For this reason, many people prefer to take a family member or friend to the recruiting meeting.
It’s important to treat the appointment with a recruiter like a job interview.
As a result, make sure you dress appropriately in a button-up shirt, khakis, and dress shoes.
Make sure you are polite and treat the recruiter with respect, answering questions truthfully while also not being afraid to ask whatever is on your mind.
If you are stuck thinking of good questions to ask a military recruiter, consider our 41 suggestions.
In general, most Marine Corps recruiters prefer that you schedule an appointment ahead of time though some offices might accept walk-ins.
If you have a question or concern you would like answered immediately, we recommend using the live chat or text a recruiter function through the official website.
Related Article: 10 Best Marine Corps Jobs For Civilian Life
Step 4: The Follow Up
Once you leave an appointment with a recruiter of the USMC, you should have a solid understanding of where you stand.
If you feel agitated or nervous about the discussion, serving in the Marines might not be the right fit.
However, if you are excited and thrilled, then that’s a good sign. But you shouldn’t immediately sign off on any commitment.
While it’s natural that a military recruiter may want you to proceed with taking the ASVAB and other enlistment obligations, make sure you don’t sign a final enlistment contract just yet.
It’s important to talk to family and friends about the incredibly important decision that will alter your life for the next several years.
Serving in the military is not like a traditional job where you can simply quit at any point in time.
There are repercussions for ending a service agreement early, which is why it’s so important to make the right decision.
You are under no obligation to commit to anything when speaking with a recruiter for the Marines.
Additionally, you need to make sure you get any promises or guarantees down in writing and not just take a recruiter at their word.
For example, a recruiter may promise a signing bonus, length of commitment, or other benefits like the GI Bill.
You’ll want these items in writing to guarantee your placement, start date, service length, and special pay.
Determining Your Next Move
Whether you decide to start boot camp as soon as possible or join the Delayed Entry Program, you’ll want to prepare your body and mind.
Becoming physically fit is extremely important in any military branch, but especially in the Marine Corps.
Furthermore, you’ll want to really focus and study for the ASVAB because your performance determines how many different military jobs you’ll have as options to serve.
The better you perform, the more control you have over your destiny as well as the opportunity to avoid serious conflict (if that’s what you desire).
Related Article: List Of Marine Corps Bases In The US
Conclusion
There is a Marine Corps recruiter near you to help answer any questions or concerns you have about serving the country.
The Marine Corps is an exciting branch to join, yet is fairly selective when it comes to accepting new recruits.
You’ll want to do your due diligence and research to make sure it’s the right choice for your situation.
Speaking with a military recruiter prepares you for boot camp and allows you to meet all your enlistment obligations.
It’s important that you are honest with a USMC recruiter about any issues that might prevent you from service.
Jump To Another Branch Below:
Visiting A Navy Recruiter Near You
Visiting An Air Force Recruiter Near You
Visiting An Army Recruiter Near You
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