Becoming a Marine Officer

The path to becoming an officer in the Marine Corps begins with your Officer Selection Officer (OSO). An OSO's duty is to identify worthy officer candidates who will become capable of commanding and of leading Marines to win our Nation’s battles. Once you have made the commitment to become an officer, your OSO will guide your physical training regimen and otherwise prepare you for the challenge of becoming a leader of Marines.

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About the United States Marine Corps:

The Marine Corps defends the people of the United States at home and abroad. Within every Marine is the willingness to engage and determination to defeat any adversary, and it is this fighting spirit that allows us to fight and win our Nation’s battles.

The mission of the United States Marine Corps is made up of three promises: We make Marines, we win our Nation’s battles, and we develop quality citizens prepared to fight and win battles.

You don’t join the Marines—you become one, forged in the crucible of training aboard our recruit depots on Parris Island, South Carolina, and in San Diego, California, or through the dedication required of officer candidates at Officer Candidates School in Quantico, Virginia. Beyond the physical requirements, aspiring Marines must prove they have the honor, courage, and commitment to face and defeat any obstacle.

Today, more than 180,000 enlisted Marines and 23,000 Marine Officers serve in active duty or reserve forces on bases and in communities around the world, proudly carrying with them the core values of the Marine Corps.

[jzotto]

My OSO recruited me and I never saw him again. I went to and graduated from OCS in 1982. I thank him for giving me the opportunity. He was not there to babysit me.

[BRGR]

For you young Men and Women, you will not regret a decision to serve your Country as a Marine Officer. I retired as an Officer, and I miss it dearly. Semper Fi!

[andrewsails]

Lol "yes PFC" hahaha i needed a good laugh

[chuksjerahmeel]

My biggest dream is to become a US Marine Corp one day even tho I'm from Nigeria...I admire their confidence a lot

[GSPxRUSH]

I'm thinking of going to college just to become a officer how many credits or years of college do need to become officer?

[friendsofre]

is there an officer selection officer selection officer

[thelastroman]

Hello I'm a 27 year old E3 Active Duty Marine, should I do this? What does it take for an enlisted Marine to become an officer?

[autumnrogers]

wow.
thanks for the advice!
So we are required to have a college diploma right?

[emil-eisq]

Can I serve here for 8 years and get honorably discharged? Been googling this for whole day, haven't found anything...

[matty_kise]

Sir I have a question.

Im 20 y/o filipino and i do have my green card. Im a 3rd year Nursing student but unfortunately i didnt have an opportunity to finish my course in here.
Am i still eligible? Please answer my question because I really want to become a Marine.

[siemongurung]

while you are a commando can you work your way up to become an officer?

[liotaabitria]

Can you join ocs after you graduate in us marine boot camp?

[xxobamalaneggxx]

What college should I take to become an enlisted Marine? I live in Oregon.

[oscarmartinez]

Do marines pilots also have to do this

[pithyvann]

Iam prior enlisted I have been out for 4 years now currently a junior in college, what are my chances of getting in as a prior being for that long ?

[melaniekull]

So, if I have a bachelor's in criminal justice and decided I want to become an officer. Can I go straight to officer training or do I have to go through the four years then training? I believe I already know the answer but I wanna make sure

[oviekrew]

can you join if you were not born here and dont have a green card?

[MichaelCollins]

Can a 26 year old still get commissioned as an officer?

[justicorpsmovies]

What are some requirements for getting into an officer school straight after high School?

[siemongurung]

while you are a commando can you work your way up to become an officer?