How to Enlist in the Marines After College

The U.S. Marine Corps offers advanced enlistment rank to those with a college degree.

The process of enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps with a college degree is essentially no different than enlisting with less education. However, advanced-rank enlistment and a few other advantages are available for those enlisting with a degree.

The Process

Interested recruits should speak with a Marine Corps recruiter following their graduation from college. After confirming that the applicant is eligible both physically and medically and taking the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), recruits will then sign their enlistment contract and ship out to basic training to become full-fledged Marines.

Benefits

During the enlistment process, college graduates should be sure to inquire about the Marine Corps' College Enlistment Program (CEP). Under this program, college graduates are eligible for promotion directly to private first class (E-2) once they have graduated from basic training and an accelerated six-month promotion to lance corporal (E-3).

Caution

Although enlisting in the Marine Corps can lead to a rewarding career in the military, college graduates should evaluate their options prior to joining as an enlisted Marine. The USMC offers a number of programs for those with college degrees to become commissioned officers in the service. Becoming an officer grants Marines a higher degree of authority and more pay than their enlisted counterparts.

References

• U.S. Marine Corps: MCO 1130.53P Enlistment Incentive Programs
• Marine Officer: Commissioning Programs
• Defense Finance and Accounting Service: 2010 Military Pay Chart