How to Join the Marines

The U.S. Marine Corps is the oldest of the U.S. military services, established by the Continental Congress resolution on November 10, 1775. U.S. Marines serve on military bases, aboard ships and in U.S. embassies around the world.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet Access
• Computers
• Heritage Of Glory: US Marine Corps Video
• Paper And Pencils

1. Consider the fact that every Marine is a volunteer, and each one is proud to wear the Globe and Anchor and to live by the motto of Semper Fidelis.

2. Think about the Marine Corps' ultimate purpose: defending our national interests through warfare. Understand that the entire Corps, including noncombatants, is dedicated to that purpose.

3. Talk with parents or older family members who served as Marines and listen to their personal experiences.

4. Remember, Marines consider themselves an elite force. Enlistment standards are high, basic training is longer, and promotions come slower.

5. Understand that you will be devoting four years to an assignment away from your family, friends and home.

6. Consider whether you want to request special training when joining or to join and accept Marine Corps assignment.

7. Visit a Marine recruiter.

8. Take notes. Ask for literature.

9. Make sure you can establish rapport with the recruiter and make sure you clearly specify your desire to seek assignment to a particular military occupation specialty.

10. Ask your school counselor or the Marine recruiter to schedule you for the Armed Service Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) Test.

11. Understand all military services administer physical tests and perform drug screening.

12. Understand that you will be subjected to a criminal background check.

13. Make no legal commitment until you're absolutely sure of your decision to join.

Tips & Warnings

• The US Marine Corps is actually part of the US Navy, and many Marine officers are graduates of the US Naval Academy.
• Marines serve as security for US diplomatic embassies around the world.
• The Internet is an excellent resource to learn about Marine history and opportunities - and to keep in touch with your family once you're in the Corps.
• Do your best every day and treat military life as an adventure.
• "Once a Marine, always a Marine." The intangible, "Semper Fi" spirit binds members of the Marine Corp forever.
• Consider the Reserves or the National Guard if you don't want to make a four-year commitment.
• The ASVAB Test is available in its computerized version only at a Military Entrance Processing Station. It takes from 1 to 3 hours to complete, and results can be available immediately. You must score at least 31 out of 100 to be eligible. Higher scores result in better opportunities.
• The U.S. Marine Corp has the longest "boot camp" in the military. Men and women recruits train separately.

[ch3rry]

on 5/10/2009 I just want to share that http://www.MilitaryCrossing.com is a great site for those interested in finding military jobs. Most people think they have to go talk to a recruiter and be hounded but using militarycrossing.com lets you makes the contacts you wish without the pressure you may receive from a recruiter.

[joel-schmid]

on 3/26/2009 Good article...if anyone is interested in comparing the process to the Navy, check out this article I wrote. I was in the Navy for five years. --- www.squidoo.com/joiningthenavy

[SemperFi]

on 11/28/2007 Good start for your article; however, the information contained in the introduction is wholly incorrect. The U.S. Army came into being on 14 June 1775 and the U.S. Navy set sail on 13 October 1775. The Marine Corps is this nation's third oldest military service. As well, under Tips & Warnings, you've stated that the USMC is "actually part of the US Navy." That fact is also false since each service has its own chief (Commandant of the Marine Corps (Marines) and Chief of Naval Operations (Navy)). The Marine Corps does fall under the auspices of the Office of the Secretary of the Navy for some budgetary matters, but the situation persists as a simplicity and owes its roots to the historic and former Navy-Marine Corps administrative relationship.

[MMoM]

on 9/25/2007 What does one do to prepare for the written tests? Is it all the common knowledge and things you have to memorize? Thanks for your help...

[gearhart]

on 2/21/2007 my uncle was a mariines in the 1985 he said it was the most fun he has evry done in his life but he got shot so he had to leave the marines but in his head he will be always be counted of one of the ffew that make it in to the marines. I will never forget what he told me don,t try to be a hero because you will just be kiied like his buddy that he grow up with his hole life got killed. Sgt.Peter wethers