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.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

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.