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Joining the U.S. Marine Corps means becoming part of an elite fighting force of 180,000 active-duty men and women with a unique mission. Part of the Department of the Navy, the Marines operate in close cooperation with U.S. naval forces at sea. The small, nimble Marines operate all over the globe and frequently take on risky missions. They serve on U.S. Navy ships, protect naval bases, guard U.S. embassies and are a major deterrent to aggression around the world.
Requirements to Join the Marines
Enlisted
Enlisted Marines are the backbone of the Corps, making up about 88% of the service. Every Marine is a rifleman first, but also has a job that supports mission success. They act as ground combat forces, maintain aircraft, operate radar equipment, drive armored vehicles, gather intelligence, maintain and repair radios, computers, trucks, tanks and aircraft, and dozens of other challenging jobs.
Wondering how to join the Marines? Marine enlistment includes several requirements. You must:
- Be between the age of 17 and 28 (Enlisted)
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
- Pass a criminal background check and have no felony convictions
- Pass the Initial Strength Test (IST) to demonstrate physical fitness
- Earn a minimum score of on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test
- Pass the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) medical exam
Read More: Joining the Marines: Overview
Officer
Officers, who make up about 12% of the Marines, are the branch’s leaders. Commissioned officers are college graduates who serve in a variety of roles, from manpower and intelligence to infantry and reconnaissance.
To commission as a Marine Corps officer, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be at least 20 at the time of application, and no older than 28 in most cases
- Have a high school diploma and have a bachelor’s degree or be working toward one
- Meet the branch’s moral standards
- Pass the Physical Fitness Test (PFT)
- Have demonstrated potential for leadership
Wondering how to become a Marine Corps officer? There are several paths, including:
- Officer Candidates School (OCS): The most common route. Located at the historic Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia, the school educates and trains officer candidates in the knowledge and skills necessary for commissioning.
- Officer Candidate Course (OCC) is a 10-week commissioning program targeted to college seniors and graduates, who attend a training course after graduation.
- Platoon Leaders Class (PLC): For full-time students at any accredited college or university, to allow them pursue a commission without interrupting academic careers. All training sessions take place at Quantico.
- ROTC: The Navy ROTC Marine Corps option allows students to enroll in elective leadership and military courses at colleges and universities. At graduation, NROTC cadets are commissioned as second lieutenants. Read more details here.
- U.S. Naval Academy: Students must receive a nomination from a member of Congress to be admitted. On top of military training, the school offers 22 majors. Graduates from the academy receive their commission as second lieutenants in the Marines.
All Marine officers will have to complete The Basic School (TBS) where they will learn to become a leader under any condition.
Read More: How to Become a Marine Corps Officer
How to Join the Marine Corps
The best source for learning about Marine Corps requirements is to work with a Marine recruiter. Recruiters know the ins and outs of the service and can help you navigate the process and make important decisions along the way.
There is no obligation when working with a recruiter. They will help you decide whether the Marine Corps is right for you, and will help shed light on which job opportunities within the service might be of interest if you sign up.
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is an aptitude test that helps Marines narrow down which field of work is best suited for them. It is designed to evaluate skills in several areas, including math, science, language and technical knowledge such as electronics, automotive and mechanical abilities.
The maximum ASVAB score is 99. For enlistment into the Marines, you must get a minimum AFQT score on the ASVAB of 31 if you have a high school diploma. Those with nontraditional degrees or a GED diploma must score at least a 50.
Check out ASVAB Scores and Marine Corps Jobs to see how your ASVAB score qualifies you for a Marine Corps job.
Physical Examination
Once an applicant has taken the ASVAB and passed with a qualifying score, the recruiting process moves on to Marine physical requirements, starting with a medical exam at the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS).
The basic physical examination includes:
- Height and weight measurements
- Hearing and vision examinations
- Urine and blood tests
- Drug and alcohol tests
- Muscle group and joint maneuvers in underwear (Not exercises and running. Just a few simple flexibility and balance tests to make sure you have proper ranges of motion.)
- Complete physical examination and interview
- Specialized tests if required (e.g., body fat percentage test if you’re overweight)
- Secondary vision and hearing tests; other tests if you have an unusual medical history
Additionally, to even begin recruit training, all Marines must pass the Initial Strength Test (IST), which consists of three events:
Pull-Ups/Push-Ups
- Male: 3 pull-ups or 34 push-ups (2:00 time limit)
- Female: 1 pull-up or 15 push-ups (2:00 time limit)
Run
- Male: 1.5 mile run in 13:30
- Female: 1.5 mile run in 15:00
Plank
Military Training
The purpose of basic training, also known as boot camp, is to help recruits develop the physical and tactical skills needed to become a Marine. It’s often considered to be one of the most challenging basic training programs in the service.
This entry-level training lasts 13 weeks and includes processing and administration as well as tactical training, operational skills and physical activities.
There are two Marine Corps Recruit Depot locations for boot camp: Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego in California, or Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in South Carolina.
Boot camp is followed by three weeks of either the School of Infantry or Marine Combat Training.
For those assigned to a Marine Corps infantry job, training begins with a 51-day course upon return from graduation leave. After graduation from the School of Infantry, they will proceed to their first permanent duty assignment.
Marines who are not assigned to infantry jobs also attend the Marine Corps School of Infantry for 22 days, where they learn basic battle skills. Upon graduation, they proceed to their normal Marine Corps job training. After job training, these Marines proceed to their first permanent duty assignment.
Read More: Marine Corps Boot Camp Timeline at a Glance
Physical Fitness
The service considers physical fitness indispensable and inherent to the Marine Corps way of life. You must pass the Marine Physical Fitness Test (PFT) to graduate from recruit training. You must also complete the combat fitness test (CFT).
PFT
The Marine PFT is challenging, testing your stamina and physical conditioning. The PFT includes four parts
- Pull-ups or push-ups
- Timed plank
- Three-mile timed run
- 5,000m row
You must achieve a minimum score for each event.
For example, as a minimum requirement to pass the PFT, you must achieve a minimum of:
Men ages 17-20:
- 4 pull-ups or 40 push-ups
- 1:10 in the forearm plank
- 3-5-mile run in 27:40
- 5,000m row in 23:30
Women ages 17-20:
- 1 pull-up or 40 push-ups
- 1:10 in the forearm plank
- 3-mile run in 30:50
- 5,000m row in 26:30
For the Marine Corps PFT, recruits can choose either pull-ups or push-ups for the upper-body muscular endurance portion. Scoring depends on age and gender; details can be found here.
CFT
The CFT, which measures functional fitness, simulates battle demands in full combat utility uniforms. It consists of three events:
- Movement to contact (MTC) (an 880-yard sprint)
- Ammunition lift (AL) (lift a 30-pound ammunition can)
- Maneuver under fire (MANUF) (a 300-yard course with several battle-related challenges, including crawls, ammunition resupply, grenade throwing, agility running, and the dragging and carrying of another Marine).
Men ages 17-20:
- MTC – 880-yard sprint in 3:45
- AL – 30-pound lift, 62 reps in 2 minutes
- MANUF in 3:17
Women ages 17-20:
- MTC – 880-yard sprint in 4:36
- AL – 30-pound lift, 30 reps in 2 minutes
- MANUF in 4:53
Scoring depends on age and gender; details can be found here.
Read More: Marine Corps Physical Fitness Standards
Marine Corps Jobs
You will be able to work in one of 35 career fields that offer more than 300 jobs.
Based on your qualifications, you can choose your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) field. Some specialty fields available include:
- Aircraft defense
- Aircraft maintenance
- Armor
- Broadcasting
- Combat engineer
- Communications
- Computer operator/technician
- Electronics
- Intelligence
- Supply
Read More: ASVAB Scores and Marines Jobs
Enlisting in the Marines also includes taking the Oath of Enlistment, which is a pledge to defend the Constitution throughout your military career. If you are entering as an officer, you’ll instead take the officer’s oath.
Benefits of Joining the Marine Corps
Joining the Marines comes with a variety of benefits.
Basic Pay and Allowances
When you join the Marines, you are paid twice a month based on your pay grade and service requirements. Your paycheck grows as you gain more experience and rise up the ranks; you are promoted based on job knowledge, performance and other factors.
As of 2026, basic pay for an Private (E-1) begins at $2,407.20 per month, or $28,886.40 annually. A Marine Second Lieutenant’s (O-1) initial basic pay is $4,150.20, or $49,802.40 per year.
In addition to your salary, as a Marine, you will also receive 2.5 days of paid vacation per month for a total of 30 days each year, up to 60 days, and a retirement plan.
The service also offers a variety of allowances that increase your total compensation. These include free or reduced-cost health care, food, housing, education and more.
You also may receive additional tax-free money for Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) if government housing is not available; Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) for food; and a uniform allowance (for enlisted personnel only) to help maintain your uniform.
Bonuses
Recruits can earn a variety of bonuses for enlisting in certain jobs. include $15,000 for Electronics Maintenance, and $15,000 for Cyber and Crypto Operations. You can also get up to a $10,000 quick ship bonus, and up to a $15,000 bonus for signing up for two extra years of service.
Educational Benefits
Many Marines start obtaining college credits immediately, even while in basic training.
While on active duty, you may continue your education and may be helped in defraying the cost of college-accredited courses.
Nearly all of your education expenses can be covered through federal government programs, including tuition assistance, the Montgomery GI Bill for college education or vocational training, and the Marine Corps College Fund.
Details of some of the educational benefits available include:
- Tuition Assistance: Covers up to $225 per college credit and/or $4500 per year while on active duty.
- Advanced Degree Program (ADP): For college graduates, partial funding for those pursuing a master’s degree.
- Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES): Programs to work toward a college degree through correspondence courses.
- Post-9/11 GI Bill: Provides education benefits for those who have served on active duty or in the Selected Reserve for 90 or more days after Sept. 10, 2001. Offers 100% tuition assistance after 36 months of active duty, plus assistance for tuition, fees, books and supplies.
- Montgomery GI Bill: Provides tax-free assistance toward a college degree, available after 24 months of active duty.
- Special Education Program: Provides selected Marine officers with the opportunity to receive, as full-time students, advanced training that may lead to a postgraduate degree in certain fields, including engineering, communications, computers and management.
- Staff Noncommissioned Officer Degree Completion Program (SNCODCP): Offers enlisted Marines with a minimum rank of staff sergeant the opportunity to complete their degree by attending an accredited four-year college full time, while still on active duty.
You choose your career path based on your aptitude, physical abilities, security clearance and personal interests.
Healthcare Benefits
Every Marine and his or her immediate family will receive a number of health benefits, including free comprehensive medical insurance and competitively priced dental insurance.
Enrollment in the Tricare health insurance program costs nothing for full-time soldiers and includes dental, vision, pharmacy and life insurance coverage. There are several Tricare programs to choose from, depending on your status and location.
Spouses and children are also covered. Medical care at military bases and posts is usually free. Coverage includes pregnancy, mental health and a variety of special needs.
Other Benefits
There are exchange and commissary privileges, moving allowances, temporary lodging expenses, travel, survivor benefits, Veterans Affairs home loans and more.
Read More: Learn About Marine Corps Benefits
Interested in Joining the Military?
We can put you in touch with recruiters from the different military branches. Learn about the benefits of serving your country, paying for school, military career paths, and more: sign up now and hear from a recruiter near you.
Content previously published on Military.com and content from gocoastguard.com were used in compiling this report.
FAQ
What is the Initial Strength Test (IST)?
The IST is a fitness test required before entering Marine boot camp. It includes pull-ups or push-ups, a 1.5-mile run, and a timed plank. Minimum standards vary by gender
How long is Marine Corps boot camp?
Marine boot camp lasts 13 weeks and is considered the most challenging of all U.S. military basic training programs. Recruits train at either Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego or Parris Island.
What career fields are available in the Marine Corps?
What career fields are available in the Marine Corps?
The Marine Corps offers more than 300 jobs across 35 career fields, including infantry, intelligence, logistics, aviation maintenance, communications, engineering, and cyber operations.
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