THE FEW, THE PROUD, THE DEAD

Leadership and personal character are among the greatest benefits to becoming a Marine. These traits not only assure your success within the Corps – they ensure success throughout life.

In addition, you and your family members are well provided for with a competitive salary and benefits, as well as medical and dental insurance coverage. Upon enlistment, you will receive a regular Marine Corps salary, scaled according to your rank. During Recruit Training, your salary will be calculated at the Private level.

You and your family will have medical insurance for as long as you remain in the service of the U.S. government. If you remain in the Marine Corps through retirement, your medical benefits will extend throughout your lifetime and that of your spouse.

You will receive 30 days of paid vacation each year. On-base shopping is tax-free at shopping outlets with substantial discounts on name-brand items. In addition, the bases have fitness centers, swimming pools and recreational facilities. Life insurance is provided to all Marine personnel.

Housing on base is included as a part of the compensation package. If you are married and would like to live off base, a monthly housing allowance will be provided. The Marine Corps pays all travel and expenses for required moves.

A generous retirement plan is available for those who qualify. For instance, a 20-year career in the Marine Corps will often result in retirement in your 40s. In addition to continuing commissary and post-exchange privileges, military members are often eligible for low interest loans by many banks.

In addition, browse through options for various educational benefits.









The life of a Marine is a full one.

The following is a list of questions and answers that prospective Marines or their parents frequently ask. For more complete answers and any additional questions that you may have that are not listed, please contact a Marine recruiter now.


When I sign-up or request information online, am I in the Marines?
No. The Web site is for information purposes only. You cannot sign up to be a Marine via the Web site. To become a Marine you must first talk to a recruiter, and then over time, make a commitment.


What makes the Marines different from other military branches?
The Marines have been "First to Fight" for many years. We are always ready for service and are often the first to arrive in a crisis, which is why we are often referred to as the tip of the spear. Because we may be called upon at any time to go anywhere, the Marine Corps is the only branch of the armed services specifically organized with air, land, and sea-based expeditionary fighting capabilities.


Do Marines receive the same salary as those in the other services?
Yes. All of the military branches use the same Department of Defense pay scale.


Will I have any time off?
Yes. Marines receive 30 days of vacation per year. If there are no operational commitments, you will also have most of your weekends free.


Is Recruit Training hard?
Yes. Recruit Training will be one of the most physically and mentally challenging experiences of your life. But it is not impossible. The sense of accomplishment upon completing training is very rewarding and worthwhile.


How long is Recruit Training?
Recruit Training lasts for 13 weeks.


How far will I be expected to run in Recruit Training?
To begin training, you need to be able to run 1.5 miles in 13 minutes. Developing your physical abilities is an important part of Recruit Training. The longest run in Recruit Training is the five-mile motivation run.


What if I'm not physically prepared for Recruit Training?
The Delayed Entry Program allows you to prepare yourself for the physical demands and requirements of Recruit Training. Your recruiter can help you make the most of your time before training to make sure you are prepared and ready.


Will I be physically abused during Recruit Training?
No. Physical abuse is absolutely not tolerated. A full-time medic (Navy Corpsman) is assigned to every platoon in Recruit Training and is always on hand to ensure that all precautions are taken to maintain the safety and health of recruits in training.


What happens after Recruit Training?
You will receive 10 days leave. After your time off, you will begin more advanced combat training and basic skills training for your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS).


Do I need to do physical workouts every day after Recruit Training is complete?
No. You need to commit to a physically demanding lifestyle and twice a year you will be tested on your fitness.


My religion requires me to follow fasting guidelines at certain times. Is this a problem?
The Marine Corps does not discriminate based on religious practice or belief. However, fasting during Recruit Training is not a good practice. You need adequate nutrition to maintain your energy for rigorous physical and mental training. Talk with your recruiter to find a scheduling solution.


How much sleep will I get in Recruit Training?
Recruits are scheduled for eight hours of sleep each night. The only exception is during the 54-hour Crucible test at the end of Recruit Training, which has scheduled but limited hours of sleep.


Do I need a high school diploma to enlist?
Yes.


I have my GED. Can I be a Marine?
GEDs are accepted in certain circumstances. You need to talk to your recruiter about eligibility requirements for the Marines.


I currently live outside the US. My address information cannot be entered into the registration fields on the Web site. Can I still join the Marines?
If you are a United States citizen or Resident Alien and meet other eligibility requirements, you can join the Marines. Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate for more information.


I am not a citizen of the United States, but I would still like to be in the Marines. Is this possible?
In most cases you must be a United States citizen or resident alien to join the Marines. Upon establishing permanent legal residence in the U.S., you should address specific questions regarding your enlistment to your local Marine Corps recruiter.


I am 16 years old. When can I join the Marines?
You can join the Marines when you reach 17 years of age, and also upon entering your senior year in high school, as long as you have your parents' consent.


Will I receive a signing bonus?
Talk to your local recruiter about signing bonus options that may be available.


How long am I obligated to serve?
The minimum initial enlistment is for four years active duty or active reserve. Contact your local recruiter to find out more information on the different enlistment contracts.


Are there technical jobs in the Marines?
Yes, there are a variety of technical jobs available to both enlisted Marines and officers. These technical jobs can provide excellent training and experience for civilian positions, if that is what you choose. Civilian employers know that some of the best technical and vocational training available is through the Marine Corps.


What type of education benefits can I receive in the Marines?
If you are interested in continuing your education or seeking a higher degree after entering the Marine Corps, there are several educational benefit options available to help you with tuition and related costs. Tuition assistance is available to you during active duty. If you leave active duty after completing a contract of at least 36 months, you will be eligible for the Montgomery GI Bill. The Montgomery GI Bill allows you to receive up to $35,460 (as of October 2003) for your education, and a cost adjustment is conducted each year. If you complete an active duty contract of at least 48 months, you may become eligible for the Marine Corps College Fund. In combination with the Montgomery GI Bill, it provides almost all of the funding necessary for your college education.


Can infantry Marines attend college as well?
The opportunity for college coursework and learning is available to all Marines. If your training is intense and does not permit night school or classes, you can enroll in correspondence courses. Any education questions or issues can be brought to the unit's education officer who works on your behalf with the local colleges and learning institutions.


What happens if I join the Marines and don't like it?
The Marine Corps discourages quitting. We honor our commitments and expect you to do the same. We highly recommend you take the time to carefully consider whether you're up to the challenge before you enlist.


Do females receive the same training as males?
Yes, the training is the same even though female recruits are trained separately from male recruits.


Will you cut off all my hair?
Males receive haircuts; females do not. However, all Marines must adhere to certain grooming standards. Images found throughout this site should give you some indication.


Do males and females in the same Marine job make the same salary?
Yes.


Can I wear make-up when I am a Marine?
Females are allowed to wear make-up while in uniform, so long as it complies with standards.


Would you send me some clothes or other Marines items so that I can show off my pride in the Marine Corps?
While you can't have any uniforms, there are promotional items available from your local recruiter. Don't be surprised if your recruiter requires you to earn it!


Will I have to travel overseas?
The Marine Corps is known as an expeditionary service and most Marines view world-wide travel as an exciting opportunity. Some Marines travel aboard Navy ships in the Mediterranean Sea while other Marines travel to Japan for extensive unit training. In addition, Marines are currently deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan assisting in stability and security operations. One of the trademarks of Marines is to be prepared to deploy wherever and whenever the country needs them.


Do Marines have jets?
Yes. The Marines use the AV-8B “Harrier” aircraft for vertical and short take-offs as well as F/A-18 “Hornets”. You can get more information on our various aircraft from your recruiter. Brief summaries of several jets are included in Marines Equipment.


Can I choose where I will live once I'm a Marine?
Because Marines are amphibious, most Marines are located on either coast or overseas. Marines are stationed based on their experience, jobs and the needs at the time. Marines who are assigned recruiting duty may have the opportunity to serve in or near their hometown.


Can I play sports in the Marines?
Yes. There are a host of sports programs for individuals interested in recreational or competitive athletics. The Marine Corps Sports Program centers around intramural and varsity sports. It includes inter-service, national and international competition. You'll also be able to participate in informal pick-up games or other casual sports.


What job will I be doing in the Marines?
You will find information about the various jobs in the Professional Opportunities section of this Web site. You will have the opportunity to attend specialty schools related to your military job, attend leadership schools and/or take college courses toward the degree of your choice. The Marine Corps also offers assistance and classes for those transitioning to a civilian job.


How can I find a buddy who is a Marine? How can I locate someone currently enlisted?
The best option to find a Marine is to use the Marine Locator.


Can you send me more information on Recruit Training and educational opportunities?
Yes. Fill in your contact information on the Get More Information form and indicate any special interests that you have. If you fill out the form, you will also be given contact information for a local recruiter in case you would like more details.