- 1). Consider what program you would like to enter in the Marine Corps. If you have just graduated high school, you can join the majority of the Marine Corps in enlisting as a new recruit. This involves completing a mandatory 12-week boot camp training course and committing to on average four years of service. If you have a college degree or are working toward one, you are eligible for the Officer Training Course, which will propel you toward a higher rank and pay scale than the average enlisted Marine. You must be between the ages of 17 and 29, physically fit, and an American citizen in order to enlist in the Marine Corps.
- 2). Contact a recruiter. This is a step that can be taken jointly with Step 1, or after you have made a decision in what path you would like to follow. Your recruiter can help you determine the best steps to take to follow this path. You can find the nearest recruiter to you by going to the Marine Corps website, listed in the resources, and entering your information in the form provided.
- 3). Determine the best schedule for you in pursuing your career as a United States Marine. You may want to enlist in the Marines but defer your training for up to 365 days. You may also want to become a Marine reservist once you complete your training, allowing you to carry on a normal life outside of your Marine service. If your goal is to become an officer, pursue academic training at a community college or obtain your bachelor's degree at a university.
- 4). Take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, an exam that tests applicants' capacities academically and vocationally. This will determine your readiness for enlistment in the Marine Corps in these areas.
- 5). Pass the Initial Strength Test (IST). This is a basic strengths test that any healthy human should be able to pass easily. The IST standards are different for men and women.
- 6). Read carefully and sign your USMC service agreement. This is the agreement that states the stipulations of your enlistment. Do not sign it without carefully reading and acknowledging the commitment you are making.
- 7). Take the pledge of enlistment. This is the final step that your recruiter will walk you through in the enlisting process.
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