Becoming a CO in the USMC

[Sir Suomi]

Does anyone have any tips or advice on how I can start to work towards this? I'm considering becoming an officer in the Marine Corps after I graduate high school.

[Harry Smith]

Education is pretty important for getting a commission, they want people to actually be able to show that they can work hard in the classroom as well as on the track, that's why physical fitness is also important because you want to show that you're dedicated.

I'd also recommend getting involved in leadership related stuff at school, I'm not sure what you have in the states but over here we have stuff like the student council and running for school president. If you've got any sort of Cadet/ Scouts program that can be a good start

Basically the impression I've got is that they want someone who's not just a standard candidate, just show that your above the rest by attending stuff outside of school which shows that your committed

[Stronk Serb]

I plan on taking the junior officer course on the military academy. They need a gregarious, smart and devoted person.

[Kameraden]

Hold on there.

I'd just consider what it means to be an officer in the Marine Corps: you should realize that the Marine Corps is not all the blood and glory it is made out to be. Being a Marine in general is hard -- not because of the training or physical and mental expectations, but because the Marine Corps spends the least amount of their funding on personnel than all the other branches. Worst housing, worst food, worst jobs -- it's not what the recruitment posters show it to be.

Where the money the Marines are given, I do not know, because not only are they lowest on the totem pole of personnel comfort, but they are below the Army when it comes to technology. The Marines rely on sheer physical strength to win a battle, rather than technology like the Army (which now wins battles, not brute force).

You're also not an idiot, so I would consider a career in the Navy or the Air Force, both of whom have great education options, great personnel comfort, and elite units of their own. The Navy has the fabled SEALs (which, of course, you would have a better chance of entry if you were previously an infantryman or a Marine).

But seriously, don't doubt the Army -- their training regimen is the same as the Marines' and their equipment is superior. The only thing the army does not have (to my knowledge) are planes, unlike the Marines.

Just think you would deliberate a bit more.

[Sir Suomi]

Hold on there.

I'd just consider what it means to be an officer in the Marine Corps: you should realize that the Marine Corps is not all the blood and glory it is made out to be. Being a Marine in general is hard -- not because of the training or physical and mental expectations, but because the Marine Corps spends the least amount of their funding on personnel than all the other branches. Worst housing, worst food, worst jobs -- it's not what the recruitment posters show it to be.

Where the money the Marines are given, I do not know, because not only are they lowest on the totem pole of personnel comfort, but they are below the Army when it comes to technology. The Marines rely on sheer physical strength to win a battle, rather than technology like the Army (which now wins battles, not brute force).

You're also not an idiot, so I would consider a career in the Navy or the Air Force, both of whom have great education options, great personnel comfort, and elite units of their own. The Navy has the fabled SEALs (which, of course, you would have a better chance of entry if you were previously an infantryman or a Marine).

But seriously, don't doubt the Army -- their training regimen is the same as the Marines' and their equipment is superior. The only thing the army does not have (to my knowledge) are planes, unlike the Marines.

Just think you would deliberate a bit more.

It's more of a personal decision. I've had family serve in both the Navy and the Marines, and I haven't totally excluded the Navy. In fact, if I would get an offer to the USNA, I'd definitely go there.

Also, I'm looking for a challenge. Yes, the Army has a more relaxed setting, but when push comes to shove, the Marine Corps stands on top. Also, I get the impression that the Marine Corps have a little more pride than the Army (Not saying the Army doesn't show pride, however).

I plan on taking the junior officer course on the military academy. They need a gregarious, smart and devoted person.

Well let's hope in the future I'm not commanding my men against your men, because it'd be awkward accepting your surrender ;)

[quffn124]

There are various ways you can start working toward this goal. Are you planning on applying to USNA and get appointment to be a cadet? This is a very competitive process where you will have to get a recommendation letter from a local senator, have good grades and all that. But, another way is for you to go straight to college, join Marines ROTC program. Or, for another way, you can graduate from college, join your branch. Then you serve honorably and show your good leadership and other qualities worthy of officer and then apply for OCS.

[Stronk Serb]

Well let's hope in the future I'm not commanding my men against your men, because it'd be awkward accepting your surrender ;)

Only in death does duty end! You will consider my terms of surrender! xD
My family also answers the call to service. My great great great grandfather died in WWI holding back the imperialists. During WWII, my great grand uncle was in the Partisans fighting Nazi, Ustaša and Četnik scum. My grandfather served in the Yugoslav People's Army. I plan on continuing the tradition.