Hey guys, I'm new here, so let me do a quick intro and I'll get right on topic.

I'm 14, freshman, and am in my 2nd day of highschool. We have the Army JROTC program, and I am signed up for it, but am considering dropping it in fear for a few reasons.

I am pretty set on becoming a Marine, and i'd really like to be an officer, and possibly make a career out of it.

I know that going to Annapolis is one of the most prestigious ways to become a Marine Officer, but I'm pretty sure my resume' won't have a glance if I haven't done JROTC. It's a bugger because if I don't do it my first year, I can't do it later, but whining won't help .

Is there any other way to become a Marine Officer without doing JROTC in highschool?

I know it may come off as if I just want to slack, but I am in really no position to be in JROTC as of the moment, and I'd like to participate in 10th grade, but as I said, I can't do that.

I have 7 more days to change my class, so any quick replies would be appreciated at the fullest.

I really wanna serve my country in the best way I can, and my regards go to any veterans, I know there are some here.

Thanks in advanced,

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Grunger,

grunger,a noble goal and best of luck to you.
Hope you read the sicky at the top of this thread,by Patoloco titled GO HERE FIRST
He has been there and done that.
Don't know if it will answer your specific question,but read it and see. Good luck

Grunger, I give you this advice: Take the ROTC if YOU WANT TO JOIN THE MILITARY LATER no matter which branch, because you will be steps ahead of all the others. The only other way you can become a commissioned Officer later (W/O ROTC) is through OCS if you have a degree from a reputable U/College. However, if you graduate from SROTC at the U/Coll.+ degree, you get commissioned right away and they give you credit for your JROTC. So, your time isn't wasted. There is something else: Annapolis is a military academy. To get into it you must have connections, I understand. Perhaps I'm overstating that, but your grades and your social life must be good. In ROTC you are freer in your daily life and still play with the Annapolis guys on the same level later.

Do Your Research

Step 1
There are currently five different paths through which one can commission as an officer in the Marine Corps. Every potential new officer candidate should look at the requirements and benefits of each program. The best source of information would be an Officer Selection Officer that you can contact through your local Marine Corps recruiting station.

The different programs through which officer candidates receive their commissions are:

U.S. Naval Academy
NROTC
Platoon Leaders Class
Officer Candidate Course
Enlisted to Officer Program

Step 2
Once you've made your decision, you need to prepare for the road ahead. Each path will require a different type of preparation. For example, those who wish to enter the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, need to be preparing in high school. Selectees for the USNA are among the most athletically and academically competitive students in the U.S. Students do not simply apply to the academy. They must be elected to an appointment by a member of congress or the president or vice president. This means that in order to get into the Naval Academy a high school student must really distinguish himself or herself.

There are other Marine Corps commissioning programs for the college-bound students. One option is the Navy ROTC. Students should find a college or university with a NROTC program and apply to that school and the NROTC program.

A third option is the Platoon Leader Course. One's college need not have an NRTOC program for a student to apply. This program allows students from freshmen to seniors to spend their summers training at the officer candidate school in Quantico, Virginia. The PLC program, however, limits incoming officers to one of three specialty fields: Ground, Air or Law.

The Officer Candidate Course allows college graduates to attend a 10-week program at the Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Virginia, the summer after graduation. Like the PLC program the OCC allows assignment into one of three specialty fields: Ground, Air or Law.

Each of the college programs is academically challenging and requires students to maintain a level of physical fitness. So, for those considering one of these options, candidates will need to maintain a personal fitness program and be able to maintain at least a "C" average in their coursework

For those not quite ready for college or who are already enlisted in the Marine Corps, there is the Enlisted to Officer Program. This program allows Marines who already have college degrees or who receive their degrees while on active duty to commission as an officer. Enlisting in the Marine Corps first will be an equally challenging endeavor. As with any Marine Corps program it is best that the recruit be mentally and physically prepared.

Any of the above programs will be both mentally and physically challenging. So anyone who wishes to become an officer in the Marine Corps should carefully consider which path is for him or her and seriously prepare for the challenges ahead.

Step 3
Apply to the program of your choice. Each program has a different application process. For those applying for an NROTC commission, find several colleges that fit your needs for your chosen degree and other applicable criteria and apply to as many of them as possible. If you plan on applying to Annapolis, write a letter of introduction to your state's representatives. For programs like PLC or Officer Candidate Course, contact your local Marine Corps Recruiter and ask to speak to the Officer Selection Officer about placement in the program that's right for you.

If you think that college is not in your immediate future and you'd rather explore the Enlistment to Officer program, contact your local Marine Corps recruiter and discuss your career options as an enlisted Marine.

Step 4
Once you're in an officer program, you need to excel. Marine officers are expected to be mentally and physically fit. You should work to meet and exceed all Marine Corps PFT requirements. Also, most commissioning programs require a minimum GPA of 2.0.

Step 5
Once you've received your commission, you will report to the Basic School at Quantico, Virginia. According to the Marine officer recruiting website, "it is an intense six-month program" where "you'll build on the skills learned as an officer candidate and turn your leadership potential into command experience. According to the Marine Officer website, the Basic School puts the new Marine officer in the role of an infantry platoon commander where the candidate will spend time patrolling and practicing war-fighting tactics. The new Marine officer will learn to mentor, train and develop individual Marines in his or her command. Once you complete the Basic School, you may move on to specialized training in your Military Occupational Specialty.



Mastertanker hit it right on the head with his comment about connections! 'They must be elected to an appointment by a member of congress or the president or vice president'.

Please note that ARMY JROTC is not a path to the Naval Academy or MARINE OFFICER Commission.

Good luck!

Thank you so very much for your help and the quick replies!

Could you tell me a little more about the Enlisted to Officer program, or refer me to anywhere that can give me good information on it?

Thanks!

quote:

Enlisted to Officer program

MCECP

Grunger another thing, once you are in and commissioned, no one gives a gnat's ass about Anapolis, ROTC, OCC or how else you got your LTs bars. All that counts then is you. If you are a top notch guy with new ideas and a leader that people follow, your previous mil. history is diddly. Yes,it is in your records, but your superiors don't run around with your records under their arm. They only see you. That's my experience.

Big thanks Mastertanker, thats something I really needed to hear.

It doesn't matter how you get your commission. How you act after you get it is entirely on you. How your men will perceive you is also entirely on you.

I do like having conversations with some of my sailors.

Yeah, he must be one of them Academy Grads. I can't stand him.
Yeah, those silly Academy Grads!
At least you're not like him. Where did you go to school, sir?
The Academy.
Nuh uh. You're way cooler than that! I didn't know you went to the Academy.
I've only been on board for three years.

quote:

Originally posted by Grunger:
Big thanks Mastertanker, thats something I really needed to hear.

Yea, don't worry so much, it's all in your head and your determination. Getting a degree through a civilian U and graduating from ROTC at the same time isn't peanuts. And all the Academy grads know that. But like I said, in the end it doesn't count. You can make 4 star easy with ROTC if you play it right, I didn't!