The United States Marine Corps is an enlistment-only branch of the military. Young men were never drafted into the Corp, they choose it through the voluntary act of joining. Not everyone who attempts to join this service branch ends up as a Marine. The Marine Corps has specific requirements related to the physical condition, education level and personal integrity of new recruits. When you meet these requirements and follow the necessary enlistment process, you can become a Marine.
Instructions
1. Meet the Marine Corps age requirements. New recruits must be between the ages of 17 and 28. Anyone joining at the age of 17 must obtain the consent of a parent before joining.
2. Meet the educational requirements. The Marine Corps accepts a limited number of candidates who do not have a GED if they achieve a score in the upper percentiles of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test. However, it is best to receive your high school diploma or GED before attempting to sign up.
3. Talk to a recruiter. A recruiter will question you about any drug use, criminal infractions, credit issues and the number of dependents you have. Outside of the stated requirement of no more than two children for new recruits, most issues are taken on a case-by-case basis, as waivers can be granted to recruits depending on their situation.
4. Establish that you are a permanent resident of the United States. If you do not have a birth certificate or Social Security card, provide a green card or a permanent resident visa.
5. Take the ASVAB test at the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) on the day or days assigned to you by your recruiter. At MEPS you also take a physical.
6. Take the oath. You are sworn into the Marine Corps if you pass the ASVAB and your physical. At this point you may be shipped immediately to basic training or sent home until the arrival of the basic training startup date assigned to you.
