Mustang (ECP) Info?

[SirRoundSound]

Hello Marines,
I haven't posted here very often since I enlisted, so a little about myself: I went in open contract in 2009, and ended up as a Data Network Specialist (0651). I got stationed at Lejeune shortly thereafter, and have been there since. I'm almost two years in now, and I'm planning on starting a bachelor's degree program online in Information Systems Security some time next month with TA. The school is military friendly and very flexible, and will accommodate me if I bust my ass for two years to finish the degree by the time I EAS, which is my goal.

Now, lately, I've been thinking long and hard about my future. As far as finding work when I get out, being an 0651 is a pretty sweet gig. I have a TS clearance, one industry certification with another in the near future, and by the time I get out, I will have had several years of field experience in a highly desirable profession.

But I'm not sure if I just want to get out and do that for the rest of my life. But I'm pretty sure I don't want to re-enlist. So I've been giving some very serious thought to becoming an officer. It's been a thought floating around in the back of my head for a while now, and the more I think about it, the better the idea sounds.

Unfortunately though, there isn't a whole lot of information available for people under my circumstances.

It would appear that the Enlisted Commissioning Program most closely facilitates my aspirations, but there isn't a whole lot of information other than, "This is for Marines who have a bachelor's degree that want to go to OCS." There is plenty of information about MECEP, and in a lot of places, the terms are even used interchangeably, even though I know they're two different things. But I am NOT interested in MECEP. I am perfectly fine with getting my degree in my own spare time.

I guess a few of my immediate questions, for any Marines knowledgeable in this particular area, are:
How is the process begun and undertaken? Do I talk to my career planner, or chain of command, or an Officer Selection Officer? Will I be approved for OCS for having a degree and a clean record like any other aspiring college graduate, or do I have to be screened and approved, on a board or something?

And last, do you think it would be easier to just wait until I EAS since I won't have much time left on contract by the time I get my degree anyway, and then talk to an Officer Recruiter like any other college graduate? Am I even allowed to do that once I'm out?

Any insight would be appreciated. Sorry if these are dumb questions, but trying to wrap my enlisted brain around the process of becoming an officer is like trying to ram a square peg into a round hole, backwards, in the dark.

Thank you for your time, Marines.

[DIBLO7]

Look at MARADMIN 383/10.
http://www.marines.mil/news/messages/Pages/MARADMIN383-10.aspx/

That's the most recent selection MARADMIN for the ECP and MCP, both of which you should look into. Within the MARADMIN are references for the MCO's that would be applicable to you. If you pull those references you should be able to get all the info you'll need as far as eligibility and how to put together the package.

To answer your question about who to talk to, it "should" be your career planner, but the Adj at your unit might end up being the best help.

To get to OCS you'll have to have your package accepted by MCRC and then getting through their board, which you'll see the results from the annual MARADMIN.

If you want you could wait until you got out and go through an OSO, but you'd be put in through a different program, either PLC or OCC, and yes you are allowed to do that, though if I was you I'd either do ECP or MCP to not have the hassle of broken time.

Hope that helps.

[MUSTANG0369]

There are multiple ways to get to the Darkside. I went MECEP, it was good for me and was a good break for the transition. I left the drill field and went straight to college. Talk about a culture shock. Anyway to your questions. The maradmin that dib hyperlinked is close to what you need to be looking for. Look for the announcement maradmin that announces the board for the FY in which you are applying. It should be ECP,MECEP,MCP and the like. In the Maradmin are the references which are the orders governing the process. You have to get into them and dig around to ensure you have all the required criteria. Just for your SA

MECEP- 4 years at NROTC college
MCP- 18 months upon completion of OCS to complete degree at NROTC college
ECP - have degree, complete OCS

The maradmin should detail the requirements for the board. Photo, tattoo waivers, transcripts, etc. It will also more than likely state the requirements for the application letter and who needs to endorse it.

My advice is that if this is what you want to do, then do it now. You have to be boarded in all aspects, weather you are straight off the street, or applying for an enlisted to commissioning program. Why have a lapse in service if not needed? If you are within 30 or so credits, apply to MCP. But in any case, understand that you will be expected to do all the work in the package, etc. The adj will be invaluable in your efforts, or another officer who has gone the same route.

Sorry for the length. If you have anything else, let me know. Keep in mind I applyed 8 years ago, so my info may be somewhat dated.

[RyanS]

I am starting the process for applying to the ECP at this moment. The following link is the MCO that provides an outline for everything needed to complete an application for the ECP or MCP. It provides sample sections of the application. I'll try to remember to provide updates as I work on my application package. http://www.marines.mil/news/publications/Documents/MCO%201040.43A.pdf


This is a stupid question, which is why I am inquiring here... Does anyone know what text format and text size should be used for typing military documents (if there is a standard)?

[DIBLO7]

10-12 pt text, Courier new font. All the guidance you'll need is in the coorespondance manual, SECNAVINST 5216.5D. I think there may be a newer one, but that one will be correct for anything you'll need to write a document.

http://www2.marines.mil/news/publications/Documents/SECNAVINST%205216.5D.pdf