PLC/92-Day Reserve Rundown

[LivinSoFree]

For those of you interested in PLC, officer programs, and those who are weighing their options between the enlisted and officer side, here are a few items that should help you figure things out. When I first enlisted, all I had was hearsay and some moto videos to work off of- here's some down and dirty about the PLC program, OCS, and the differences between OCS and recruit training.

OK, starting point: http://www.marineofficer.com

Google searches for "Marine OCS" "Officer Candidate School" and "PLC" may also yield good results. Also Google "USMC Candidate Regulations" and get a copy of the Candidate Regs, that'll give you a pretty good look at what's going on.

Getting Selected for PLC/Marine Officer Programs

Getting selected is always a nebulous proposition. PLC is the "stopgap valve" whereby the Corps can ratchet up or down it's number of officer accessions. What this means is this: The Corps is going to get a fixed number of new officers from ROTC programs and USNA every year. Those numbers stay more or less the same due to the necessity of keeping those programs active with a certain number of candidates/midshipmen. PLC/OCC/MECEP etc. suffers from no such limitation. As such, they can increase or decrease the number of selections however best fits the needs of the Corps.

That said, I'd also add the following. My OSO has a 100 percent selection rate for the packages that make it to the selection board. This is a direct result of an excellent prescreening process. If you have a good OSO, he'll take a good look at what you're submitting and work with you to get it as competitive as possible- it's in their best interest to hit their quotas with good, strong candidates.

Physically, the minimum PFT to even go to OCS is a 225, with a minimum of 8 pullups, and a 24:00min 3-mile run time. DO NOT take this as the standard to reach. Competitive PFT score for PLC is about a 245 at minimum, and 255 for OCC (for those already possessing a 4-year degree). Again, don't just depend on the minimum. It's in your best interest to be as strong as possible before you go to OCS, both in power and endurance (though I'd recommend the latter as somewhat more important- OCS is like a marathon run at a sprint pace).

Academically, you need a 2.0 GPA minimum to get selected. Surprisingly, this is really not a big deal as far as exceeding the minimum- they're just looking for decent academic progress- they don't expect a bunch of potential Jarheads to be super overachievers in civilian colleges. Though I'd recommend having a good reading habit established, as well as a well-developed ability to write clearly and concisely, using proper spelling and grammar. You also need to hit a certain AFQT score on the ASVAB, I believe it's currently 73, but that may have changed.

Other than that, there's the Moral/Security Clearance type qualifications. No DUIs, no major police involvement, no outstanding traffic tickets, etc. Goes without saying, but don't be openly homosexual, per the homosexual conduct policy. Also in the medical department- if you have any old surgeries/nagging injuries/conditions that require or required in the past a doctor's care/regular medication, make sure they're thoroughly documented, and that you have evaluations from specialists stating that they're NOT any sort of impediment to you being able to perform your duties. If you have any old injuries that are still nagging problems, GET THEM DEALT WITH before you go to OCS. If you have something that's just a nagging problem under regular circumstances, it WILL get aggravated at OCS, and that can lead to your disenrollment for medical reasons, no matter how good of a candidate you are. Keep in mind that after you get commissioned, your first 6 months is going to be spent at The Basic School, which is definitely physically demanding. So even if you squeak by at OCS, you'll feel the pain at TBS, which risks you getting dropped back to Mike Company (the PCP/MRP of TBS).

When you walk in with your rough application, have everything put together and checked over twice, organized and presentable. Attention to detail, initiative counts, and it will be noted by those evaluating you, even at the OSO level. If they ask for 4 character references, get 6. Try to get a good spread, that includes retired military if possible. Get evals from people who have seen you in a leadership role. They're looking for people who have the potential to lead Marines in a high stress environment.

Above all, be ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN that this is what you want. Go up there dedicated and determined to finish.

Now, all of this is a little flexible. When I applied, I had a substandard PFT (236 on the initial run at OCS). But the rest of my package shined, and that offset it. When I got to OCS, despite my bad initial PFT, the rest of my scores were high, and that kept me in the game long enough to get my PFT up. By the end of the 10 weeks, I had dropped 2:18 off my run time, and picked up 4 pullups.

Initial PFT at OCS: 236
Pullups: 12
Crunches: 100
3 Mile Run: 21:22

Final PFT at OCS: 273
Pullups: 16
Crunches: 100
3 Mile Run: 19:04

If they see you putting out, and I mean with every ounce of effort you've got, making yourself drop from exhaustion instead of quitting, working out on your downtime, and going the extra mile, they'll keep you, even if you're hurting on your physical scores. Your platoon staff has a LOT of pull in determining whether or not to keep or drop a candidate who's on the fence. Convince them that you're worth keeping, and you'll stay. Give them the impression that you're a sh*tbird, and you'll be on a plane before you even knew what hit you.


OCS compared to Recruit Training:

Briefly, here's the difference. Boot Camp is meant to put each recruit into a "Basic Marine" mold. It teaches discipline (defined as "Instant, willing obedience to orders, self-reliance, and teamwork.") It "checks the box" on all the basic skills and qualifications that every Marine must have (rifle qual, PFT, swim qual, gas chamber/NBC quals, MCMAP Tan Belt qual, basic field firing techniques, basic patrolling tactics, drill and ceremonies, uniform wear, history, customs/courtesies, first aid, etc.) and graduates Marines into the fleet or the reserves. It's all about getting hundreds of recruits per company, from just as many different backgrounds, to function as a team and as a Marine in the operating forces. When you graduate recruit training, you will be a Marine, period.

OCS is different. The mission at OCS is to "Train, Screen, and Evaluate candidates to determine whether they possess the physical, intellectual, and moral qualities necessary to serve effectively as company grade officers in the Operating Forces." It's like one big job interview. When you graduate OCS as a PLC candidate, you technically don't even rate the title "Marine" yet, until you accept your commission as a 2nd Lieutenant. You'll go back to college and be expected to maintain your fitness for commissioning with little or no oversight. You are correct that you can decline to accept your commission if you so choose, however, if you took any financial aid, you'll have to either pay it back monetarily or through an enlistment in the Marine Corps.

Boot camp is a 13-week straight shot. OCS as a PLC candidate has 2 different options. If you contract/get selected before the end of your sophomore year, you'll do 2 6-week courses (Juniors/Seniors). One the summer after you get selected, and one the summer after your junior year. If you contract after your sophomore year (as I did), you'll do one 10-week straight shot (Combined). Personally, I'd recommend the 10-week course if you can work it that way. More recovery time (though still not much), and generally a better learning curve.

Differences? OCS is far more about individual effort. Physically speaking, the PT is light-years away harder than at recruit training. You've gotta have a 225 PFT MINIMUM even to qualify for OCS, a 245 is recommended as a minimum competitive score for PLC applicants. You'll PT probably somewhere between 4 and 6 mornings a week, and the only time you'll run on pavement is for your PFTs. You'll run, A LOT, uphill, downhill, sideways, on dirt, through mud, in PT gear, boots 'n utes, with wargear and weapon, and then you'll run some more. Lots of time on the O-Course, endurance course, and the CRT (Combat Readiness Test). Academically, it's a little more challenging than boot camp, but still mostly at a 10th grade level. You'll spend a fair bit of time in classes, covering Marine Corps History, customs/courtesies, uniforms, basic tactics, operations orders and all the misc. subjects that you've gotta cover, like fraternization, sexual harassment, etc.

Another big difference is the mindset. Boot Camp is a "succeed or die trying" kind of place. It's VERY hard, if not damn near impossible to "quit" boot camp. Once you're there, you signed the contract and you're in it for the haul. OCS, on the other hand, you've gotta WANT it, and I mean with every bone in your body, 'cause starting at week 4 for the 10 weekers, and I imagine after week 3 for the 2x6 weekers, you can quit. I mean you can knock on the duty hut hatch, say "DOR" and be on a plane home in less than 48 hours, never to get another chance to return and with a piece of your honor left on Brown Field. It's that easy. OCS is designed to weed out the ones that can't hack it. It's a numbers game too. Everything is evaluated. 25% of your score is academics, 25% physical events, and 50% leadership. Your leadership score is based on evaluations from your "billets," whereby you're placed in a leadership role, from squad leader all the way up to Candidate Company Commander, and evaluated by your staff counterparts (and they are merciless- good luck when you end up as candidate platoon sergeant or candidate company gunnery sergeant). Also, you are evaluated for leadership during SULE I and SULE II (Small Unit Leadership Exercise) which are fireteam and squad sized tactical reaction courses, where you basically end up running through the woods and around Brown Field with your team solving reaction course style and tactical problems rotating through the team leader/squad leader positions, as well as the Leadership Reaction Course (I and II), and Fireteam/Squad in the offense scenarios. Written tests are generally multiple choice, but also include 2 essay style exams for History II and Leadership II. Graded physical events include PFTs, CRT, Endurance Course, and O-Course. All of these evaluations are graded. Anything 83% or below is considered "Marginal" performance and result in a notation in your eval file, and anything below 80% is considered failing, also resulting in a notation in your file. Get more than one of those, and you're in danger of probation and/or disenrollment from the course (ie- you can't hack it, thanks for trying, go home, don't come back). Also, missing too many training days due to light duty/bed rest can result in disenrollment for "Failure to Evaluate," which can send you home, though you may get a second chance the next year at the discretion of the Battallion CO.

Other differences- Boot camp is totally self-contained. At OCS you'll get off on the weekends starting at the end of the 3rd week. You can go to DC, Stafford/Woodbridge (the towns closest to Quantico), and get some time off. It's considered training though- they give you enough leeway to see if you screw up. Integrity is also a BIG thing. I saw candidates disenrolled for unintentionally misreporting their crunch count on their PFT- by 2 reps. DO NOT BE AN INTEGRITY VIOLATOR. It'll get you thrashed in boot camp, but it'll get you thrown out at OCS. IT- At boot camp, if you screw up, expect to pay in sweat. At OCS, expect to pay in sleep- there's no quarterdeck or pit, just 300 word essays. At boot camp you get 8 hours a night and are forced to sleep. At OCS, your 8 hours a night is time to sleep, yes, but also to do EVERYTHING ELSE you need to do for the next day, including prepping/remarking gear, turning over billets, writing assigned essays (300 words, only words with 4 letters or more count, EXACTLY 300 words, on the assigned topic, properly formatted, spelling and grammar counts, each word that counts underlined, numbered, with the number circled. Screw it up, prepare to do it again, along with another essay on "The Importance of Attention to Detail." But at OCS, we as a platoon definitely were a lot tighter than boot camp.

Bottom line, the Corps does NOT want officers who don't want to be there, or who can't perform- we can't afford it when you're putting Marines' lives on the line.

Prior service experience is a major advantage- it'll help you through the course, 'cause you'll already have a handle on the basic subjects taught, as well as the "Marine Mindset," though in later parts of the course, non-prior candidates tend to catch up pretty quick and at times surpass the priors. Prior service also carries the risk of making you overconfident or even arrogant. Don't fall into this trap. I would recommend being a 92-day reservist before going to OCS. Some Marines like to badmouth the 92-day program, but it's a GREAT way to get enlisted experience before you get commissioned, which is invaluable both at OCS and throughout your career as a Marine Officer. Just because you don't go to MOS school right away doesn't mean you can't learn on the fly once you get to your unit. I've been a Comm unit for over 2 years now, never been to MOS school- yet the Marines there have taught me enough to fill multiple books (and it HAS). Take advantage of all the opportunities you can to get where you want to go- if someone tells you no the first time, improvise, adapt, and overcome. It took 3.5 years, 7 medboards, 4 waivers, and 5 denials to get to OCS for me- what do you think that means?

Everyone wants to know about the money, so here goes: Pay at OCS is at the E-5 (Sergeant) level, for all candidates (unless they are E-6 or above due to prior service), with credit for time in service. Good money. This is, of course, taxed, and you WILL spend a substantial amount of it up there at the courses, for gear you need, on your weekends, etc. PLC provides two forms of financial assistance in addition to the pay at OCS, that are available during the school year, contingent upon successfuly maintaining academic and disciplinary standings within the program. The FAP (Financial Assistance Program) program is a stipend- currently available on a competitive basis (but most candidates that want it can get it), in 2 payments of $1575.00 a year, once in the fall, once in the spring. This is a non-taxable, subsistence stipend. Additionally, MCTAP (Marine Corps Tuition Assistance Program) will reimburse you for up to $5600.00 of tuition, books, lab fees, etc. Not housing, so far as I know. IF YOU TAKE THE MONEY- you are obligated, should you disenroll from the program, voluntarily or involuntarily for unfavorable reasons, to reimburse the US Government for the money you took, either through a 2-year enlistment in the Marine Corps, or by direct reimbursement. Also, the FAP stipend adds an additional 6 months to your initial active duty obligation.

What happens after you graduate and get commissioned? For PLC candidates, you will get commissioned at a place and time of your choosing, around the time you recieve your degree (having already completed OCS). This will be coordinated through your OSO. Following that, you will recieve orders to The Basic School for 6 months of training in tactics, weapons systems, administrative and legal topics, history, leadership, etc. Basically everything you need to be a functioning basic 2nd Lieutenant at the Company Level. Based on your performance there, you will be broken down in to 3 groups (top, middle, and bottom 3rd of the class, performance wise), and then ranked within those groups. Then, for MOS assignment, to ensure a quality spread, the top guy from the top group gets first choice, then the top guy from the middle group, then the top guy from the bottom group, then the number 2 guy from the top group, etc. so on, so forth. Now, this isn't completely blind, your instructors at TBS will try to guide you towards MOSes you may be best suited for, and may make adjustments based on any number of factors, but that's generally how it works. Don't intentionally bomb a test to get dropped to the next group, 'cause I guarantee, about 10 other Lieutenants have the same idea. Just do your best. Once MOS assignments are made, you'll go out to your respective MOS schools, then be assigned to a unit in the Operating Forces once you've completed your MOS training pipeline, and it's off you go.

In between OCS and Commisioning, you'll need to maintain academic, physical, legal and moral standards. You'll run a semi-annual PFT, complete a security clearance investigation, file your request for appointment, and request TBS dates. You can be disenrolled for substandard performance or misconduct. Don't let it happen. You also might have a few pool functions, but they're usually pretty fun, and they're not a big committment. Other than that, you have no official committments during the year, unless you are currently a reservist or something of that ilk.

A Brief Note on Reserve Enlistments

Reserve Enlistments work 2 different ways for initial accessions (those with no prior service). There's the "92" and "135" programs, those numbers being technically how long the Corps has to get you through Boot Camp once you ship before you're turned back over to Civilian life. 92-dayers are college types- you must be enrolled in a 4-year college before you can enlist on a 92-day slot. This contract splits up your initial training over your summers. Boot Camp the first summer, then MCT and/or MOS school the next, then the last of the three the third summer if you can't fit them both into the 2nd summer. In between, once you graduate boot camp, you drill with your reserve unit like any other reservist. Deployability is very low, as it requires your MOS to get designated as critical for deployment, then you get active duty orders to MOS school/MCT followed by a deployment. I've never seen it happen. The 135-day option is also known as the Regular Reserve program. This is a straight-through program, the one most commonly taken by those joining straight to the reserve side. Regular reservists do the same initial cycle as active duty: boot camp, 10-day leave, MCT, MOS School, then they check into their unit and are released from active duty, and then drill with their unit (one weekend/month and an AT somewhere during the year, generally 2 weeks, but I've seen longer). At this point you're fully deployable. I watched Marines check into my unit and get handed their activation orders the same day. Or you may never get activated. Just depends on your MOS and the needs of the Marine Corps.

Both programs are eligible for the reserve GI Bill, so long as you do a 6x2 contract (6 years obligated SMCR drilling reserves/2 years Individual Ready Reserve- non-obligated). There is a 4x4 and 2x6 option, but I wouldn't recommend them. Additionally, reservists who are deployed become eligible for REAP, which is a substantial increase in educational benefits. The Reserve GI Bill will increase to approximately 302 dollars a month, 9 months/year, up to 36 months, with an initial 10-year eligibility period. Activation resets the clock on that 10-year period (giving you another 10-year long window to use those benefits). The $302.00 amount is contingent upon you being enrolled full time (12 hours) in an accredited educational institution. For more info on that, google search "Selected Reserve GI Bill."

There is no requirement/minimum drill time for activation. As I said above, I've seen Marines come straight out of MOS school and get activated at their reserve center. However, you must complete 48 "drills" (2 drills = 1 day) a year, in addition to an AT of a minimum of 2 weeks in order to have a "sat year" (satisfactory year- i.e. you've fulfilled your contract obligation to the Corps for that year, barring activation). There're also options to go active duty for any length of time, just depending again on MOS and needs of the Corps.

Good luck to all prospective recruits/candidates, and if you have any other questions, feel free to PM me and we'll get in touch.

[jinelson]

Thank you brother and future sir! You have done an outstanding job putting this together for the officer prospects and hopefully it will answer all their questions. I have made it a sticky so it will always serve as a resource for those that come in the future. Thank you for all your help Meyer you have served as an inspiration for those seeking to follow your path and a source of pride for myself.

Semper Fi

Jim

[devildoghopeful]

Awesome! A great insight into the PLC and what is required, I can't wait! Better start work on my PFT too...

[TylerA23]

I am currently in the DEP for Reserves- I will be a 92 day reservist while attending college, I just had this on my mind, so I thought I'd ask.
If I'm a 92 day reservist and either drop out of College or Flunk out, would I be just switched to Regular Reserves or kicked out of Reserves all together?
I know this isn't really a good thing to be asking but the reason I'm asking is because I personaly don't believe you can accomplish anything unless your whole heart is into it, and my heart really is not set on college, it's set on being a GRUNT.(Honestly I cant/nor do I know why).But my family (yea I know this has been said before) wants me to go to college "and get my education". I agree, but I'd rather just pick it up along the way while serving in the Corps. They want me do it now, and I want to be a Marine, so Reserves looked like to me (hitting 2 birds w/ one stone sorta thing) a happy median, but the more I think about it, and tell people "I'm going to college" it sounds like a lie. So I guess I was just wondering what would happen if I were to flunk out or decide while attending college that it definitely wasn't for me and dropped out, what would happen? all advice and criticism is greatly appreciated. Thanks and God Bless. -Tyler

[LivinSoFree]

OK, so there's a couple issues here:

1- The contract issue. The 92-day (IIADT) Program contract is contingent upon your continued enrollment in a 4-year college. If this ceases to be the case, then you revert to a 135-day (Regular SMCR) contract, and will be immediately assigned to your remaining initial training schools. You will then complete your enlistment as previously contracted.

2- The college issue. Look- I've been there. I was there, up until about 9 months ago when I took a swing at OCS. College, academia, did nothing for me, and still doesn't really float my boat. BUT- it's an admission ticket to a lot of avenues that would otherwise be closed off to you. If you ever want to take a swing at an officer slot, or even be more promotable on the enlisted side, you'll need your degree. If something goes wrong (highly possible as a grunt), and you're not able to continue on in the Corps, that degree could mean the difference between a homeless shelter and a good, fulfilling job on the civilian side. Plus, the education isn't in the classroom. It's in the things you learn about life, about people, about how to deal, that are the real value in a university education. Believe me, it sucks sometimes, but it's worth it. Stick it out, get your feet wet in the reserves, then go active after you're done if you still want to do it. It's a great way to make things happen for yourself.

[TylerA23]

Thank you very much for your reply, and I have decided to go for it. Might as well take advantage of this nearly free education.

[Gaddy46]

Im a 92-day Reservist right now, i have not been receiving any money from the GI Bill, i was told by my recruiter that i would get it. I asked a Staff Sgt in my company about it and he told me i had to go to SOI before receiving it. I have heard people say both sides. Does anyone know for sure? and how i go about getting it?

[LivinSoFree]

The GI Bill is a stepwise process to obtain. I was able to get it after I went to MCT, but I've had Marines who were able to get it before. First, you have to get a "Notice of Basic Eligibility" from your unit (NOBE for short). Your admin section can get you this, and I've not heard anything that says for certain that you have to go to SOI/MCT/MOS School first. Once you get that, take it to the VA liasion at your registrar's office, they'll start the rest of the paperwork for you. Important to note is that you CAN file retroactively going all the way back to your first day of school after you graduated boot camp (it's a nice check). Also note that it takes about 90 days to process all this and start getting your money. After that, just reverify your enrollment every month online, and you'll get your money tax-free, direct deposit.

[devildoghopeful]

Just one question,

I'm intending to go to US college in September of this year and I was wondering; to apply for the PLC so that I attend OCS for the 10 week session between Junior and Senior year, when should I go to a recruiting station? In other words, how far in advance should I start talking with an OSO?

Many thanks,

Alex

[LivinSoFree]

OK, here's your first issue. I notice that you're OCOUNS (Out of Continental United States) in London. Are you an American citizen? In order to become a commissioned officer in the US Military, American citizenship IS a requirement. It is *not* required to enlist, but in order to obtain a commission, it is.

Assuming for the sake of argument that that's not an issue, if you wanted to ensure that you would do the 10 weeks instead of the 2 6-weeks, you would need to start working with the OSO right after you started your Junior year of college. Any earlier, and you'll probably end up doing 2 6-week shots instead.

Also, if you're not an American citizen, check what entry visa will allow you to do, and consider enlisting on the reserve side first, as a way to get acquainted with the Corps, put some enlisted time under your belt, and assist you in obtaining your citizenship, if that's something you're willing to do in order to become a comissioned officer. It sounds like you might have a few hurdles to jump before you get to OCS. Good luck, and feel free to contact me here with any additional questions.

-Meyer

[devildoghopeful]

Thank you LCpl soon to be 2ndLt!

That info was exactly what I was looking for.



-Alex

P.S. I have dual citizenship with the US and UK.

[maysoon]

For those of you interested in PLC, officer programs, and those who are weighing their options between the enlisted and officer side, here are a few items that should help you figure things out. When I first enlisted, all I had was hearsay and some moto videos to work off of- here's some down and dirty about the PLC program, OCS, and the differences between OCS and recruit training.

OK, starting point: http://www.marineofficer.com

Google searches for "Marine OCS" "Officer Candidate School" and "PLC" may also yield good results. Also Google "USMC Candidate Regulations" and get a copy of the Candidate Regs, that'll give you a pretty good look at what's going on.

Getting Selected for PLC/Marine Officer Programs

Getting selected is always a nebulous proposition. PLC is the "stopgap valve" whereby the Corps can ratchet up or down it's number of officer accessions. What this means is this: The Corps is going to get a fixed number of new officers from ROTC programs and USNA every year. Those numbers stay more or less the same due to the necessity of keeping those programs active with a certain number of candidates/midshipmen. PLC/OCC/MECEP etc. suffers from no such limitation. As such, they can increase or decrease the number of selections however best fits the needs of the Corps.

That said, I'd also add the following. My OSO has a 100 percent selection rate for the packages that make it to the selection board. This is a direct result of an excellent prescreening process. If you have a good OSO, he'll take a good look at what you're submitting and work with you to get it as competitive as possible- it's in their best interest to hit their quotas with good, strong candidates.

Physically, the minimum PFT to even go to OCS is a 225, with a minimum of 8 pullups, and a 24:00min 3-mile run time. DO NOT take this as the standard to reach. Competitive PFT score for PLC is about a 245 at minimum, and 255 for OCC (for those already possessing a 4-year degree). Again, don't just depend on the minimum. It's in your best interest to be as strong as possible before you go to OCS, both in power and endurance (though I'd recommend the latter as somewhat more important- OCS is like a marathon run at a sprint pace).

Academically, you need a 2.0 GPA minimum to get selected. Surprisingly, this is really not a big deal as far as exceeding the minimum- they're just looking for decent academic progress- they don't expect a bunch of potential Jarheads to be super overachievers in civilian colleges. Though I'd recommend having a good reading habit established, as well as a well-developed ability to write clearly and concisely, using proper spelling and grammar. You also need to hit a certain AFQT score on the ASVAB, I believe it's currently 73, but that may have changed.

Other than that, there's the Moral/Security Clearance type qualifications. No DUIs, no major police involvement, no outstanding traffic tickets, etc. Goes without saying, but don't be openly homosexual, per the homosexual conduct policy. Also in the medical department- if you have any old surgeries/nagging injuries/conditions that require or required in the past a doctor's care/regular medication, make sure they're thoroughly documented, and that you have evaluations from specialists stating that they're NOT any sort of impediment to you being able to perform your duties. If you have any old injuries that are still nagging problems, GET THEM DEALT WITH before you go to OCS. If you have something that's just a nagging problem under regular circumstances, it WILL get aggravated at OCS, and that can lead to your disenrollment for medical reasons, no matter how good of a candidate you are. Keep in mind that after you get commissioned, your first 6 months is going to be spent at The Basic School, which is definitely physically demanding. So even if you squeak by at OCS, you'll feel the pain at TBS, which risks you getting dropped back to Mike Company (the PCP/MRP of TBS).

When you walk in with your rough application, have everything put together and checked over twice, organized and presentable. Attention to detail, initiative counts, and it will be noted by those evaluating you, even at the OSO level. If they ask for 4 character references, get 6. Try to get a good spread, that includes retired military if possible. Get evals from people who have seen you in a leadership role. They're looking for people who have the potential to lead Marines in a high stress environment.

Above all, be ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN that this is what you want. Go up there dedicated and determined to finish.

Now, all of this is a little flexible. When I applied, I had a substandard PFT (236 on the initial run at OCS). But the rest of my package shined, and that offset it. When I got to OCS, despite my bad initial PFT, the rest of my scores were high, and that kept me in the game long enough to get my PFT up. By the end of the 10 weeks, I had dropped 2:18 off my run time, and picked up 4 pullups.

Initial PFT at OCS: 236
Pullups: 12
Crunches: 100
3 Mile Run: 21:22

Final PFT at OCS: 273
Pullups: 16
Crunches: 100
3 Mile Run: 19:04

If they see you putting out, and I mean with every ounce of effort you've got, making yourself drop from exhaustion instead of quitting, working out on your downtime, and going the extra mile, they'll keep you, even if you're hurting on your physical scores. Your platoon staff has a LOT of pull in determining whether or not to keep or drop a candidate who's on the fence. Convince them that you're worth keeping, and you'll stay. Give them the impression that you're a sh*tbird, and you'll be on a plane before you even knew what hit you.


OCS compared to Recruit Training:

Briefly, here's the difference. Boot Camp is meant to put each recruit into a "Basic Marine" mold. It teaches discipline (defined as "Instant, willing obedience to orders, self-reliance, and teamwork.") It "checks the box" on all the basic skills and qualifications that every Marine must have (rifle qual, PFT, swim qual, gas chamber/NBC quals, MCMAP Tan Belt qual, basic field firing techniques, basic patrolling tactics, drill and ceremonies, uniform wear, history, customs/courtesies, first aid, etc.) and graduates Marines into the fleet or the reserves. It's all about getting hundreds of recruits per company, from just as many different backgrounds, to function as a team and as a Marine in the operating forces. When you graduate recruit training, you will be a Marine, period.

OCS is different. The mission at OCS is to "Train, Screen, and Evaluate candidates to determine whether they possess the physical, intellectual, and moral qualities necessary to serve effectively as company grade officers in the Operating Forces." It's like one big job interview. When you graduate OCS as a PLC candidate, you technically don't even rate the title "Marine" yet, until you accept your commission as a 2nd Lieutenant. You'll go back to college and be expected to maintain your fitness for commissioning with little or no oversight. You are correct that you can decline to accept your commission if you so choose, however, if you took any financial aid, you'll have to either pay it back monetarily or through an enlistment in the Marine Corps.

Boot camp is a 13-week straight shot. OCS as a PLC candidate has 2 different options. If you contract/get selected before the end of your sophomore year, you'll do 2 6-week courses (Juniors/Seniors). One the summer after you get selected, and one the summer after your junior year. If you contract after your sophomore year (as I did), you'll do one 10-week straight shot (Combined). Personally, I'd recommend the 10-week course if you can work it that way. More recovery time (though still not much), and generally a better learning curve.

Differences? OCS is far more about individual effort. Physically speaking, the PT is light-years away harder than at recruit training. You've gotta have a 225 PFT MINIMUM even to qualify for OCS, a 245 is recommended as a minimum competitive score for PLC applicants. You'll PT probably somewhere between 4 and 6 mornings a week, and the only time you'll run on pavement is for your PFTs. You'll run, A LOT, uphill, downhill, sideways, on dirt, through mud, in PT gear, boots 'n utes, with wargear and weapon, and then you'll run some more. Lots of time on the O-Course, endurance course, and the CRT (Combat Readiness Test). Academically, it's a little more challenging than boot camp, but still mostly at a 10th grade level. You'll spend a fair bit of time in classes, covering Marine Corps History, customs/courtesies, uniforms, basic tactics, operations orders and all the misc. subjects that you've gotta cover, like fraternization, sexual harassment, etc.

Another big difference is the mindset. Boot Camp is a "succeed or die trying" kind of place. It's VERY hard, if not damn near impossible to "quit" boot camp. Once you're there, you signed the contract and you're in it for the haul. OCS, on the other hand, you've gotta WANT it, and I mean with every bone in your body, 'cause starting at week 4 for the 10 weekers, and I imagine after week 3 for the 2x6 weekers, you can quit. I mean you can knock on the duty hut hatch, say "DOR" and be on a plane home in less than 48 hours, never to get another chance to return and with a piece of your honor left on Brown Field. It's that easy. OCS is designed to weed out the ones that can't hack it. It's a numbers game too. Everything is evaluated. 25% of your score is academics, 25% physical events, and 50% leadership. Your leadership score is based on evaluations from your "billets," whereby you're placed in a leadership role, from squad leader all the way up to Candidate Company Commander, and evaluated by your staff counterparts (and they are merciless- good luck when you end up as candidate platoon sergeant or candidate company gunnery sergeant). Also, you are evaluated for leadership during SULE I and SULE II (Small Unit Leadership Exercise) which are fireteam and squad sized tactical reaction courses, where you basically end up running through the woods and around Brown Field with your team solving reaction course style and tactical problems rotating through the team leader/squad leader positions, as well as the Leadership Reaction Course (I and II), and Fireteam/Squad in the offense scenarios. Written tests are generally multiple choice, but also include 2 essay style exams for History II and Leadership II. Graded physical events include PFTs, CRT, Endurance Course, and O-Course. All of these evaluations are graded. Anything 83% or below is considered "Marginal" performance and result in a notation in your eval file, and anything below 80% is considered failing, also resulting in a notation in your file. Get more than one of those, and you're in danger of probation and/or disenrollment from the course (ie- you can't hack it, thanks for trying, go home, don't come back). Also, missing too many training days due to light duty/bed rest can result in disenrollment for "Failure to Evaluate," which can send you home, though you may get a second chance the next year at the discretion of the Battallion CO.

Other differences- Boot camp is totally self-contained. At OCS you'll get off on the weekends starting at the end of the 3rd week. You can go to DC, Stafford/Woodbridge (the towns closest to Quantico), and get some time off. It's considered training though- they give you enough leeway to see if you screw up. Integrity is also a BIG thing. I saw candidates disenrolled for unintentionally misreporting their crunch count on their PFT- by 2 reps. DO NOT BE AN INTEGRITY VIOLATOR. It'll get you thrashed in boot camp, but it'll get you thrown out at OCS. IT- At boot camp, if you screw up, expect to pay in sweat. At OCS, expect to pay in sleep- there's no quarterdeck or pit, just 300 word essays. At boot camp you get 8 hours a night and are forced to sleep. At OCS, your 8 hours a night is time to sleep, yes, but also to do EVERYTHING ELSE you need to do for the next day, including prepping/remarking gear, turning over billets, writing assigned essays (300 words, only words with 4 letters or more count, EXACTLY 300 words, on the assigned topic, properly formatted, spelling and grammar counts, each word that counts underlined, numbered, with the number circled. Screw it up, prepare to do it again, along with another essay on "The Importance of Attention to Detail." But at OCS, we as a platoon definitely were a lot tighter than boot camp.

Bottom line, the Corps does NOT want officers who don't want to be there, or who can't perform- we can't afford it when you're putting Marines' lives on the line.

Prior service experience is a major advantage- it'll help you through the course, 'cause you'll already have a handle on the basic subjects taught, as well as the "Marine Mindset," though in later parts of the course, non-prior candidates tend to catch up pretty quick and at times surpass the priors. Prior service also carries the risk of making you overconfident or even arrogant. Don't fall into this trap. I would recommend being a 92-day reservist before going to OCS. Some Marines like to badmouth the 92-day program, but it's a GREAT way to get enlisted experience before you get commissioned, which is invaluable both at OCS and throughout your career as a Marine Officer. Just because you don't go to MOS school right away doesn't mean you can't learn on the fly once you get to your unit. I've been a Comm unit for over 2 years now, never been to MOS school- yet the Marines there have taught me enough to fill multiple books (and it HAS). Take advantage of all the opportunities you can to get where you want to go- if someone tells you no the first time, improvise, adapt, and overcome. It took 3.5 years, 7 medboards, 4 waivers, and 5 denials to get to OCS for me- what do you think that means?

Everyone wants to know about the money, so here goes: Pay at OCS is at the E-5 (Sergeant) level, for all candidates (unless they are E-6 or above due to prior service), with credit for time in service. Good money. This is, of course, taxed, and you WILL spend a substantial amount of it up there at the courses, for gear you need, on your weekends, etc. PLC provides two forms of financial assistance in addition to the pay at OCS, that are available during the school year, contingent upon successfuly maintaining academic and disciplinary standings within the program. The FAP (Financial Assistance Program) program is a stipend- currently available on a competitive basis (but most candidates that want it can get it), in 2 payments of $1575.00 a year, once in the fall, once in the spring. This is a non-taxable, subsistence stipend. Additionally, MCTAP (Marine Corps Tuition Assistance Program) will reimburse you for up to $5600.00 of tuition, books, lab fees, etc. Not housing, so far as I know. IF YOU TAKE THE MONEY- you are obligated, should you disenroll from the program, voluntarily or involuntarily for unfavorable reasons, to reimburse the US Government for the money you took, either through a 2-year enlistment in the Marine Corps, or by direct reimbursement. Also, the FAP stipend adds an additional 6 months to your initial active duty obligation.

What happens after you graduate and get commissioned? For PLC candidates, you will get commissioned at a place and time of your choosing, around the time you recieve your degree (having already completed OCS). This will be coordinated through your OSO. Following that, you will recieve orders to The Basic School for 6 months of training in tactics, weapons systems, administrative and legal topics, history, leadership, etc. Basically everything you need to be a functioning basic 2nd Lieutenant at the Company Level. Based on your performance there, you will be broken down in to 3 groups (top, middle, and bottom 3rd of the class, performance wise), and then ranked within those groups. Then, for MOS assignment, to ensure a quality spread, the top guy from the top group gets first choice, then the top guy from the middle group, then the top guy from the bottom group, then the number 2 guy from the top group, etc. so on, so forth. Now, this isn't completely blind, your instructors at TBS will try to guide you towards MOSes you may be best suited for, and may make adjustments based on any number of factors, but that's generally how it works. Don't intentionally bomb a test to get dropped to the next group, 'cause I guarantee, about 10 other Lieutenants have the same idea. Just do your best. Once MOS assignments are made, you'll go out to your respective MOS schools, then be assigned to a unit in the Operating Forces once you've completed your MOS training pipeline, and it's off you go.

In between OCS and Commisioning, you'll need to maintain academic, physical, legal and moral standards. You'll run a semi-annual PFT, complete a security clearance investigation, file your request for appointment, and request TBS dates. You can be disenrolled for substandard performance or misconduct. Don't let it happen. You also might have a few pool functions, but they're usually pretty fun, and they're not a big committment. Other than that, you have no official committments during the year, unless you are currently a reservist or something of that ilk.

A Brief Note on Reserve Enlistments

Reserve Enlistments work 2 different ways for initial accessions (those with no prior service). There's the "92" and "135" programs, those numbers being technically how long the Corps has to get you through Boot Camp once you ship before you're turned back over to Civilian life. 92-dayers are college types- you must be enrolled in a 4-year college before you can enlist on a 92-day slot. This contract splits up your initial training over your summers. Boot Camp the first summer, then MCT and/or MOS school the next, then the last of the three the third summer if you can't fit them both into the 2nd summer. In between, once you graduate boot camp, you drill with your reserve unit like any other reservist. Deployability is very low, as it requires your MOS to get designated as critical for deployment, then you get active duty orders to MOS school/MCT followed by a deployment. I've never seen it happen. The 135-day option is also known as the Regular Reserve program. This is a straight-through program, the one most commonly taken by those joining straight to the reserve side. Regular reservists do the same initial cycle as active duty: boot camp, 10-day leave, MCT, MOS School, then they check into their unit and are released from active duty, and then drill with their unit (one weekend/month and an AT somewhere during the year, generally 2 weeks, but I've seen longer). At this point you're fully deployable. I watched Marines check into my unit and get handed their activation orders the same day. Or you may never get activated. Just depends on your MOS and the needs of the Marine Corps.

Both programs are eligible for the reserve GI Bill, so long as you do a 6x2 contract (6 years obligated SMCR drilling reserves/2 years Individual Ready Reserve- non-obligated). There is a 4x4 and 2x6 option, but I wouldn't recommend them. Additionally, reservists who are deployed become eligible for REAP, which is a substantial increase in educational benefits. The Reserve GI Bill will increase to approximately 302 dollars a month, 9 months/year, up to 36 months, with an initial 10-year eligibility period. Activation resets the clock on that 10-year period (giving you another 10-year long window to use those benefits). The $302.00 amount is contingent upon you being enrolled full time (12 hours) in an accredited educational institution. For more info on that, google search "Selected Reserve GI Bill."

There is no requirement/minimum drill time for activation. As I said above, I've seen Marines come straight out of MOS school and get activated at their reserve center. However, you must complete 48 "drills" (2 drills = 1 day) a year, in addition to an AT of a minimum of 2 weeks in order to have a "sat year" (satisfactory year- i.e. you've fulfilled your contract obligation to the Corps for that year, barring activation). There're also options to go active duty for any length of time, just depending again on MOS and needs of the Corps.

Good luck to all prospective recruits/candidates, and if you have any other questions, feel free to PM me and we'll get in touch.

Hi, I really appreciated this. I want to know, if lets say, I pass OCS, accept my commission as a second lieutenant, and then fail TBS, do I still have my butter bar, or do I lose my commission? Do I then take the option of being demoted as an NCO? What happens?

[maysoon]

Thank you LCpl soon to be 2ndLt!

That info was exactly what I was looking for.



-Alex

P.S. I have dual citizenship with the US and UK.

Being also British, how does it feel to not be full independent? How would the appreciation of the declaration of independence be reduced being English also? Would you say you feel like a CANADIAN? being half/half? How to the British feel about the US Marines? Are they their sentiments comparable to the Canadians? We had an Irish 3 star private named Celtic Tiger who wanted to become a US Marine.

How would you fellow pooles feel as proud Americans to be lead by a British officer? I know Canada being loyalists still love Britain more, and have only positive sentiments of the UK. :)

[devildoghopeful]

Well my Dad is American, my mother is British. The issue of where my loyalties lie has never been a big one. I have lived in the UK all my life, and yet I have always felt that the US is my home. For example, whenever I visit the US (which is quite often - I'm going to Philadelphia this weekend for a college interview), I always feel so much more comfortable there, and especially around the people. Even though I stand out due to my British accent (rarely a bad thing, it actually seems to be rather popular with the ladies), I experience a strong sense of belonging. So in answer to your question, I don't feel like a Canadian. I feel totally 100% AMERICAN and am darn proud of it.

How do the British feel about the US Marines? Good question. To be honest, its mainly negative amongst people my age, but that's only because now its fashionable to hate America/GW Bush/Capitalism/Freedom etc. People not my age: the only example I have is of a Royal Marine squaddie (enlisted personell). I was taking a cadet Amphibious Training course with the Royals at RM Poole (one of their bases). We had free time and had squared away all our stuff and were just relaxing around the base, some in the living area (squadbay) and some outside. A friend of mine and I got into a conversation with this Royal Marine (who can't have been much older than me) and he was talking about his time in Iraq in 2003. Eventually he asks us if we're planning to join the military. My friend answers in the affirmative, saying he wants to join the British Army. I say, "well actually, I'm to join the US Marines". The sqaddie just nods quitely, and I could tell he was holding something back so I said, "what do you think? Any opinions would be much appreciated". To which he replied with a grin: "Don't join the US Marines, I served with them in Iraq and Afghanistan...buch of fu***ing cowboys!"

Now I HAVE to join the USMC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[aviator101]

"I served with them in Iraq and Afghanistan...buch of fu***ing cowboys!"

I love that quote devildoghopeful. That just made my day and gave me a quick shot of moto.

[gwladgarwr]

Any interested poolees, Reservists, AD Marines, and college juniors may want to read this recent MARADMIN concerning two new Reserve commissioning programs (programs for officers in the SMCR who drill only once a month) - prior service Marines like me who still drill may really want to consider these two new programs.) Believe me - I may be pretty old, but it may not be too late. Any questions - just ask.

Sgt gw

http://www.usmc.mil/maradmins/maradmin2000.nsf/37f49138fc3d9c00852569b9000af6b7/edb2f9167ae233a58525723a0072b4ab?OpenDocument

MARADMIN 571/06
Date signed: 12/04/2006 MARADMIN Number: 571/06
RESERVE OFFICER COMMISSIONING PROGRAMS

Subject:

R 041554Z DEC 06
FM CMC WASHINGTON DC(UC)
TO AL MARADMIN(UC)
UNCLASSIFIED//
MARADMIN 571/06
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA RA//
SUBJ/RESERVE OFFICER COMMISSIONING PROGRAMS//
REF/A/MSGID: DOC/CMC 1040.10L/YMD: 18JUN2004/-//
REF/B/MSGID: LTR/CMC 06-06/DTD 20OCT2006/-//
REF/C/MSGID: DOC/CMC 1040.43A/YMD: 02MAY2000/-//
REF/D/MSGID: DOC/CMC P1100.73B/YMD: 29SEP1989/-//
NARR/REF (A) IS MCO 1040R.10L RESERVE ENLISTED COMMISSIONING PROGRAM (RECP).
REF (B) IS CMC WHITE LETTER 06-06 RESERVE OFFICER COMMISSIONING AND AFFILIATION
PROGRAMS. REF (C) IS MCO 1040.43A ENLISTED-TO-OFFICER COMMISSIONING
PROGRAMS. REF (D) IS MCO P1100.73B MPPM OFFICER PROCUREMENT //
POC/ACKISS E.L./LTCOL/-/LOC:HQMC (RAP)/TEL:703-784-9136/EMAIL:
ERNEST.ACKISS@USMC.MIL//
POC/J.F.SCHUMACHER/CAPT/-/LOC:HQMC (RAP)/TEL:703-784-9138/EMAIL:
JOSEPH.SCHUMACHER@USMC.MIL//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/
1. PURPOSE. THE PURPOSE OF THIS MESSAGE IS TO ANNOUNCE MODIFICATIONS TO
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR THE RESERVE ENLISTED COMMISSIONING PROGRAM
(RECP)(REF A) AND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF TWO NEW RESERVE OFFICER
COMMISSIONING PROGRAMS, THE MERITORIOUS COMMISSIONING PROGRAM-RESERVE
(MCP-R) AND THE OFFICER CANDIDATE COURSE-RESERVE (OCC-R), IN SUPPORT OF
CMC WHITE LETTER (REF B).
2. BACKGROUND. CURRENT AC MANPOWER PRACTICES AND HISTORICALLY HIGH
RETENTION RATES HAVE SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED THE NUMBER OF OFFICERS
LEAVING ACTIVE DUTY FOLLOWING THEIR INITIAL THREE OR FOUR YEAR SERVICE
OBLIGATION. THOSE THAT DO TRANSITION TO THE RESERVE COMPONENT (RC) OFTEN
DO SO AT GRADES MORE SENIOR THAN REQUIRED TO FILL JUNIOR OFFICER RANKS.
THESE FACTORS HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO AN EVER WIDENING GAP BETWEEN RC JUNIOR
COMPANY GRADE LEADERSHIP REQUIREMENTS AND MANPOWER RESOURCES.
CONSEQUENTLY, THE CMC DIRECTED THE DEVELOPMENT OF VIABLE OPTIONS TO
SOLVE THE SELECTED MARINE CORPS RESERVE (SMCR) LIEUTENANT (LT) SHORTAGE.
3. THE FOLLOWING APPROVED PROGRAMS PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCED
AND QUALIFIED ENLISTED MARINES, BOTH ACTIVE AND RESERVE, AND QUALIFIED
COLLEGE SENIORS/GRADUATES TO PURSUE COMMISSIONED SERVICE IN SMCR UNITS
OF THE MARINE CORPS RESERVE.
THESE PROGRAMS BECAME EFFECTIVE 1 OCTOBER 2006 (FISCAL YEAR 2007).
THE ELIGIBILITY AND APPLICATION CRITERIA FOR EACH MODIFIED OR NEW
PROGRAM ARE PROVIDED BELOW.
A. RESERVE ENLISTED COMMISSIONING PROGRAM (RECP). THE FOLLOWING SPECIFIC
MODIFICATIONS/CHANGES ARE MADE TO THE RECP (REF A).
(1) ELIGIBILITY
(A) RC TIME IN SERVICE (TIS). MINIMUM TIS HAS BEEN REDUCED FROM 36
MONTHS TO 12 MONTHS FOR OTHERWISE QUALIFIED MARINES. ALL OTHER
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS APPLY AS FOUND IN REF A. ACTIVE RESERVE
(AR) MARINES WHO APPLY AND ARE SELECTED WILL BE TRANSFERRED TO THE
INDIVIDUAL READY RESERVE (IRR) PRIOR TO ASSIGNMENT TO ACTIVE DUTY FOR
TRAINING AT OFFICER CANDIDATE SCHOOL (OCS) AND WILL BE ASSIGNED TO A
SMCR UNIT UPON COMPLETION OF ALL TRAINING. FORMER AR MARINES MAY RETURN
TO AN AR STATUS UPON COMPLETION OF THEIR COMMITMENT TO THEIR RESPECTIVE
SMCR UNITS AND COMPETITIVE SELECTION BY AN AR OFFICER ACCESSION BOARD.
(B) AC MARINES. AC APPLICANTS MUST HAVE COMPLETED A MINIMUM OF 12 MONTHS
OF ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE BEFORE APPLYING FOR A RESERVE COMMISSION VIA
RECP. AC APPLICANTS MUST HAVE AN END OF ACTIVE SERVICE (EAS) DATE WITHIN
1-YEAR OF THE OFFICER CANDIDATE COURSE
(OCC) FOR WHICH THEY WISH TO ATTEND. MARINES MAY SEEK A CONDITIONAL
RELEASE VIA THEIR AC CHAIN OF COMMAND IF THE DESIRED OCC COURSE
CONVENING DATE OCCURS PRIOR TO THE MARINES ACTIVE DUTY EAS. AC MARINES
WHO APPLY AND ARE SELECTED WILL BE TRANSFERRED TO THE IRR PRIOR TO
ASSIGNMENT TO ACTIVE DUTY FOR TRAINING AT OCS.
(2) APPLICATION PROCEDURES
(A) RC AND AC APPLICATION PACKAGES WILL BE ENDORSED BY THE APPLICANTS
APPROPRIATE CHAIN OF COMMAND, UP TO AND INCLUDING THE FIRST GENERAL
OFFICER IN THE MARINES CHAIN OF COMMAND.
(B) RC MARINES WHO ARE MEMBERS OF SMCR UNITS WILL NO LONGER REQUIRE
ENDORSEMENT BY THE COMMANDER MARINE FORCES RESERVE PRIOR TO SUBMISSION
TO MARINE CORPS RECRUITING COMMAND (MCRC) UNLESS THEY ARE A MEMBER OF
THE MARINE FORCES RESERVE (MARFORRES) STAFF OR A MARFORRES FORCE LEVEL
UNIT.
(C) INDIVIDUAL MOBILIZATION AUGMENTEE MARINES WILL SUBMIT APPLICATIONS
VIA THEIR APPROPRIATE OPERATIONAL SPONSORS CHAIN OF COMMAND.
(D) IRR MARINES WILL SUBMIT APPLICATIONS VIA THE COMMANDING GENERAL,
MARINE CORPS MOBILIZATION COMMAND (MOBCOM).
(E) MARINES WILL LIST ASSIGNMENT PREFERENCES AS FOLLOWS: MILITARY
OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY (MOS) PREFERENCE, CITY/STATE PREFERENCE, SMCR
UNIT PREFERENCE, AND IDENTIFY PRIORITIZATION OF MOS OR GEOGRAPHIC/UNIT
SELECTION. PREFERENCES WILL BE BASED ON LT BILLET VACANCIES AT SMCR
UNITS OF CHOICE AS PUBLISHED IN THE SOLICITATION MARADMIN. THIS
INFORMATION WILL BE USED AT A LATER DATE DURING THE UNIT/MOS ASSIGNMENT
PROCESS.
(3) TRAINING REQUIREMENTS. MARINES SELECTED FOR RECP WILL BE ASSIGNED TO
OCS IN QUANTICO, VA TO ATTEND THE APPROPRIATE OCC.
UPON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF OCS, AN RECP PARTICIPANT WILL BE
COMMISSIONED A SECOND LIEUTENANT IN THE MARINE CORPS RESERVE AND
ASSIGNED TO THE NEXT AVAILABLE COURSE OF INSTRUCTION AT THE BASIC SCHOOL
(TBS). UPON GRADUATION FROM TBS RESERVE LIEUTENANTS WILL BE ASSIGNED TO
THEIR APPROPRIATE MOS SCHOOL BASED ON MOS DESIGNATION.
(4) MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY ASSIGNMENT. CMC(RA), IN COORDINATION
WITH TBS, WILL ASSIGN RESERVE LIEUTENANTS THEIR MOS BASED ON INPUT TAKEN
FROM THE APPLICATION PACKAGE, INTERVIEWS WITH/OBSERVATIONS OF THE
LIEUTENANT DURING TRAINING, AND FINAL VERIFICATION OF UNIT/BILLET
REQUIREMENTS.
(5) SMCR UNIT ASSIGNMENT. CMC(RA), IN COORDINATION WITH TBS, WILL ASSIGN
RESERVE LIEUTENANTS TO THEIR INITIAL SMCR UNIT BASED ON THE SAME
CRITERIA AS LISTED IN PARA 3A(4) ABOVE.
(6) SELECTED RESERVE (SELRES) SERVICE OBLIGATION. THE SELRES SERVICE
OBLIGATION HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO 4 YEARS (48 MONTHS) OF COMMISSIONED
SERVICE (FROM DATE OF COMMISSION) VICE 3 YEARS. THIS INCREASE IS TO
ENSURE EQUITY OF SERVICE OBLIGATION LENGTHS TO ALL SMCR UNIT OFFICER
ACCESSION PROGRAMS: RECP, MCP-R, AND OCC-R. TIME SPENT IN TRAINING AT
TBS AND MOS SCHOOL WILL COUNT TOWARD THE 48 MONTH REQUIREMENT.
B. MCP-R IMPLEMENTATION. THE MCP-R PROGRAM IS ESTABLISHED FOR ENLISTED
MARINES, AC AND RC, POSSESSING AN ASSOCIATES DEGREE OR REQUISITE NUMBER
OF SEMESTER HOURS, TO APPLY FOR A RESERVE COMMISSION AND FOLLOW-ON
SERVICE IN AN SMCR UNIT UPON COMPLETION OF ALL REQUIRED TRAINING: OCS,
TBS, AND AN APPROPRIATE MOS SCHOOL.
MCP-R PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS WILL MIRROR THOSE LISTED IN REF (C) FOR THE
AC MCP WITH THE EXCEPTIONS BEING COMMISSIONING DATE AND COMPONENT IN
WHICH APPOINTMENT IS MADE.
(1) ELIGIBILITY.
(A) MCP-R ALLOWS COMMANDING OFFICERS TO NOMINATE HIGHLY QUALIFIED
MARINES, RC AND AC, WHO DO NOT POSSESS A BACCALAUREATE DEGREE BUT WHO
HAVE DEMONSTRATED EXCEPTIONAL LEADERSHIP POTENTIAL, FOR ASSIGNMENT TO
OCS AND SUBSEQUENT COMMISSIONING IN THE MARINE CORPS RESERVE.
(B) MCP-R APPLICANTS MUST HAVE SATISFACTORILY EARNED AN ASSOCIATE LEVEL
DEGREE OR COMPLETED 75 SEMESTER HOURS OR MORE OF COLLEGE WORK AT A
REGIONALLY ACCREDITED COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY. COURSES WILL NOT BE COUNTED
MORE THAN ONCE TOWARDS THE CUMULATIVE TOTAL REQUIREMENT MINIMUM
(MULTIPLE COURSE HOURS WILL NOT BE COUNTED FOR COURSES THAT ARE
REPEATED).
(C) RC APPLICANTS MUST HAVE COMPLETED 12 MONTHS OF RESERVE SERVICE IN
THE SELRES OF THE MARINE CORPS READY RESERVE AND HAVE AT LEAST
12 MONTHS REMAINING ON THEIR CURRENT RESERVE ENLISTMENT OR EXTENSION ON
THE DATE OF APPLICATION. PRIOR SERVICE ENLISTED MARINES MUST HAVE
COMPLETED A MINIMUM OF 12 MONTHS OF RESERVE SERVICE IN THE SELRES OR
ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE IN THE AC WITH 12 MONTHS REMAINING ON THEIR CURRENT
RESERVE ENLISTMENT OR EXTENSION ON THE DATE OF APPLICATION. AR MARINES
WHO APPLY AND ARE SELECTED WILL BE TRANSFERRED TO THE IRR OF THE READY
RESERVE PRIOR TO ASSIGNMENT TO ACTIVE DUTY FOR TRAINING AT OCS AND WILL
BE ASSIGNED TO AN SMCR UNIT UPON COMPLETION OF ALL TRAINING. FORMER AR
MARINES MAY RETURN TO AN AR STATUS UPON COMPLETION OF THEIR COMMITMENT
TO THEIR RESPECTIVE SMCR UNITS AND COMPETITIVE SELECTION BY AN AR
OFFICER ACCESSION BOARD.
(D) AC APPLICANTS MUST HAVE COMPLETED A MINIMUM OF 12 MONTHS OF ACTIVE
DUTY SERVICE BEFORE APPLYING FOR A RESERVE COMMISSION VIA MCP-R. AC
APPLICANTS MUST HAVE AN EAS DATE WITHIN 1-YEAR OF THE OCC FOR WHICH THEY
WISH TO ATTEND. MARINES MAY SEEK A CONDITIONAL RELEASE VIA THEIR AC
CHAIN OF COMMAND IF THE DESIRED OCC COURSE CONVENING DATE OCCURS PRIOR
TO THE MARINES ACTIVE DUTY EAS. AC MARINES WHO APPLY AND ARE SELECTED
WILL BE TRANSFERRED TO THE IRR PRIOR TO ASSIGNMENT TO ACTIVE DUTY FOR
TRAINING AT OCS.
(2) APPLICATION PROCEDURES. MCP-R APPLICATION PROCEDURES WILL BE THE
SAME AS THOSE LISTED IN PARA 3A(2) ABOVE.
(3) COMMISSIONING CRITERIA. UNLIKE AC MARINES PARTICIPATING IN THE
CURRENT MCP, MCP-R APPLICANTS WILL BE COMMISSIONED AS SECOND LIEUTENANTS
UPON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION AND GRADUATION FROM OCS PER TITLE 10 U.S.
CODE, SECTION 12205. RESERVE OFFICERS COMMISSIONED VIA THE MCP-R PROGRAM
WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR APPOINTMENT BEYOND THE RANK OF FIRST LIEUTENANT
UNTIL THEY HAVE COMPLETED ALL BACCALAUREATE DEGREE REQUIREMENTS.
(4) TRAINING REQUIREMENTS. MCP-R TRAINING REQUIREMENTS WILL BE THE SAME
AS THOSE LISTED IN PARA 3A(3) ABOVE.
(5) MOS ASSIGNMENT. MOS ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE PROVIDED IN THE SAME MANNER
AS PRESCRIBED IN PARA 3A(4) ABOVE.
(6) SMCR UNIT ASSIGNMENT. SMCR UNIT ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE PROVIDED IN THE
SAME MANNER AS PRESCRIBED IN PARA 3A(5) ABOVE.
(7) SELRES SERVICE OBLIGATION. MCP-R MARINES WILL INCUR A 48 MONTH
(4-YEAR) SELRES SERVICE OBLIGATION FROM THE DATE OF COMMISSIONING.
TIME SPENT IN TRAINING AT TBS AND MOS SCHOOL WILL COUNT TOWARD THE
48 MONTH REQUIREMENT.
C. OCC-R IMPLEMENTATION. THE OCC-R PROGRAM IS FOR QUALIFIED CIVILIAN
COLLEGE SENIORS OR GRADUATES WHO MAY APPLY FOR A RESERVE COMMISSION AND
FOLLOW-ON SERVICE IN AN SMCR UNIT UPON COMPLETION OF ALL REQUIRED
TRAINING; OCS, TBS, AND AN APPROPRIATE MOS SCHOOL.
OCC-R PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS WILL MIRROR THOSE LISTED IN REF (D) FOR OCC
WITH THE EXCEPTION BEING THE COMPONENT IN WHICH APPOINTMENT IS MADE.
(1) ELIGIBILITY. THE OCC-R PROGRAM IS AN ADDITIONAL CATEGORY OF THE
OVERALL OCC PROGRAM AS FOUND IN REF (D). THE OCC-R PROGRAM IS A
COMMISSIONING PROGRAM FOR COLLEGE SENIORS AT, OR GRADUATES OF, AN
ACCREDITED COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY. MEMBERS OF THE READY RESERVE ARE NOT
ELIGIBLE FOR OCC-R AND SHOULD APPLY FOR COMMISSIONING VIA RECP OR MCP-R.
FEMALE APPLICANTS WHO APPLY FOR OCC-R, AND ARE ACCEPTED, WILL BE
ASSIGNED TO THE APPROPRIATE TRAINING COURSE OF PRESCRIBED DURATION AT
OFFICER CANDIDATES SCHOOL (OCS). FEMALE CANDIDATES ATTEND OCS IN THE
FALL OR SUMMER ONLY.
(2) APPLICATION PROCEDURES. OCC-R APPLICATION PROCEDURES/REQUIREMENTS
ARE IN ACCORDANCE WITH REF (D).
(3) COMMISSIONING CRITERIA. IN ACCORDANCE WITH REF (D).
(4) TRAINING REQUIREMENTS. MARINES SELECTED FOR OCC-R WILL BE ASSIGNED
TO OCS IN QUANTICO, VA TO ATTEND THE APPROPRIATE OCC.
UPON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF OCS, AN OCC-R PARTICIPANT WILL BE
COMMISSIONED A SECOND LIEUTENANT IN THE MARINE CORPS RESERVE AND
ASSIGNED TO THE NEXT AVAILABLE COURSE OF INSTRUCTION AT TBS.
RESERVE LIEUTENANTS WILL BE ASSIGNED TO THE APPROPRIATE MOS SCHOOL BASED
ON MOS DESIGNATION.
(5) MOS AND UNIT ASSIGNMENT. AS PART OF THEIR SERVICE CONTRACT OCC-R
CANDIDATES WILL COMPLETE NAVMC 11534 ANNEX C WITH THEIR RESPECTIVE
OFFICER SELECTION OFFICERS TO CHOOSE MOS PREFERENCE, CITY/STATE
PREFERENCE, SMCR UNIT PREFERENCE, AND IDENTIFY PRIORITIZATION OF MOS OR
GEOGRAPHIC/UNIT SELECTION. FINAL MOS AND ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE DETERMINED
IN THE SAME MANNER AS PRESCRIBED IN PARAS 3A(4) AND 3A(5) ABOVE.
(6) SELRES SERVICE OBLIGATION. OCC-R MARINES WILL INCUR A 48 MONTH
(4-YEAR) SELRES SERVICE OBLIGATION FROM THE DATE OF COMMISSIONING.
TIME SPENT IN TRAINING AT TBS AND MOS SCHOOL WILL COUNT TOWARD THE
48 MONTH REQUIREMENT.
4. Post ENTRY LEVEL Training Opportunities. ALL NEWLY cOMMISSIONED
LIEUTENANTS IN THE AFOREMENTIONED PROGRAMS WILL BE AFFORDED THE
OPPORTUNITY TO ACCEPT UP TO twelve (12) CUMULATIVE MONTHS OF ADDITIONAL
POST TRAINING ACTIVE DUTY VIA CMC (RA) FUNDED ACTIVE DUTY FOR SPECIAL
WORK (ADSW)/ACTIVE DUTY FOR OPERATIONAL SUPPORT (ADOS) ORDERS IN ORDER
TO FACILITATE OFFICER LEADERSHIP SKILL DEVELOPMENT IN EITHER THE
OPERATING FORCES OR THEIR PARENT SMCR UNIT. MCP-R LIEUTENANTS WHO HAVE
NOT COMPLETED THEIR DEGREE REQUIREMENTS AS IDENTIFIED IN PARA 5c ABOVE
WILL ONLY BE ASSIGNED ORDERS TO THEIR RESPECTIVE SMCR
UNIT/INSPECTOR-INSTRUCTOR/SITE COMMAND IN ORDER TO FACILITATE THEIR
CONCURRENT BACCALAUREATE DEGREE COMPLETION. ALL NEWLY COMMISSIONED
RESERVE LIEUTENANTS WILL be available for activation as required to meet
operational REQUIREMENTS REGARDLESS OF COMMISSIONING SOURCE.
5. THE AFOREMENTIONED PROGRAMS WILL BE INCORPORATED INTO THE APPROPRIATE
REFERENCES.
6. QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS MARADMIN CAN BE DIRECTED TO CAPTAIN J.
SCHUMACHER (JOSEPH.SCHUMACHER@USMC.MIL) AT (703) 784-9136/37/38,
DSN: 278-XXXX.
7. THIS MARADMIN APPLIES TO THE TOTAL FORCE. //

[Hurdle88]

I am in the DEP and want to do the 92 day reserve option so I can do PLC. I am already accepted at a university but does anyone know what other requirements there are to do this option? Is there a certain number of slots or does every college student qualify?

[maysoon]

Well my Dad is American, my mother is British. The issue of where my loyalties lie has never been a big one. I have lived in the UK all my life, and yet I have always felt that the US is my home. For example, whenever I visit the US (which is quite often - I'm going to Philadelphia this weekend for a college interview), I always feel so much more comfortable there, and especially around the people. Even though I stand out due to my British accent (rarely a bad thing, it actually seems to be rather popular with the ladies), I experience a strong sense of belonging. So in answer to your question, I don't feel like a Canadian. I feel totally 100% AMERICAN and am darn proud of it.

How do the British feel about the US Marines? Good question. To be honest, its mainly negative amongst people my age, but that's only because now its fashionable to hate America/GW Bush/Capitalism/Freedom etc. People not my age: the only example I have is of a Royal Marine squaddie (enlisted personell). I was taking a cadet Amphibious Training course with the Royals at RM Poole (one of their bases). We had free time and had squared away all our stuff and were just relaxing around the base, some in the living area (squadbay) and some outside. A friend of mine and I got into a conversation with this Royal Marine (who can't have been much older than me) and he was talking about his time in Iraq in 2003. Eventually he asks us if we're planning to join the military. My friend answers in the affirmative, saying he wants to join the British Army. I say, "well actually, I'm to join the US Marines". The sqaddie just nods quitely, and I could tell he was holding something back so I said, "what do you think? Any opinions would be much appreciated". To which he replied with a grin: "Don't join the US Marines, I served with them in Iraq and Afghanistan...buch of fu***ing cowboys!"

Now I HAVE to join the USMC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How do you think your platoon would think being commanded by an Englishmen? I would imagine only Canadians up north would be flattered by it.

[maysoon]

Is it this 92 day PLC that the term "90 day wonderers" came from during the vietnam era? Where many freshly minted 2nd lieutenants had the average life expectancy of 20 minutes?" Why did they only have 20 minutes? Is this true, or just hollywood exaggerations? I want to get accurate info from actual veterans who were physically there in combat. If you like, you can either PM me about it or respond here.

[devildoghopeful]

How do you think your platoon would think being commanded by an Englishmen? I would imagine only Canadians up north would be flattered by it.

I have no idea whether it would be a problem or not. Remember, I am only English in accent (which may actually change naturally if I move to the States permanently). Hopefully the Marines in my Platoon will judge me on whether I am a good leader and a worthy officer of Marines rather than my British accent.

[Hachiro]

Hopefully the Marines in my Platoon will judge me on whether I am a good leader and a worthy officer of Marines rather than my British accent.

Dude dont worry about they will judge you for who you are and not the way you talk. Shoot in my old platoon back in the day......from "The" D.I. all way down through the ranks of recruits there had to be at least 40 of us that couldn't understand a damn word of what the other person was saying over the course of an average training day.



THe only person we really had to understand was the D.I. and if we didn't, well that's what "bend's and thrusts" were all about too.

[devildoghopeful]

Thank you sir, it sure is reassuring to hear that.

[grodunt]

Great info here. good work.

[This Recruit]

OK, so there's a couple issues here:

1- The contract issue. The 92-day (IIADT) Program contract is contingent upon your continued enrollment in a 4-year college. If this ceases to be the case, then you revert to a 135-day (Regular SMCR) contract, and will be immediately assigned to your remaining initial training schools. You will then complete your enlistment as previously contracted.

2- The college issue. Look- I've been there. I was there, up until about 9 months ago when I took a swing at OCS. College, academia, did nothing for me, and still doesn't really float my boat. BUT- it's an admission ticket to a lot of avenues that would otherwise be closed off to you. If you ever want to take a swing at an officer slot, or even be more promotable on the enlisted side, you'll need your degree. If something goes wrong (highly possible as a grunt), and you're not able to continue on in the Corps, that degree could mean the difference between a homeless shelter and a good, fulfilling job on the civilian side. Plus, the education isn't in the classroom. It's in the things you learn about life, about people, about how to deal, that are the real value in a university education. Believe me, it sucks sometimes, but it's worth it. Stick it out, get your feet wet in the reserves, then go active after you're done if you still want to do it. It's a great way to make things happen for yourself.

Best advice I have ever heard. You truely give the Corps a good name because you aren't one of the sterotypical Marines that civilians think of when they think Marine Corp.

3 questions I have though.

-When they say "drill", does that mean training in your specific job? Mine is logistics and another guy who did the 92 day split has the same job and that is what he told me you pretty much do.

-One of my OSO's told me that if you choose to do so after completing OCS successfully and except your commission, you can choose to become a reserve Officer before you go to TBS. Is this true because I have no reason to think that it is a lie?

-Do you know what jobs are commonly chosen after completing TBS and which ones are the most popular with Officers?

ex.

I have heard Infantry is one of the most popular, while Logisitics is pretty wide open, and so on.

[sirmess1]

LivinSoFree, I think we were in the same OCC class, OCC-192, I was in C Co.
I wanted to do the 92day reservist thing. "Wanted",I enlisted in late 2002, then the whole war started, so my recruiter told me that I couldn't do the 92day anymore, or something. Me being a poole back then, I didn't question it because I wanted to be a Marine so bad. I went straight through with boot, mct, and comm school. Came back for a semester and then went back out to the box for OIF2. I graduated college 2 years late, but it was worth it. The experience I have is something most people will never get.

[devildoghopeful]

Ok, since we've got at least three people here who have been through OCS, I thought that I'd ask for some advice on how to prepare physically, mentally, and academically. Personally I've got a while until I'm eligible to attend OCS, I graduate High School in a couple of weeks and am going to college in Virginia (I'm expecting quite a culture shock having come from the UK!). I know I'm not the only one on these boards who is considering taking the officer route, so any tips on how to prepare/get accepted into PLC/OCC/when to apply etc. would be much appreciated by all.

Thank you gentlemen!

[WannabeMustang]

Hey there everyone. I'm not sure if anyone was mulling this over or not, but I noticed that in the original post by livinsofree he said the following:


92-dayers are college types- you must be enrolled in a 4-year college before you can enlist on a 92-day slot. This contract splits up your initial training over your summers. Boot Camp the first summer, then MCT and/or MOS school the next, then the last of the three the third summer if you can't fit them both into the 2nd summer. In between, once you graduate boot camp, you drill with your reserve unit like any other reservist. Deployability is very low, as it requires your MOS to get designated as critical for deployment, then you get active duty orders to MOS school/MCT followed by a deployment. I've never seen it happen.

Now, I'm a reservist myself, torn between going the officer route or augmenting active after school. Word on the street is, my unit's going in Nov. or Dec. to the sandbox. (The battery GySgt., when I asked him if we were going, said "We're going. When? I don't ****in' know."

My unit is an artillery unit, and when I was at artillery school I met a few 92-day reservists who were with my unit, and had gotten there to complete their MOS school training.

Artillery is not, as far as I know, widely used in Iraq anymore because of its tendency to produce civilian casualties when used in highly populated areas. I would assume that this MOS would not be designated as a critical MOS for deployment for this reason, but all the same our 92-day reservists are going with us.

My understanding is that you deploy when your unit deploys. 92 day reservist, 135 day reservists, everyone goes when the unit goes. When my recruiter called the OSO shortly before I went to bootcamp, the OSO said that PLC candidates in the reserves are deployable, and that they would not consider holding them back from deployment unless they had finished their training and were close to graduating from school.

All this to say that if you are considering the 92 day option as a way of keeping non-deployable status, it's unlikely to work, in my experience. However, I don't pretend to be wise in the way of the Corps, so comments and corrections are welcome.

(Final Note: The only thing that might have affected my particular MOS is the fact that artillery is a 'combat-arms' MOS. It might possibly be classified a "critical" MOS simply for that reason...but that's only a guess.)

[JCam0331]

Hi, I really appreciated this. I want to know, if lets say, I pass OCS, accept my commission as a second lieutenant, and then fail TBS, do I still have my butter bar, or do I lose my commission? Do I then take the option of being demoted as an NCO? What happens?

Dude, if you get through OCS, you will not fail TBS, don't worry about it. I've never heard of a Lieutenant failing TBS in my life. They may roll you back and recycle you, but you'll pass.

[JCam0331]

Best advice I have ever heard. You truely give the Corps a good name because you aren't one of the sterotypical Marines that civilians think of when they think Marine Corp.

3 questions I have though.

-When they say "drill", does that mean training in your specific job? Mine is logistics and another guy who did the 92 day split has the same job and that is what he told me you pretty much do.

-One of my OSO's told me that if you choose to do so after completing OCS successfully and except your commission, you can choose to become a reserve Officer before you go to TBS. Is this true because I have no reason to think that it is a lie?

-Do you know what jobs are commonly chosen after completing TBS and which ones are the most popular with Officers?

ex.

I have heard Infantry is one of the most popular, while Logisitics is pretty wide open, and so on.

Drill is the two or three days you serve out of the month with the Marine Corps Reserve.

Infantry is very popular yes, but I've heard many Lieutenants that were gung ho infantry out of OCS change their minds at TBS when they realize how much grunt work sucks lol

[rvillac2]

Ok, a Sergeant's foremost duty is to correct young PFC's. So, here's the scoop. <br />
<br />
There are Marine artillery units in Iraq. All from the active duty regiments and only a very few batteries at...

[JCam0331]

Sergeant...respectfully I'd dare to correct you that a PLC Candidate's obligation to the Marine Officer Program takes precedence over his obligation to his reserve unit. <br />
<br />
If you have already been...

[rvillac2]

Sergeant...respectfully I'd dare to correct you that a PLC Candidate's obligation to the Marine Officer Program takes precedence over his obligation to his reserve unit.

If you have already been selected by a selection board, you are NON-DEPLOYABLE unless you volunteer to activate.

You still have to drill (it used to be they let you drop into IRR but you cant do that anymore) but you are exempt from deployment overseas.

The Marine Corps is in dire need of new 2nd Lieutenants. More so than they need an extra Lance Corporal in Iraq.

I humbly stand corrected. This is a change from my time in. Thanks for setting me straight JCam. Semper Fi.

[Drew330]

I'm considering rejoining the Marine Corps. I hope someone could clear up some questions for me. My stats: MOS 0311 1993 to 1997 honorable discharge RE-A1 reenlistment code. 33 years old married with...

[JCam0331]

sir, I gave you a rudimentary response in the &quot;Ask a Marine&quot; forum. I hope someone more knowledgable can answer your question better. Semper Fi and God Bless

[JamesBatier]

Just a little correction- I don't think you need to be done with your MOS school NECESSARILY.


For example My unit's deploying in June as a provisional security battalion, everybody's basically going as a grunt regardless of MOS. I'm a 92-day reservist, an Admin bubba. I finish the school year just in time to go to MCT training- then deploy with the rest of the unit.

Just putting that out there, it says it right in your contract- If they need you they can and will pull you. I know a lot of 92 dayers that looked like they were about to cry the day they found out. You can't be a Marine and not do Marine things.

[mdlangley]

Hello. I'm a new member but I've been reading posts on here for about a year now. I am currently in college and am seriously considering the PLC course. The reserves to PLC is a new option to me and I was wondering if there was an amount of time that you had to wait after Boot Camp to apply/join the PLC program. Thanks for all your help,

--Michael

[grodunt]

Hello. I'm a new member but I've been reading posts on here for about a year now. I am currently in college and am seriously considering the PLC course. The reserves to PLC is a new option to me and I was wondering if there was an amount of time that you had to wait after Boot Camp to apply/join the PLC program. Thanks for all your help,

--Michael

No wait at all. Talk to the OSO (officer selection officer) in your area ASAP. A recruiter can help you get in touch with an OSO but his main goal is to get you to enlist an OSO's goal is to screen potential candidates for a commission in the USMC. Good luck.

[mdlangley]

Really? That's great! You just made my decision alot easier. Thank you guys for all your help! Here's to becoming a United States Marine (soon I hope).

--Michael

[Ub3rmike]

Just updating here on what my future unit's Gunnery Sergeant told me when I came in with another 92-dayer to conduct our reserve interviews. We're both going in as 0311s, so your milage may vary with having a split of MCT and MOS school as opposed to us going to ITB.

My fellow poolee was still confused after the interview even though the Gunnery Sergeant broke it down to us Barney style with a whiteboard. For high school seniors going for an infantry job as a 92 dayer:

Highschool Senior Summer: Go to boot camp as normal.

Freshmen summer of college: PLC Juniors

Sophomore summer of college: SOI/ITB

Junior summer of college: PLC Seniors

Senior summer of college: Graduate college, get commissioned, look forward to TBS.

This means that you won't be doing an AT (2 week drill) in your college years.

The Gunnery Sergeant told us me that going in as a 92 day split option for PLC, I would NOT be deployed with the rest of the unit, and that the several months I'd spend drilling with a deployed unit would be very strange with almost everyone else gone and a minimal staff holding fort.

My fellow poolee's slightly different, because he's already enrolled in college. With 75 college credits, he could go for OCS, get commissioned, but never be able to get promoted past O-3. To have the oppertunity to go beyond Captain, he'd have to finish college first and go OCC.

Again, your milage may vary, you may want to get in contact with your recruiter, the career planner at your future reserve unit, and OSO to draw a better picture of where you'll be heading if you want to take a shot at OCS.

[DGardner]

out-standing!

[jsk02a]

Great read. I'm doing the 135 day reservist option..already have a degree, I just want to get the experience of bootcamp and go into OCS as a Marine already. I'm looking at trying to attend OCC-200 in January '09!

[grodunt]

Great read. I'm doing the 135 day reservist option..already have a degree, I just want to get the experience of bootcamp and go into OCS as a Marine already. I'm looking at trying to attend OCC-200 in January '09!

Good luck. When do you ship to boot?

[Sway]

I loved this post, I ship to PI. on May 19th. I am a Freshmen in college and I want to make a career as an officer in the Marine Corps once I obtain a college degree. I am going to MCRD first becasue I feel (and have been told by many Marines) that I cannot best lead enlisted men until I have walked in their shoes. I respect either or any variation of the paths to engaging in the United States Armed Forces, as long as that man or woman is decent and brave enough to support their country.


Particularly in times where it is so easy for people to put down everything, including ourcountry and those who protect it.

[grodunt]

If anyone ever has any questions about officer programs I'll be happy to help. I ship to OCS this summer (29 MAY) for PLC-C and will be back around 10 AUG.

[ofsteel412]

I am in the PLC program, but only a freshman in college so i elected to go to boot camp May through August 2008, and will be reserves through OCS each summer until I graduate from college and take my commission. All this to ask if there are any current enlisted Marines or officers who can offer advice on what makes a good officer, and maybe some characteristics of bad officers. By enlisting in college, I hope to get some experience under officers before becoming one.

[CanadianSoldier]

MAYSOON:

with all due respect, **** that ****, I AM CANADIAN...not BRIT LIGHT.

i wear a CANADIAN flag on my left shoulder...not a UNION JACK.

and nothing against the brits or the yanks, or anyone else...

but I would NOT be flattered by having a Brit commanding my platoon, i would be insulted actually, just as much as if a French, Dutch, American were commanding.

Its not to say that men/women from those countries dont know how to do the job...it would just feel weird/wrong.

UNLESS they joined the Canadian Forces.

NOTE: any country part of the common wealth may join another common wealth country's military.

[gwladgarwr]

MAYSOON:

with all due respect, **** that ****, I AM CANADIAN...not BRIT LIGHT.

i wear a CANADIAN flag on my left shoulder...not a UNION JACK.

and nothing against the brits or the yanks, or anyone else...

but I would NOT be flattered by having a Brit commanding my platoon, i would be insulted actually, just as much as if a French, Dutch, American were commanding.

Its not to say that men/women from those countries dont know how to do the job...it would just feel weird/wrong.

UNLESS they joined the Canadian Forces.

NOTE: any country part of the common wealth may join another common wealth country's military.

Just to let you know, entire divisions (in the past and currently under NATO agreements) can be commanded by foreign officers - whether Commonwealth or not - though this is an option and not commonplace.) I don't like the idea of being under a foreign command - allied or otherwise, but being subject to such a command does NOT make you any less a Canadian nor does it imply any sort of subjugation of your country's sovereignty.

On a side note, "Commonwealth" is one word, and it's capitalized (if you're referring to the British Commonwealth.)

I'd be more concerned about Canada's insistence on preserving the office of the Governor-General (as H.M.'s official representative in Canada) than about serving under a command led by a foreign officer. If a country accepts as its Head of State a foreign monarch, that country has already abrogated part of its own sovereignty and self-determination. Repatriation in 1982 was part of the story - the Constitution Act 1867-1982 enshrines what you are talking about in your post, but on a political level. Take a look at that and think about it.

Sgt gw:iwo:

[Braden]

Apparently, LivinSoFree never became an Officer. I looked him up on MOL and he's still with the same unit and still holds the same rank, LCPL, that he did 2 years ago. It would be interesting to hear what happened.

[MarineHopeful18]

I NEED to know if a 92 day option reservist can be eligible for the GI Bill Kicker...

[MarineHopeful18]

For those of you interested in PLC, officer programs, and those who are weighing their options between the enlisted and officer side, here are a few items that should help you figure things out. When I first enlisted, all I had was hearsay and some moto videos to work off of- here's some down and dirty about the PLC program, OCS, and the differences between OCS and recruit training.

OK, starting point: http://www.marineofficer.com

Google searches for "Marine OCS" "Officer Candidate School" and "PLC" may also yield good results. Also Google "USMC Candidate Regulations" and get a copy of the Candidate Regs, that'll give you a pretty good look at what's going on.

Getting Selected for PLC/Marine Officer Programs

Getting selected is always a nebulous proposition. PLC is the "stopgap valve" whereby the Corps can ratchet up or down it's number of officer accessions. What this means is this: The Corps is going to get a fixed number of new officers from ROTC programs and USNA every year. Those numbers stay more or less the same due to the necessity of keeping those programs active with a certain number of candidates/midshipmen. PLC/OCC/MECEP etc. suffers from no such limitation. As such, they can increase or decrease the number of selections however best fits the needs of the Corps.

That said, I'd also add the following. My OSO has a 100 percent selection rate for the packages that make it to the selection board. This is a direct result of an excellent prescreening process. If you have a good OSO, he'll take a good look at what you're submitting and work with you to get it as competitive as possible- it's in their best interest to hit their quotas with good, strong candidates.

Physically, the minimum PFT to even go to OCS is a 225, with a minimum of 8 pullups, and a 24:00min 3-mile run time. DO NOT take this as the standard to reach. Competitive PFT score for PLC is about a 245 at minimum, and 255 for OCC (for those already possessing a 4-year degree). Again, don't just depend on the minimum. It's in your best interest to be as strong as possible before you go to OCS, both in power and endurance (though I'd recommend the latter as somewhat more important- OCS is like a marathon run at a sprint pace).

Academically, you need a 2.0 GPA minimum to get selected. Surprisingly, this is really not a big deal as far as exceeding the minimum- they're just looking for decent academic progress- they don't expect a bunch of potential Jarheads to be super overachievers in civilian colleges. Though I'd recommend having a good reading habit established, as well as a well-developed ability to write clearly and concisely, using proper spelling and grammar. You also need to hit a certain AFQT score on the ASVAB, I believe it's currently 73, but that may have changed.

Other than that, there's the Moral/Security Clearance type qualifications. No DUIs, no major police involvement, no outstanding traffic tickets, etc. Goes without saying, but don't be openly homosexual, per the homosexual conduct policy. Also in the medical department- if you have any old surgeries/nagging injuries/conditions that require or required in the past a doctor's care/regular medication, make sure they're thoroughly documented, and that you have evaluations from specialists stating that they're NOT any sort of impediment to you being able to perform your duties. If you have any old injuries that are still nagging problems, GET THEM DEALT WITH before you go to OCS. If you have something that's just a nagging problem under regular circumstances, it WILL get aggravated at OCS, and that can lead to your disenrollment for medical reasons, no matter how good of a candidate you are. Keep in mind that after you get commissioned, your first 6 months is going to be spent at The Basic School, which is definitely physically demanding. So even if you squeak by at OCS, you'll feel the pain at TBS, which risks you getting dropped back to Mike Company (the PCP/MRP of TBS).

When you walk in with your rough application, have everything put together and checked over twice, organized and presentable. Attention to detail, initiative counts, and it will be noted by those evaluating you, even at the OSO level. If they ask for 4 character references, get 6. Try to get a good spread, that includes retired military if possible. Get evals from people who have seen you in a leadership role. They're looking for people who have the potential to lead Marines in a high stress environment.

Above all, be ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN that this is what you want. Go up there dedicated and determined to finish.

Now, all of this is a little flexible. When I applied, I had a substandard PFT (236 on the initial run at OCS). But the rest of my package shined, and that offset it. When I got to OCS, despite my bad initial PFT, the rest of my scores were high, and that kept me in the game long enough to get my PFT up. By the end of the 10 weeks, I had dropped 2:18 off my run time, and picked up 4 pullups.

Initial PFT at OCS: 236
Pullups: 12
Crunches: 100
3 Mile Run: 21:22

Final PFT at OCS: 273
Pullups: 16
Crunches: 100
3 Mile Run: 19:04

If they see you putting out, and I mean with every ounce of effort you've got, making yourself drop from exhaustion instead of quitting, working out on your downtime, and going the extra mile, they'll keep you, even if you're hurting on your physical scores. Your platoon staff has a LOT of pull in determining whether or not to keep or drop a candidate who's on the fence. Convince them that you're worth keeping, and you'll stay. Give them the impression that you're a sh*tbird, and you'll be on a plane before you even knew what hit you.


OCS compared to Recruit Training:

Briefly, here's the difference. Boot Camp is meant to put each recruit into a "Basic Marine" mold. It teaches discipline (defined as "Instant, willing obedience to orders, self-reliance, and teamwork.") It "checks the box" on all the basic skills and qualifications that every Marine must have (rifle qual, PFT, swim qual, gas chamber/NBC quals, MCMAP Tan Belt qual, basic field firing techniques, basic patrolling tactics, drill and ceremonies, uniform wear, history, customs/courtesies, first aid, etc.) and graduates Marines into the fleet or the reserves. It's all about getting hundreds of recruits per company, from just as many different backgrounds, to function as a team and as a Marine in the operating forces. When you graduate recruit training, you will be a Marine, period.

OCS is different. The mission at OCS is to "Train, Screen, and Evaluate candidates to determine whether they possess the physical, intellectual, and moral qualities necessary to serve effectively as company grade officers in the Operating Forces." It's like one big job interview. When you graduate OCS as a PLC candidate, you technically don't even rate the title "Marine" yet, until you accept your commission as a 2nd Lieutenant. You'll go back to college and be expected to maintain your fitness for commissioning with little or no oversight. You are correct that you can decline to accept your commission if you so choose, however, if you took any financial aid, you'll have to either pay it back monetarily or through an enlistment in the Marine Corps.

Boot camp is a 13-week straight shot. OCS as a PLC candidate has 2 different options. If you contract/get selected before the end of your sophomore year, you'll do 2 6-week courses (Juniors/Seniors). One the summer after you get selected, and one the summer after your junior year. If you contract after your sophomore year (as I did), you'll do one 10-week straight shot (Combined). Personally, I'd recommend the 10-week course if you can work it that way. More recovery time (though still not much), and generally a better learning curve.

Differences? OCS is far more about individual effort. Physically speaking, the PT is light-years away harder than at recruit training. You've gotta have a 225 PFT MINIMUM even to qualify for OCS, a 245 is recommended as a minimum competitive score for PLC applicants. You'll PT probably somewhere between 4 and 6 mornings a week, and the only time you'll run on pavement is for your PFTs. You'll run, A LOT, uphill, downhill, sideways, on dirt, through mud, in PT gear, boots 'n utes, with wargear and weapon, and then you'll run some more. Lots of time on the O-Course, endurance course, and the CRT (Combat Readiness Test). Academically, it's a little more challenging than boot camp, but still mostly at a 10th grade level. You'll spend a fair bit of time in classes, covering Marine Corps History, customs/courtesies, uniforms, basic tactics, operations orders and all the misc. subjects that you've gotta cover, like fraternization, sexual harassment, etc.

Another big difference is the mindset. Boot Camp is a "succeed or die trying" kind of place. It's VERY hard, if not damn near impossible to "quit" boot camp. Once you're there, you signed the contract and you're in it for the haul. OCS, on the other hand, you've gotta WANT it, and I mean with every bone in your body, 'cause starting at week 4 for the 10 weekers, and I imagine after week 3 for the 2x6 weekers, you can quit. I mean you can knock on the duty hut hatch, say "DOR" and be on a plane home in less than 48 hours, never to get another chance to return and with a piece of your honor left on Brown Field. It's that easy. OCS is designed to weed out the ones that can't hack it. It's a numbers game too. Everything is evaluated. 25% of your score is academics, 25% physical events, and 50% leadership. Your leadership score is based on evaluations from your "billets," whereby you're placed in a leadership role, from squad leader all the way up to Candidate Company Commander, and evaluated by your staff counterparts (and they are merciless- good luck when you end up as candidate platoon sergeant or candidate company gunnery sergeant). Also, you are evaluated for leadership during SULE I and SULE II (Small Unit Leadership Exercise) which are fireteam and squad sized tactical reaction courses, where you basically end up running through the woods and around Brown Field with your team solving reaction course style and tactical problems rotating through the team leader/squad leader positions, as well as the Leadership Reaction Course (I and II), and Fireteam/Squad in the offense scenarios. Written tests are generally multiple choice, but also include 2 essay style exams for History II and Leadership II. Graded physical events include PFTs, CRT, Endurance Course, and O-Course. All of these evaluations are graded. Anything 83% or below is considered "Marginal" performance and result in a notation in your eval file, and anything below 80% is considered failing, also resulting in a notation in your file. Get more than one of those, and you're in danger of probation and/or disenrollment from the course (ie- you can't hack it, thanks for trying, go home, don't come back). Also, missing too many training days due to light duty/bed rest can result in disenrollment for "Failure to Evaluate," which can send you home, though you may get a second chance the next year at the discretion of the Battallion CO.

Other differences- Boot camp is totally self-contained. At OCS you'll get off on the weekends starting at the end of the 3rd week. You can go to DC, Stafford/Woodbridge (the towns closest to Quantico), and get some time off. It's considered training though- they give you enough leeway to see if you screw up. Integrity is also a BIG thing. I saw candidates disenrolled for unintentionally misreporting their crunch count on their PFT- by 2 reps. DO NOT BE AN INTEGRITY VIOLATOR. It'll get you thrashed in boot camp, but it'll get you thrown out at OCS. IT- At boot camp, if you screw up, expect to pay in sweat. At OCS, expect to pay in sleep- there's no quarterdeck or pit, just 300 word essays. At boot camp you get 8 hours a night and are forced to sleep. At OCS, your 8 hours a night is time to sleep, yes, but also to do EVERYTHING ELSE you need to do for the next day, including prepping/remarking gear, turning over billets, writing assigned essays (300 words, only words with 4 letters or more count, EXACTLY 300 words, on the assigned topic, properly formatted, spelling and grammar counts, each word that counts underlined, numbered, with the number circled. Screw it up, prepare to do it again, along with another essay on "The Importance of Attention to Detail." But at OCS, we as a platoon definitely were a lot tighter than boot camp.

Bottom line, the Corps does NOT want officers who don't want to be there, or who can't perform- we can't afford it when you're putting Marines' lives on the line.

Prior service experience is a major advantage- it'll help you through the course, 'cause you'll already have a handle on the basic subjects taught, as well as the "Marine Mindset," though in later parts of the course, non-prior candidates tend to catch up pretty quick and at times surpass the priors. Prior service also carries the risk of making you overconfident or even arrogant. Don't fall into this trap. I would recommend being a 92-day reservist before going to OCS. Some Marines like to badmouth the 92-day program, but it's a GREAT way to get enlisted experience before you get commissioned, which is invaluable both at OCS and throughout your career as a Marine Officer. Just because you don't go to MOS school right away doesn't mean you can't learn on the fly once you get to your unit. I've been a Comm unit for over 2 years now, never been to MOS school- yet the Marines there have taught me enough to fill multiple books (and it HAS). Take advantage of all the opportunities you can to get where you want to go- if someone tells you no the first time, improvise, adapt, and overcome. It took 3.5 years, 7 medboards, 4 waivers, and 5 denials to get to OCS for me- what do you think that means?

Everyone wants to know about the money, so here goes: Pay at OCS is at the E-5 (Sergeant) level, for all candidates (unless they are E-6 or above due to prior service), with credit for time in service. Good money. This is, of course, taxed, and you WILL spend a substantial amount of it up there at the courses, for gear you need, on your weekends, etc. PLC provides two forms of financial assistance in addition to the pay at OCS, that are available during the school year, contingent upon successfuly maintaining academic and disciplinary standings within the program. The FAP (Financial Assistance Program) program is a stipend- currently available on a competitive basis (but most candidates that want it can get it), in 2 payments of $1575.00 a year, once in the fall, once in the spring. This is a non-taxable, subsistence stipend. Additionally, MCTAP (Marine Corps Tuition Assistance Program) will reimburse you for up to $5600.00 of tuition, books, lab fees, etc. Not housing, so far as I know. IF YOU TAKE THE MONEY- you are obligated, should you disenroll from the program, voluntarily or involuntarily for unfavorable reasons, to reimburse the US Government for the money you took, either through a 2-year enlistment in the Marine Corps, or by direct reimbursement. Also, the FAP stipend adds an additional 6 months to your initial active duty obligation.

What happens after you graduate and get commissioned? For PLC candidates, you will get commissioned at a place and time of your choosing, around the time you recieve your degree (having already completed OCS). This will be coordinated through your OSO. Following that, you will recieve orders to The Basic School for 6 months of training in tactics, weapons systems, administrative and legal topics, history, leadership, etc. Basically everything you need to be a functioning basic 2nd Lieutenant at the Company Level. Based on your performance there, you will be broken down in to 3 groups (top, middle, and bottom 3rd of the class, performance wise), and then ranked within those groups. Then, for MOS assignment, to ensure a quality spread, the top guy from the top group gets first choice, then the top guy from the middle group, then the top guy from the bottom group, then the number 2 guy from the top group, etc. so on, so forth. Now, this isn't completely blind, your instructors at TBS will try to guide you towards MOSes you may be best suited for, and may make adjustments based on any number of factors, but that's generally how it works. Don't intentionally bomb a test to get dropped to the next group, 'cause I guarantee, about 10 other Lieutenants have the same idea. Just do your best. Once MOS assignments are made, you'll go out to your respective MOS schools, then be assigned to a unit in the Operating Forces once you've completed your MOS training pipeline, and it's off you go.

In between OCS and Commisioning, you'll need to maintain academic, physical, legal and moral standards. You'll run a semi-annual PFT, complete a security clearance investigation, file your request for appointment, and request TBS dates. You can be disenrolled for substandard performance or misconduct. Don't let it happen. You also might have a few pool functions, but they're usually pretty fun, and they're not a big committment. Other than that, you have no official committments during the year, unless you are currently a reservist or something of that ilk.

A Brief Note on Reserve Enlistments

Reserve Enlistments work 2 different ways for initial accessions (those with no prior service). There's the "92" and "135" programs, those numbers being technically how long the Corps has to get you through Boot Camp once you ship before you're turned back over to Civilian life. 92-dayers are college types- you must be enrolled in a 4-year college before you can enlist on a 92-day slot. This contract splits up your initial training over your summers. Boot Camp the first summer, then MCT and/or MOS school the next, then the last of the three the third summer if you can't fit them both into the 2nd summer. In between, once you graduate boot camp, you drill with your reserve unit like any other reservist. Deployability is very low, as it requires your MOS to get designated as critical for deployment, then you get active duty orders to MOS school/MCT followed by a deployment. I've never seen it happen. The 135-day option is also known as the Regular Reserve program. This is a straight-through program, the one most commonly taken by those joining straight to the reserve side. Regular reservists do the same initial cycle as active duty: boot camp, 10-day leave, MCT, MOS School, then they check into their unit and are released from active duty, and then drill with their unit (one weekend/month and an AT somewhere during the year, generally 2 weeks, but I've seen longer). At this point you're fully deployable. I watched Marines check into my unit and get handed their activation orders the same day. Or you may never get activated. Just depends on your MOS and the needs of the Marine Corps.

Both programs are eligible for the reserve GI Bill, so long as you do a 6x2 contract (6 years obligated SMCR drilling reserves/2 years Individual Ready Reserve- non-obligated). There is a 4x4 and 2x6 option, but I wouldn't recommend them. Additionally, reservists who are deployed become eligible for REAP, which is a substantial increase in educational benefits. The Reserve GI Bill will increase to approximately 302 dollars a month, 9 months/year, up to 36 months, with an initial 10-year eligibility period. Activation resets the clock on that 10-year period (giving you another 10-year long window to use those benefits). The $302.00 amount is contingent upon you being enrolled full time (12 hours) in an accredited educational institution. For more info on that, google search "Selected Reserve GI Bill."

There is no requirement/minimum drill time for activation. As I said above, I've seen Marines come straight out of MOS school and get activated at their reserve center. However, you must complete 48 "drills" (2 drills = 1 day) a year, in addition to an AT of a minimum of 2 weeks in order to have a "sat year" (satisfactory year- i.e. you've fulfilled your contract obligation to the Corps for that year, barring activation). There're also options to go active duty for any length of time, just depending again on MOS and needs of the Corps.

Good luck to all prospective recruits/candidates, and if you have any other questions, feel free to PM me and we'll get in touch.



Could you please address whether or not the 92 day option reservists are eligible for the GI Bill Kicker?

[grodunt]

I am a 92 day reservist and got the Kicker. So, the answer is yes. Be sure to ask your recruiter. Also, I just graduated from OCS (PLC-C 198, A Co, 5th PLT) August 9th (commission May 09), so if anyone has questions about the reserves/PLC send them my way.

I also suggest that anyone interested in OCS hop over to http://www.marineocs.com and check out all of the gouge they have over there. Be sure to post a proper intro in the introductions section to avoid the flames.

[josephd]

I am a 92 day reservist and got the Kicker. So, the answer is yes. Be sure to ask your recruiter. Also, I just graduated from OCS (PLC-C 198, A Co, 5th PLT) August 9th (commission May 09), so if anyone has questions about the reserves/PLC send them my way.

I also suggest that anyone interested in OCS hop over to http://www.marineocs.com and check out all of the gouge they have over there. Be sure to post a proper intro in the introductions section to avoid the flames.

Thank you for the OCS forum suggestion!..spent a few hours on there researching and reading up on what I need to to do get myslef in and prepared for PLC, OCS, and TBS

[FutureBootLouie]

Apparently, LivinSoFree never became an Officer. I looked him up on MOL and he's still with the same unit and still holds the same rank, LCPL, that he did 2 years ago. It would be interesting to hear what happened.


His facebook says 2nd Lieutenant and he's got pictures of him in the commissioning ceremony with his Officer Dress Blues...so I don't know.

[ctbylsma]

If I was to go the 92 day route, what would I be doing for my one weekend a month drill, having not been through MOS training yet?

[Scottie0417]

ctbylsma you'll do the same thing your unit does. They'll pretty much just teach you what you need to know on the fly.

[Scottie0417]

What's your MOS by the way?

[ctbylsma]

I'm listed as an 1833 (Reservist), granted that i qual. CWS-2

[Scottie0417]

CWS-2 isn't too hard as long as you're a pretty good swimmer. Only the first part of it sucks, which is a 50 meter swim with a flak and kevlar on. The only other part is a buddy drag which is super easy since he'll be holding onto two packs which are flotation devices. All you have to do is pull him like 25 meters

[Reefwater]

Ok I enlisted in the split-program and I leave 20081105 for MRCDPI and I am not sure when I talk to the OSO and apply for PLC. Any help with be very appreciated.

[COFields]

Is it a better option to go for NROTC? And how does that work? I've been out of high school for a little over a year now and I ship out January. Plan to be a Marine Corp Pilot... Can i still do NROTC? Or should I just go with PLC?

[0231Marine]

It's Marine Corps with an S.

[COFields]

Is it a better option to go for NROTC? And how does that work? I've been out of high school for a little over a year now and I ship out January. Plan to be a Marine Corp Pilot... Can i still do NROTC? Or should I just go with PLC?

:confused:

[tkmayfie]

I am currently a college Jr. and thinking about doing the 92 day reservist program. I completed PLC Jrs this past summer. My question is if I undergo this program what will happen next? this would be the ideal timeline for me:

Summer 09: Parris Island
Fall-Winter 09-10: School and drill
Summer 10: MCT and or MOS School and or PLC Srs?
Fall 10: Finish up school (I'm on 4.5 year plan) and drill
Winter, spring, summer: TBS

My question is, has anyone heard of or know what would happen to someone in my situation, attempting to do the 92 day program after completing Jrs? Would I be able to go to PI and then Srs like my timeline says or would I have to do OCS again? If I do have to do OCS again would I have to wait until after my 4 year enlisted commitment?

[UMDStudent24]

tkmayfie -

If you've already done the PLC Jrs, you have to have been contracted. Enlisting will void this contract. If you enlist, your enlistment obligations supersede everything else. If you want to go back to OCS, I believe you will have to do everything again including compete for a slot, contract, etc. and you will have to do Jrs again (if you do Jrs and Srs.) or do PLC-C or OCC(if anyone knows better please correct me.) You will not be able to simply attend PLC Srs and then accept a commission. However, you shouldn't be looking at these details to formulate your plan. If you want to serve in the United States Marine Corps as an Officer, finish college and the PLC program. If you want to serve as an enlisted Marine, enlist.

If you're one of those candidates who simply cannot deal with the fact that you are not officially a Marine until you finish college and accept the commission, than you're either doing things for the wrong reasons or WAY too anxious. Make sure you're considering this for the right reasons.

[Reefwater]

Here is my situation:
I am set to leave on May 11, 2009 for MCRDPI and I am split-program reserve. I have recently decided that it would be easier to take my next semester off and leave in January to complete camp and my job school then come back to school for the fall semester and apply for PLC. My recruiter does not see any problems with this at the moment and I was wondering if anyone would know any information on doing this.
Thank You,
Thompson

[incognitoman]

I'm new to the forum but have absorbed as much of the present info as I can! Thanks for pre-emptively answering many of the questions I had.

I'm a recent grad (this past spring) and am feeling too 'soft' as a teacher and need a change. My brother and I are both planning to train this summer and apply for OCS in October.

My question: I was browsing the list of MOS's and was focusing on the intel spots. I'm aware of the MOS selection process and was curious (for those who have gone through this OR others) which spots get snapped up the quickest. At this point, my first choice would probably be 0203 Ground Intelligence. I see there are 3 slots in the top 1/3. How quickly do those 3 tend to go?

Thanks in advance!

[MotorT3533]

I see a lot of people posting that they are using the Reserves as a stepping stone to become an Officer of Marines. I don't want to be a killjoy or anything but I want to bring up two points about going this route.

1. Your Reserve command will have to sign off on your PLC application. So if you don't want to be making any bad impressions at your Reserve unit. Even more importantly you want to make a outstanding impression.

2. Don't take the step of enlisting if you aren't completly serious about being an enlisted Marine. Many things can happen in the four years before you graduate. If for whatever reason you decline your commission or are unable to accept it for various reasons - you still will have to complete your enlisted contract.

[grodunt]

I see a lot of people posting that they are using the Reserves as a stepping stone to become an Officer of Marines. I don't want to be a killjoy or anything but I want to bring up two points about going this route.

1. Your Reserve command will have to sign off on your PLC application. So if you don't want to be making any bad impressions at your Reserve unit. Even more importantly you want to make a outstanding impression.

2. Don't take the step of enlisting if you aren't completly serious about being an enlisted Marine. Many things can happen in the four years before you graduate. If for whatever reason you decline your commission or are unable to accept it for various reasons - you still will have to complete your enlisted contract.

I'll add one...

3. Your needs/wants become second to the the needs of your unit and the Marine Corps once you enlist. That includes PLC/OCC, school, girlfriends, boyfreinds, parents, and everything else. I have a buddy (92 dayer) from OCS who was all set to take his commission in May that is deployed to Afghanistan right now.

I'll be graduating/commissioning in May and the 92 day option has worked for me, but I am the exception not the rule. If you want to be an Officer of Marines then work with your OSO to prepare for OCS.

[LivinSoFree]

In regards to the above, it's worth adding that the new regulations prohibit the deployment of OCS complete SMCR reservists awaiting their commission, however, they are required to continue drilling until they receive their commission.

[MotorT3533]

In regards to the above, it's worth adding that the new regulations prohibit the deployment of OCS complete SMCR reservists awaiting their commission, however, they are required to continue drilling until they receive their commission.


Sir - is this for those who have graduated college and OCS? The reason I ask is because we have a Marine deploying with us this year who is finished with OCS and in his last semester of school.

[grodunt]

Sir - is this for those who have graduated college and OCS? The reason I ask is because we have a Marine deploying with us this year who is finished with OCS and in his last semester of school.

He's referring to all reservists that are candidates who are OCS complete (Jr/Srs or PLC-C) and still have to graduate. While they are finishing up their senior year they drill but are not deployable. I'm rowing this boat as we speak. However, 2 buddies from OCS are in A-Stan as we speak so it still happens.

[solodude23]

Hey I am new to these forums as well and after reading through the thread would like to clarify a few things and ask a few questions of my own.

First off, I am just a High School Graduate who is interested in becoming a 92-Day Reservist and eventually applying for PLC.

Although I was previously accepted to a university, I decided to back out and de-enroll as I felt I was making a mistake going there and not the Marines. Now that I have my goals all set out and ready, I'd like to start over.

1. Do do the 92-Day Program, do you already have to be accepted to a 4 Year University/College?
2. Once one is in the 92-Day Program as well as PLC, he stated that you cannot be deployed if you do not wish to as PLC sort of "overrides" your unit's duties in the reserve. I read things confirming this in this thread for the most part but I'd just like to make sure.

I would just go straight to the PLC program once enrolled college but I really want the experience of boot camp and being a soldier in the United States Marine Corps before becoming an Officer. However, like others, I do not want to be deployed while in college no matter what my MOS is. This isn't to avoid my duties as a reservist, it's to continue my plan of becoming an Officer without interruption.

Thanks in advance.

-Zach

[solodude23]

Sorry for the double post but I guess you can't edit posts here.

I was also curiosu when I should contact my OSO. Should I do it now as a guide or should I wait till I'm in college?

[grodunt]

Hey I am new to these forums as well and after reading through the thread would like to clarify a few things and ask a few questions of my own.

First off, I am just a High School Graduate who is interested in becoming a 92-Day Reservist and eventually applying for PLC.

Although I was previously accepted to a university, I decided to back out and de-enroll as I felt I was making a mistake going there and not the Marines. Now that I have my goals all set out and ready, I'd like to start over.

1. Do do the 92-Day Program, do you already have to be accepted to a 4 Year University/College?
2. Once one is in the 92-Day Program as well as PLC, he stated that you cannot be deployed if you do not wish to as PLC sort of "overrides" your unit's duties in the reserve. I read things confirming this in this thread for the most part but I'd just like to make sure.

I would just go straight to the PLC program once enrolled college but I really want the experience of boot camp and being a soldier in the United States Marine Corps before becoming an Officer. However, like others, I do not want to be deployed while in college no matter what my MOS is. This isn't to avoid my duties as a reservist, it's to continue my plan of becoming an Officer without interruption.

Thanks in advance.

-Zach

1. You absolutley have to be enrolled in a 4 year accredited university in order to be accepted.
2. Yes you are not deployable as a 92 dayer until:
A. you've completed MOS/MCT/SOI
B. or if you're accpeted into the PLC program

However, there is now a MCO that states a reservist can NOT be accepted into the PLC program until that Marine has completed all training in the reserves and been with their unit for at least one year. Until you complete both of those requirements an OSO can't touch you.

Also, if you're so adamant about not being deployed while you're in school then I would not enlist. Reservists get activated frequently regardless of their own personal wants/desires. Joining the reserves solely as a springboard for OCS is not a good route. If you enlist your goal of becoming an officer could easily be pushed back 1 to 2 years.

If you want to be a Marine enlist. If you want to be an officer join the PLC program. From my own personal experience, two years in a reserve unit will not help you become a better officer.

Also, Marines are not soldiers. They're Marines.

Best of luck.

[solodude23]

1. You absolutley have to be enrolled in a 4 year accredited university in order to be accepted.
2. Yes you are not deployable as a 92 dayer until:
A. you've completed MOS/MCT/SOI
B. or if you're accpeted into the PLC program

However, there is now a MCO that states a reservist can NOT be accepted into the PLC program until that Marine has completed all training in the reserves and been with their unit for at least one year. Until you complete both of those requirements an OSO can't touch you.

Also, if you're so adamant about not being deployed while you're in school then I would not enlist. Reservists get activated frequently regardless of their own personal wants/desires. Joining the reserves solely as a springboard for OCS is not a good route. If you enlist your goal of becoming an officer could easily be pushed back 1 to 2 years.

If you want to be a Marine enlist. If you want to be an officer join the PLC program. From my own personal experience, two years in a reserve unit will not help you become a better officer.

Also, Marines are not soldiers. They're Marines.

Best of luck.

Thank you I appreciate the quick reply.

The main reason I am interested in enlisting is purely because I do want to be Marine. Not want to for leverage to become an Officer, I want to purely because for the experience of it.

However, my overall goal is in fact to become an officer. I feel I am ready now as I am to be a leader. I believe in myself 100% so my interest in enlisting is purely to be a Marine. In that, I even want to be deployed.

I recently had a plan to enlist in the USMCR for a year and attend college Fall 2010 but I now understand that would unlikely happen in the timeframe.

[Ub3rmike]

Hey I am new to these forums as well and after reading through the thread would like to clarify a few things and ask a few questions of my own.

First off, I am just a High School Graduate who is interested in becoming a 92-Day Reservist and eventually applying for PLC.

Although I was previously accepted to a university, I decided to back out and de-enroll as I felt I was making a mistake going there and not the Marines. Now that I have my goals all set out and ready, I'd like to start over.

1. Do do the 92-Day Program, do you already have to be accepted to a 4 Year University/College?
2. Once one is in the 92-Day Program as well as PLC, he stated that you cannot be deployed if you do not wish to as PLC sort of "overrides" your unit's duties in the reserve. I read things confirming this in this thread for the most part but I'd just like to make sure.

I would just go straight to the PLC program once enrolled college but I really want the experience of boot camp and being a soldier in the United States Marine Corps before becoming an Officer. However, like others, I do not want to be deployed while in college no matter what my MOS is. This isn't to avoid my duties as a reservist, it's to continue my plan of becoming an Officer without interruption.

Thanks in advance.

-Zach

1. To do the 92 day reservist programs, you must have an acceptance letter to a 4 year university. There's no other way about it.
2. Yes, but you have to get the ball rolling with your command at the reserve unit to get the process done for OCS.

Here's my spiel. I was like most other aspiring 92 day reservists/PLC guys, and then I realized how much serving a deployment could mess the track up. Ultimately I decided to change my contract to active duty and pursue MECEP. If I was going to enlist in the Marines I was going to put all my effort into it and be the first hand up to volunteer for deployments. There's more to being a Marine and gaining the characteristics that'll prevent you from being a leadership failure in OCS than just one weekend a month two weeks a summer. If you join the Marine Corps with the intent to avoid seeing the field, you're in the wrong, and are better off just pursuing PLC/OCC as a civilian college student.

That being said, there is definately more you'll get out of the Corps doing it full time (definately can still pull some college courses) than just doing the boot camp and one weekend a month gig.

[solodude23]

That does sound interesting to me. If I were to enlist full time how long does it generally take for the MECEP to be an option?

Also. in becoming an officer i'd be most insterested in becoming an Air Officer. I understand that with the PLC program one can be guaranteed a flight contract. Does the same go for MECEP?

[NoPainNoGain17]

So pretty much I'm doing the 92-day reservist program and then going into the PLC program after boot camp. I'm currently a freshman at my college and the question I had was if I did finish boot camp, became a reservist, got into PLC, and I wanted to transfer colleges, would that college need to be within a range of a Marine base? Or could I go to any college in the United States that has a NROTC unit? Could I say, for example, go to the University of Arizona or University of Michigan even though there are no Marine bases around there but they do have NROTC units? Those colleges were just examples. I'm just pretty much wondering if my college choices will be limited since I would be a reservist and would need to stay within a 90-mile range within a Marine base?

Note that I'm currently going to Cal State San Marcos and would be a reservist at Miramar. Not exactly sure which college I want to transfer too yet. Perhaps Arizona, SDSU, UC Riverside, but not sure yet.

[Petz]

He's referring to all reservists that are candidates who are OCS complete (Jr/Srs or PLC-C) and still have to graduate. While they are finishing up their senior year they drill but are not deployable. I'm rowing this boat as we speak. However, 2 buddies from OCS are in A-Stan as we speak so it still happens.


I really don't care if you plan on being an officer or not, he's still a Sgt and you should address him as such.

when you're a boot LT you'll be callling him Sgt... why not now??

respect is a two way street.

[Petz]

So pretty much I'm doing the 92-day reservist program and then going into the PLC program after boot camp. I'm currently a freshman at my college and the question I had was if I did finish boot camp, became a reservist, got into PLC, and I wanted to transfer colleges, would that college need to be within a range of a Marine base? Or could I go to any college in the United States that has a NROTC unit? Could I say, for example, go to the University of Arizona or University of Michigan even though there are no Marine bases around there but they do have NROTC units? Those colleges were just examples. I'm just pretty much wondering if my college choices will be limited since I would be a reservist and would need to stay within a 90-mile range within a Marine base?

Note that I'm currently going to Cal State San Marcos and would be a reservist at Miramar. Not exactly sure which college I want to transfer too yet. Perhaps Arizona, SDSU, UC Riverside, but not sure yet.


yes you need to go through boot camp first AFTER you sign your 92-day reservist contract AFTER you have your acceptance letter form a 4-year accredited collage.

[NoPainNoGain17]

No like Im already set to go to boot camp. I was just wondering if I could go to any college of my choice while being a reservist? Or does that college need to be near a base? Thank you SSgt for the help.

[Petz]

you can goto any college you want, and you can always change your "duty station" drill center once you check in to the one that you were assigned to... just tell them which college you are going to and you'll work it out with them.

no worries now, just wait until you are checking into S-1 after boot camp.

[NoPainNoGain17]

But technically I can't go to a college that has no base around it, correct? I need to go somewhere near a marine base, or is it okay if I go to a college in Michigan or something? Just an example.

[Petz]

there are drill centers in Michigan, and all over the country... just goto the college you want and then talk to your S-1 when you check in....

they will tell you of all the locations near your school... and YES it may suck that you have to drive 2 hours just to goto drill on a weekend, but you have to do it.

[NoPainNoGain17]

Thank you SSgt for the help! I appreciate it. Ill worry about getting through boot camp first and worry about transferring colleges later.

[Petz]

it's not the college you need to worry about... it's just a matter of the drilling station you goto. It's really easy for you to switch. sometimes reservists are given orders to a drill station on the other side of the country... they still have to go check in and then do a transfer to a unit closer to where they live... just check in with your S-1 after boot camp and you'll find a place closer to your school.

[PaidinBlood]

ASK the VA, clown...or maybe all the other threads on the so-fvckin-called KICKER..

ain't no such fvcking thing...use the search button, joker...

[ssiltz]

Hey I just signed up for this program and my ship date is 25 of may, and grad is 14 of august. I was just woundering will i be depolyed like right in the middle of 1 or 2 year of college, also if i get into the PLC program will I be able to finish college with out interuptions. One more question my MOS is Artillery and my reservist station is only 30 miles away from the college im going to, how long is this school i know its in OK but will i be able to get back in time for college to start back up, and will i ever be able to Change MOS as a Officer after college? thank you!

[PaidinBlood]

I was just woundering will i be depolyed like right in the middle of 1 or 2 year of college,


If you are lucky. Marines belong forward. College kids get all the fun I swear

[Marshall8045]

Hey I just signed up for this program and my ship date is 25 of may, and grad is 14 of august. I was just woundering will i be depolyed like right in the middle of 1 or 2 year of college, also if i get into the PLC program will I be able to finish college with out interuptions. One more question my MOS is Artillery and my reservist station is only 30 miles away from the college im going to, how long is this school i know its in OK but will i be able to get back in time for college to start back up, and will i ever be able to Change MOS as a Officer after college? thank you!

hey buddy we will be on the same path. i have the same ship and grad date as of right now anyway.

This is my first post on the forum and i have one quick question about my 92 day program that my recruiter is working on.

my college classes start on the 13th of may but my scheduled graduation is on the 14th of august. is there anything i can do to bump the grad date back or am i just gonna have to play catch up once i get to college?

thanks in advance

[PaidinBlood]

hey buddy we will be on the same path. i have the same ship and grad date as of right now anyway.

This is my first post on the forum and i have one quick question about my 92 day program that my recruiter is working on.

my college classes start on the 13th of may but my scheduled graduation is on the 14th of august. is there anything i can do to bump the grad date back or am i just gonna have to play catch up once i get to college?

thanks in advance


either start sooner so you graduate sooner, or shatter your fvcking leg and get dropped to MRP so you graduate in time for spring semester. :yes: Good luck! Break a leg y'all!

[Petz]

yeah... this isn't burger king kid... you can't have it your way... sign up for OPOE classes or online classes where you don't have to be there... then you don't have to worry...

[grodunt]

I really don't care if you plan on being an officer or not, he's still a Sgt and you should address him as such.

when you're a boot LT you'll be callling him Sgt... why not now??

respect is a two way street.

Roger that SSgt. It was unintentional and no disrespect was intended. Didn't notice the avatar at the time. I'll go haze myself now for lack of situational awareness.

Kill

[ssiltz]

Hey everyone, i was just woundering about my graduation date for boot camp. My ship date is this tuesday comming up and i have had numerous people tell me that i will not be doing Team week because im a 92 day/ split program reservest. i think team week is week 8, that would have me graduate this august 18. Thank you for all the replys!

[Marshall8045]

hey dude our graduation date is august 14th with family day on the 13th.

[ssiltz]

oh sweet! thanks man!

[Petz]

who ever told you that you skip team week is not just a dumb rock, he's a fvcking retard... team week is part of training, it's not something you can skip because you are a reservist.

and I'm pretty sure it's not week 8, I think you're still at the range around that time.

[SmartBoyTender]

I know the 92 day split is supossed to be a summer thing, but would I be able to go to Boot this Fall, go back to school for the spring, then continue my training in the summer?

[Lisa 23]

I know the 92 day split is supossed to be a summer thing, but would I be able to go to Boot this Fall, go back to school for the spring, then continue my training in the summer?

First....read the RULES!!!
[Poolee Rules] Attention New Poolee & Wannabe Members

http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29048

[SmartBoyTender]

Sorry about that...Anyone know?

[Zues]

When it comes my time to apply for the PLC.. if i never took the SAT or ACT, would that hinder my acceptance to a University?