Frequently Asked Questions For Parents
What is the first thing my son or
daughter should consider about joining the Marines?
To make an informed decision,
your son or daughter must understand the Marines and what they stand for.
www.ocs.usmc.mil and Marines.com can answer many questions, but there is no
better way to introduce yourself to the Marine Corps than by talking with
myself. I would be happy to sit down
with you if you would like.
What if my son or daughter isn't
physically prepared for OCS?
Your son or daughter's Officer
Selection Officer will help with their physical preparation. We conduct regular events and monitor the
preparation of each future Officer to help prepare for success at OCS. Note:
Your son or daughter can't ship until they pass the PFT or Physical Fitness
Testt.
Who makes the travel arrangements
to attend OCS Training?
I take care of the travel arrangements.
What happens if my future Marine
fails a portion of OCS?
In the event that your future
Marine is unable to adequately pass a required event, he or she may be
disenrolled from the program and will return home. If the Commanding Officer feels they may be more successful at a
later date, they are recommended to re-enroll and try again. They will NOT be required to finish their
obligation in the enlisted ranks. They
are only obligated once they graduate from OCS and accept their commission as a
2nd Lieutenant.
Will my future Marine get paid
while at OCS?
Yes. Each Recruit will enroll in
the Direct Deposit program before they arrive at OCS. They will be paid the $1854 per month while in training for 10
weeks.
Can Marines choose where they will
be stationed?
Marines are stationed based on
their experience, jobs, and the Corps' needs at the time. Most Marine Corps
bases are located on either the east or west coasts of the United States.
However, there are a few bases overseas, such as Japan.
Where are Marines stationed?
The Corps operates around the
world, and has bases located throughout the United States. North
Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Florida, California, Hawaii, etc.
Are daily physical workouts necessary after OCS is complete?
Marines are committed to a
physically demanding lifestyle and are tested twice a year on their fitness.
You will have a difficult time finding a current or former Marine who is not
involved in regular physical activity – it is part of what Marines do and becomes
a part of who they are.
Can my future Marine attend
college while in the Marine Corps?
Yes. There are many programs
available to help Marines further their education. I have all the up-to-date
information on college programs.
Can I pick up my new Marine at the
end of OCS?
Yes. Upon completion of the
graduation ceremony, your "new Marine" will receive the opportunity
for a short period of leave.
What happens after OCS?
After graduation, Marines receive
apx 10 days' leave. They then return to Quantico, VA for 6 ½ months of further
training at The Basic School. This is
where they will be taught how to be a Marine Corps Officer before attending
training in their Military Occupational Specialty, or MOS.
Do new Marines go overseas after
OCS?
New Marines do not go overseas
right after training. On average, each new Marine requires an additional
nine to twelve months of further
training before they are deployed either overseas or in the States.
Can my future Marine come home
while in the Marine Corps?
Your son or daughter will be
afforded 30 days of paid vacation per year.
How long do recruits train for
their Military Occupation Specialty (MOS)?
The length of training varies
depending on the MOS assigned. Throughout their time in the Marine Corps, they
are constantly learning and given opportunities to improve their skills as
Marines.
What makes the Marines different
from other military branches?
The Marines have been "First
to Fight" for over 230 years. We are always ready for service and are often
the first to arrive in a crisis. We may be called upon at any time to go
anywhere. The Marine Corps is the only branch of the armed services
specifically organized with air, land, and sea-based expeditionary fighting
capabilities.
I want to talk with a current
Marine about the Corps. How do I find one?
Start with me. (615-895-9655)
Do males and females in the same
Marine job make the same salary?
Yes.
How do the Marine Corps prepare a person for professional opportunities once they have completed their service?
The Corps instills drive and
leadership. This is a hallmark of service and something any young man or woman
would be privileged to possess. There is also a special group, Marine For Life,
that assists former Marines making the transition into the civilian workplace.
Other than an office visit with a recruiter, how can I learn about my son or daughter's decision?
Parents are always welcome at
scheduled events that offer insight into the Marine life, such as career fairs.
Information is also available on Marines.com.
Are there technical jobs in the Marines?
Technical jobs are available to
officers. These technical jobs can provide excellent training and experience
for civilian positions. Remember that the qualities that make for successful
Marines are the same ones that make for successful citizens.
Can my son or daughter attend religious services?
Yes. Candidates are encouraged to
attend any of several religious services.
What kinds of restrictions are included with the Montgomery G.I. Bill?
Funds can be used for any
approved schooling that takes place up to 10 years after an honorable
discharge. This includes advanced
degrees.
What are the three main methods Marines use to fund their education?
Assistance with tuition can be
received through the Montgomery G.I. Bill and the Tuition Assistance Program.
What kind of tuition assistance will my son or daughter receive?
For active duty Marines, the
Tuition Assistance Program provides up to 100% of the cost of education at
accredited colleges or universities. There are other programs, such as the
Montgomery G.I. Bill that provide assistance as well. Ask your recruiter for
more information.
What if my son or daughter can't get off base for classes?
On-base education opportunities
include Base Education Centers, which allow Marines to complete most or all
requirements for an advanced college degree.
Can any Marine pursue higher education?
College coursework and learning
is available to all Marines.
What qualities must candidates possess?
Potential officers must display
superior leadership skills and the ability to take initiative. They must also
be a U.S. Citizen and have earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited
college or university prior to applying for the program.
Do any Military Occupational Specialties (MOSs) involve working with computers?
Today's Marines use technology a
great deal. Computers are used for everything from Media Ops to Cryptography.
What type of healthcare is available to Marines?
Marines and their dependents
receive free medical and low cost dental care.
Do Marines receive the same salary as those in the other services?
Yes. All the military branches
have the same Department of Defense pay scale. This ensures each rank has the
same pay, no matter where your son or daughter serves. Specific information can
be found at the official Marine Corps web site.
How many days of vacation will my son or daughter receive?
He or she will receive thirty
days of paid vacation each year.
What are the Core Values of the United States Marine Corps?
The Core Values are honor,
courage, and commitment. These values are the very reason why the Marines can
meet any challenge.