Joining The Marines
Air, Land & Sea, We Answer All Your Questions About Joining The Marines!
The United States Marine Corps is the most versatile branch in the armed forces: Over a quarter of a million Marines currently serve in the U.S. military where they develop the discipline, skill, and knowledge to successfully defend the freedoms of their country by air, land and sea.
Here are some interesting facts about the US Marines that you may not have known:
- The Marines were established in 1775
- The Marines are known for being the ‘strongest brotherhood in the world
- The Marine Corps has three core values: Honor, Courage, and Commitment
- The English Bulldog became the official mascot of the Marines after the Marines were referred to as ‘devil dogs’ in World War I
- The Marines Hymn is known to be the oldest official song of the armed forces
Are The Marines Right For YOU? Ask Yourself These 6 Questions To Decide
If you’ve been thinking about joining the Marines as a way to help protect and serve your country, there are a few things you should consider before enlisting. Below you will find answers to the most important questions you should be asking yourself before making the commitment to enlist.
1. How many years am I willing to commit?
Joining the armed forces requires years of service, and it’s important to make sure you are completely committed to serving your country for the specified amount of time before enlisting. Are you looking to make a Marines Corps career and spend your life working and serving in the armed forces, or are you looking to gain basic skills and education before returning to civilian life? Depending on your level of commitment, there are various ways for you to enlist and serve.
2. Do I want to serve full-time or part-time?
There are two ways to become a Marine: Become an enlisted Marine or a Reserve. Both commitments give you the opportunity to serve your country, but there are many different requirements for both.
- Enlisted Marines – Enlisted Marines are contracted to spend three to five years in the armed forces. The amount of time each contract lasts is dependent on many factors, some of which include areas of interest, education level, and qualifications.
- Marine Reserve – The Marine Reserves require an eight-year commitment from you. During this time, you will be required to spend one weekend per month training, as well as two weeks every summer. There are three enlistment options for Marine Reserves.
3. Am I looking for civilian or Marine career opportunities?
This is an especially important question you should be asking yourself. Having a thorough understanding of your career goals is important before enlisting, seeing as your plans for the future directly affect which contract you sign with a recruiter. Are you looking for basic training and skills that you can take with you into civilian life, or are you looking to rise up in the ranks to become an officer? No matter what your personal aspirations are, one great thing about the Marines is that the career opportunities are seemingly endless. There are Marine Corps jobs available to suit every interest, skill, and experience level.
4. Can the Marines help me obtain an education?
This is one of the most important aspects about the Marines: Everyone who enlists has the opportunity to further their education. If you’re looking to take specific courses pertaining to technical careers, you’ll be able to enroll in one of the many training programs available to enlisted Marines. If you’re looking to earn your degree, you’ll be able to enroll in college or university courses. For those who have enlisted in the reserves or retired from the Marines, there are many education programs designed to help you receive the education you deserve. These programs include ROTC and numerous veteran college education options. No matter what you plan for your future, the Marines can help you get there.
5. What benefits will I receive for enlisting?
The Marine Corps makes every effort to take care of its own, and in doing so they provide many benefits to their enlisted members. Just some of the lucrative benefits include:
- Financial compensation and cash incentives for education, basic living expenses, and special duties
- Exclusive membership to a military credit union
- Free medical insurance for actively enlisted members and reduced rates for retirees
- Thirty days of leave time each year
- Paid housing for those who live on base, housing allowances for those who live off base, and home loans for eligible members
- Employment assistance for retired Marines
6. How much military pay can I expect?
If there is one question about the Marines that most people have, it is in regard to salary. If you’re wondering how much you stand to receive if you choose to enlist, you should understand that pay scales vary greatly in the Marines. The lowest monthly income you would receive is roughly $1,500, with the highest being ten times that amount! Pay is determined based on years of service, rank, and special skills and qualifications.
Now that you have some basic information about the Marines, it’s time to explore the career opportunities available to those who enlist. Click here to visit our Marine Jobs page where you will find information regarding career opportunities, continuing education, and more!