Marine Officer Positions

THE CHALLENGE: LEAD FROM THE FRONT ON THE GROUND AND IN THE AIR

The Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) represents the world's premier combined-arms expeditionary force. Whether executing rapid ship-to-shore maneuvers, securing forward operating positions, or coordinating complex air-support networks, Marine Officers bring decisive victory to every front.

As a Marine Officer in a Ground or Aviation Support role, you are entrusted with two profound responsibilities: accomplishing your mission and ensuring the welfare of the Marines you lead. We are seeking elite, physically resilient, and mentally sharp college students and graduates ready to command combat elements and lead highly technical support teams.

PART I: GROUND COMBAT ELEMENT (GCE) SPECIALTIES

Ground combat arms represent the bedrock of the Marine Corps. Marine Ground Officers organize and lead units to gain decisive advantages through maneuver, direct and indirect fire, and superior tactical intelligence.

• 03: Infantry Officer: The tip of the spear. Plan, direct, and assist in the deployment and tactical employment of rifle and reconnaissance platoons. Infantry Officers are responsible for the discipline, morale, tactical execution, and welfare of up to 40 Marines.
• 02: Ground Intelligence Officer: Analyze, evaluate, and estimate tactical battlefields. Formulate, coordinate, and execute reconnaissance, counterintelligence, and fire support operations to guide commander decisions.
• 04: Logistics Officer: Keep the MAGTF moving. Plan, coordinate, and supervise tactical logistics across supply, vehicle maintenance, heavy-equipment transportation, and general engineering services from ship to shore.
• 06: Communications Officer: The backbone of Command and Control. Supervise and coordinate the planning, installation, operation, and security of advanced data, telecommunications, satellite, radio, and computer systems on the battlefield.
• 08: Field Artillery Officer: Direct the tactical employment of artillery batteries. Coordinate devastating indirect fires using mortars, cannons, rockets, and naval surface fire support.
• 13: Combat Engineer Officer: Command engineer units to shape the physical battlespace. Duties include constructing expedient roads and forward airfields, managing heavy equipment, placing obstacles, and executing breaching operations.
• 18: Tank Officer: Recommend and execute tactical maneuvers for armored tank units, directing firepower and heavy armor to dominate ground engagements.
• 58: Military Police Officer: Function as tactical supervisors, coordinators, and administrators of law enforcement, security operations, and maneuver support.

PART II: AVIATION COMBAT ELEMENT (ACE) SUPPORT SPECIALTIES

Marine Aviation cannot dominate the skies without the officers who control the airspace and sustain the aircraft. These critical, non-pilot roles ensure operational readiness and battlespace control.

• 60: Aircraft Maintenance Officer: Supervise and coordinate highly technical aircraft maintenance, diagnostics, and repair activities. Master complex Navy-sponsored maintenance programs to ensure combat aircraft are mission-ready.
• 66: Aviation Supply Officer: Command high-velocity supply chains, multi-million dollar budgets, inventory management, and aviation-specific logistics within Marine Aircraft Wings (MAWs) and Marine Aviation Logistics Squadrons (MALS).
• 72: Aviation Ground Support & Control Roles:
  
   
• Air Defense Officer: Coordinate and command air defense operations and missile defense platforms to protect MAGTF assets.
• Air Support Control / Air Traffic Control Officer: Direct tactical air support operations, manage complex airfields, and control airspace in expeditionary environments.
• Aviation Intelligence Officer (AIO): Act as the squadron commander’s primary source for threat weapon systems, electronic warfare tactics, and target imagery.

THE BENEFITS OF A MARINE CORPS COMMISSION

Earning the title of a Marine Officer provides exceptional benefits, career variety, and financial security designed to invest in you and your family's future.

1. Financial Security & Ranks

• Competitive Pay & Allowances: Receive regular pay raises, regular cost-of-living increases, and tax-free allowances for housing (BAH) and food (BAS).
• Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) & Retirement: High-matching retirement savings plans and attractive pension benefits after 20 years of service.
• Annual Uniform Allowance: Annual funding to purchase and maintain your service and utility uniforms.

2. Advanced Education & Career Growth

• Tuition Assistance Program (TAP): Covers 100 percent of tuition costs for part-time coursework (up to $225 per credit and/or $4,500 per academic year).
• Advanced Degree Program (ADP): Attend graduate school full-time to pursue a Master's degree at accredited civilian universities while receiving full Marine Officer pay and allowances.
• Special Education Program (SEP): Fully funded postgraduate opportunities in fields like engineering, computer science, communications, and management.
• Fellowships: Elite opportunities to work directly with DARPA, Capitol Hill, the White House, or top-tier academic institutions like Tufts University.

3. Tangible Quality-of-Life Benefits

• 30 Days Paid Vacation: Earn 30 days of paid leave or vacation each year from day one.
• Zero-Cost Healthcare: Complete medical and dental coverage for officers and their families.
• VA Home Loans: Eligibility for Veterans Administration Guaranteed Loans for home purchases.
• On-Base Perks & Recreation: Low-cost or free access to gyms, pools, campgrounds, boat rentals, golf courses, private beaches, and base exchange shopping.
• All-Marine Sports: Opportunity to try out and compete on elite, base-supported teams (boxing, soccer, rugby, track, golf) with potential paths to the Olympics.

THE TRAINING PATHWAY: FORGING LEADERS

The pipeline to becoming a Ground or Aviation Support Officer is rigorous and highly structured, ensuring you possess the mental, physical, and ethical skills to lead under pressure:

1. Commissioning Programs (PLC or OCC):

• Platoon Leaders Class (PLC): For college freshmen, sophomores, and juniors. Complete training over summer sessions with zero academic year obligations. Receive stipends and pay during summers.
• Officer Candidate Course (OCC): For college seniors and graduates. A single, intensive 10-week course in Quantico, VA.

1. Officer Candidates School (OCS) (Quantico, VA): Prove your physical stamina, academic capability, and ethical character under the guiding motto Ductus Exemplo ("Lead by Example").
2. The Basic School (TBS) (Quantico, VA - 6 Months): Newly commissioned Second Lieutenants undergo 28 weeks of comprehensive field training, marksmanship, and platoon tactics. TBS reinforces the core concept that "Every Marine Officer is a combat leader first."
3. MOS Selection & Specialty Schools: Near the halfway mark of TBS, officers indicate their preferences and are assigned to their respective Ground or Aviation Support specialty school (lasting from 6 weeks to 18 months depending on complexity).

ELIGIBILITY & SELECTION CRITERIA

• Education: Must be a U.S. citizen currently enrolled in or graduated from an accredited college or university (minimum "C" grade point average).
• Physical Standards: Must pass the Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test (PFT). Minimum OCS induction standards:
  • Males: 8 pull-ups, timed plank (1:03), and a 3-mile run in 24:00.
  • Females: 1 pull-up, timed plank (1:03), and a 3-mile run in 27:00.
    • Note: Highly competitive selection requires scores far exceeding these minimums.
• Moral & Medical Fitness: Must pass a comprehensive physical examination and background/moral screening.

HOW TO APPLY

The journey begins with an interview. Contact your local Officer Selection Officer (OSO) to undergo screening, complete physical evaluations, and secure your slot for OCS.

Contact the Officer Selections Officer, Captain Brandon T. Jackson at brandon.jackson@usmc.marines.mil