The Application Process: Step by Step

  1. Contact the Officer Selection Station to arrange for a personal or telephonic interview.
  2. Conduct the interview.
  3. Take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Test. (Note: This test is only required if you do not already have a qualifying ASVAB AFQT (74), SAT (1000) or ACT Composite (22) score.)
  4. Take the Physical (medical) Examination at the Military Entrance Processing Station. (Note: This step is not required if you already have a current qualifying MEPS Physical.)
  5. Run the Physical Fitness Test (PFT), which consists of pull-ups, crunches, and a timed 3 mile run. Personnel from the Officer Selection Office will work with you to achieve a qualifying level of fitness.
  6. Complete and return your application package. (Note: this step is completed concurrently with steps 3-5 above. Turn in forms and documents as they are completed and/or acquired. Do not wait until the package is complete to turn it in.
    • Application Form.
    • SF-86 Personal Security Questionnaire.
    • Personal References.
    • Birth Verification.
    • Social Security Verification.
    • Academic Certification Form (undergrads will take this form to their registrar for completion) or Proof of Degree (for college graduates) and transcripts.
    • Eye Refraction Worksheet (required of all Air candidates).
    • Dependent Birth Verification (applicants with dependents, e.g., a wife and/or children).
    • Dependent Social Security Verification (applicants with dependents).
    • Marriage Certificate/Divorce Decree (as required).
    • Statement of Understanding from Spouse (as required. Contained in the Application Form above).
    • Police Record Check (required of applicants with minor police involvement).
    • Release from Reserve Component (required of all applicants who are currently members of Reserve or Guard units).
    • Copy of Military Service Record Book (required of all applicants with prior military service).
    • Citizenship Verification (required of naturalized US citizens).
    • Medical Documents (May be required of some applicants depending on medical history).
    • Additional forms which may be required can be found by clicking the Application Forms button on the menu to your left, or by clicking HERE.
  7. Final prep of package with the Officer Selection Officer.
  8. Submission of package to the Selection Board.

Basic Overview

Applications to Platoon Leaders Class or Officer Candidates Course are submitted through your local Officer Selection Office or OSO. The first step in the application process is to conduct an interview and basic screening with your OSO. If you pass the initial screening and appear to be basically qualified you may begin the application process.
Request more information or you can contact us directly.
As part of the application process you will undergo a physical examination, background check, and possibly some other tests to determine if you meet our physical, mental, and moral qualifications. You will also have to complete the application form and submit required medical, academic, vital, and legal documents as necessary. Once the application is complete it is ready for submission.
The application process for Marine Officer typically takes about one month, but can last a few months depending on what kinds of waivers might be involved in the application. The length of time it takes to complete an application is usually a direct result of how proactive an applicant is in submitting required paperwork.
Once the application is submitted, it is sent to a selection board made up of Marine Officers. The selection board meets a few times a year to select the best qualified candidates for Officer Candidates School. It usually takes a couple of weeks after the board convenes to find out if an application has been selected.
Once selected you become a candidate. At this point you are guaranteed the opportunity to prove yourself at Officer Candidate School. You will be required to maintain certain moral and academic standards in order to remain in the program. You will continue to prepare mentally and physically for OCS until the day you ship.
If you apply, but are not selected you may re-apply as many times as you wish. Often, re-applications show commitment and dedication to becoming a Marine Officer, but you must show improvement in whatever deficiency caused you to not get selected initially.
Designed by Brett Harvey