Joining the United States Marine Corps requires meeting stringent requirements in age, citizenship, education, physical fitness, and moral character. The Marines maintain some of the highest standards among all military branches, reflecting their elite reputation.
Age Requirements
The Marine Corps accepts enlisted applicants between 17 and 28 years old:
- 17 years old: Requires parental consent
- 18-28 years old: Standard enlistment age range
- Over 28: May qualify for Marine Corps Reserve or officer programs
- Officers: Must be at least 18 and commission before age 28 (waivers possible)
Citizenship and Residency
Applicants must be either:
- A U.S. citizen, or
- A legal permanent resident (green card holder) currently living in the United States
Non-citizens who enlist can apply for expedited citizenship after completing basic training.
Education Requirements
The Marine Corps strongly prefers high school graduates:
- High school diploma: Primary requirement for most recruits
- GED: Accepted but with limited quotas and higher ASVAB score requirements
- College credits: May qualify for advanced rank upon enlistment
ASVAB Score Requirements
All applicants must pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test:
- Minimum AFQT score: 32 (higher than Army's minimum of 31)
- MOS qualification: Different jobs require different line scores
- GED holders: Typically need AFQT score of 50 or higher
Higher ASVAB scores open more Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) and may qualify for enlistment bonuses.
Physical Fitness Standards
The Marines have demanding physical requirements. Before shipping to boot camp, recruits must pass the Initial Strength Test (IST):
Male IST Minimums
- Pull-ups: 3 minimum (recommended: 10+)
- Crunches: 44 in 2 minutes (recommended: 70+)
- 1.5-mile run: Under 13:30 (recommended: under 10:30)
Female IST Minimums
- Flexed-arm hang: 12 seconds (or 1 pull-up)
- Crunches: 44 in 2 minutes
- 1.5-mile run: Under 15:00
Meeting minimums isn't enough. Recruits should train to exceed these standards significantly before arriving at boot camp.
Medical Requirements
Applicants undergo a thorough medical examination at MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station). Disqualifying conditions include:
- Uncorrectable vision problems
- Certain chronic conditions (asthma, diabetes, epilepsy)
- Significant hearing loss
- Certain mental health conditions
- Drug or alcohol dependency
Some conditions may receive medical waivers on a case-by-case basis.
Moral and Legal Requirements
Background checks examine:
- Criminal history: Felony convictions typically disqualify; some misdemeanors require waivers
- Drug use: Recent drug use may disqualify; marijuana use requires waiting periods
- Financial status: Excessive debt may affect security clearance eligibility
- Tattoo policy: Marines have strict tattoo regulations
For complete, current requirements, visit the official Marines.com website or speak with a Marine recruiter. For general military requirements across all branches, see our guide to US military qualifications.
