The Marine Corps encourages enlisted Marines to further their education and accept greater responsibility. Those who show exceptional leadership may talk with a commanding officer about the opportunity to become a Marine Officer.

Marines currently serving in the Marine Corps Reserve may apply for programs such as PLC and OCC through their Officer Selection Officer.

Commissioning Programs for enlisted Marines include:

Enlisted Commissioning Program (ECP)

• For Marines who have earned a four-year degree before joining the Corps or during active duty
• Qualified Marines attend Officer Candidates School (OCS)
• Upon completion of OCS, they are commissioned as second lieutenants
• Reserve Officer opportunities are available through the Reserve ECP

Marine Corps Enlisted Commissioning Educational Program (MECEP)

• For exceptional Marines who have not yet completed their bachelor’s degree
• Selected Marines are assigned to a special preparatory course and then attend a college offering an NROTC program
• Marines enrolled in MECEP attend OCS during the summer between their first and second years of college
• Upon completion of their degree, they will be commissioned as second lieutenants