Do you have to do 8 years in the Marines?
Asked by: Mrs. Cassidy Friesen | Last update: December 5, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (74 votes)
a. FOR ALL ENLISTEES: If this is my initial enlistment, I must serve a total of eight (8) years, unless I am sooner discharged or otherwise extended by the appropriate authority. This eight year service requirement is called the Military Service Obligation.
How many years are mandatory in the Marines?
The Marine Corps plays a major role as the first force on the ground in most conflicts. Today, Marines are stationed around the world at all times, ready to deploy quickly whenever and wherever needed. Total service commitment ranges from four to six years.
How many years do you have to commit to the Marines?
- Marines: The commitment depends on whether you enlist or become an officer. Enlisted Marine Corps members must commit to four years of active service and four years of inactive service. Marine Corps officers must commit to a minimum of six years on active duty.
Can you do 6 years in the Marines?
3. b. 2. Marines on their first enlistment may be granted up to a 6-year reenlistment without regards to service limits.
What rank do most Marines retire at?
On the enlisted side most retire as Gunnery Sgts or Master Sgts/First Sgts. There are a handful of Master Gunnery Sgts and Sgts Major as well but it's really competitive to get promoted up to those ranks. The lowest enlisted rank you can retire at is SSgt.
A Day at work in the Marines (For me!)
What is the least amount of years you can be in the Marines?
So 10 days is the shortest amount of time for can be enlisted for. However the shortest enlistment contract you can sign is 4 years active.
Is 30 too late to join Marines?
Eligibility Requirements
To enlist as a Marine, you must obtain your high school diploma and be a legal U.S. resident between 17 and 28. To commission as a Marine Officer, you must be a United States citizen between 20 and 28 and have obtained both a high school diploma and a bachelor's degree.
Can you quit the Marine Reserves?
The President, or the Secretary of the Navy acting for the President, may accept the resignation of an officer of the Marine Corps Reserve.
How long is boot camp?
Army: Basic Combat Training (BCT) lasts about 10 weeks. 2. Navy: Recruit Training, or "boot camp," is approximately 10 weeks long.
What military branch pays the most?
When it comes to your basic pay, the military branches are all the same. A look at military pay charts shows that military pay is based on a pay grade, or rank, and years of service. In terms of your base pay, there is no fundamental advantage to opting for one branch of service over another.
What is the 8 year service obligation?
Simply stated, if you have completed 8 years (or more) in the military, Active Duty, Reserve, or IRR, you have successfully completed your MSO. If you have any further questions, comments, or concerns about this, feel free to come in and see your Wing and/or Group Career Assistance Advisor(s).
What disqualifies you from joining the Marines?
All interested individuals must clear a criminal background check and have no felony convictions. Individuals who have been convicted of a felony as an adult or juvenile for offenses involving violence, domestic violence, illegal drugs or sexual misconduct will be disqualified.
Can a Marine just quit?
As long as you're in the entry level period -- your first 180 days -- you can request an entry level separation.
How many pull ups for Marines?
The minimum expectations are as follows: Male: 2 Pull Ups. 35 Sit Ups (2 Minutes)
Can Marines have tattoos?
Marines may have tattoos on any area of the body, excluding the head, neck, and hands in accordance with this Bulletin. Marines are advised there are future career implications regarding the application of tattoos. A tattoo that is not specifically prohibited may still prevent future duty assignments.
Is it worth being in marine reserves?
Marines in the Reserve are a vital element in the demand for comprehensive combat readiness. Reservists may be called upon to strengthen active forces in peacetime and in time of war, provide support during national emergencies or lead community service efforts like the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program.
How often do Marines come home?
Some units will get a 72 or 96-hour off-duty time to spend with their family. After the initial 72-96 hours off, most units will remain on duty at the base for about 2 weeks. Those two weeks will include working hours as well as briefs for transitioning out of a combat zone back into the US.
Can you pick your job in the Marines?
DO YOU GET TO CHOOSE YOUR MOS OR DOES THE MARINE CORPS CHOOSE IT FOR YOU? Based on your qualifications, you will get the choice of a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) field. Marine Corps recruiters are the best resource for information about a specific MOS.
How long is a Marine contract?
The Reserve component contract is an eight-year contract (four with a Selected Marine Corps Reserve Unit and four with the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR)).
What is the hardest military branch?
Marine Corps - The Marine Corps is often considered the toughest branch of the military both physically and mentally. It has the most rigorous basic training, known as boot camp, which lasts 13 weeks. Marines are trained not only physically but also mentally, to have a "first to fight" mindset.
What do Marines say?
MARINE CORPS MOTTOS
Ooh-rah: A battle cry among Marines, 'Ooh-rah' can be used as a greeting, a term of affirmation, or as a way of expressing enthusiasm. Ductus Exemplo: A Latin term that means “lead by example,” Ductus Exemplo is the official motto of Officer Candidates School (OCS).
What do Marines do every day?
The life of a Marine, whether he is in garrison or on deployment, is extremely simple. His daily schedule consists largely of only three things: eating, training, and performing duties.