Enlisted

• Marine enlisted men make up the majority of men and women in the Marines. You must be 17 to 29 years old and you must hold a high school diploma or be working toward completion of high school to be recruited.
  
  

Officers

• Recruits who want to become officers must have a bachelor's degree or some college coursework leading to a bachelor's degree. Prospective officers can also enroll in the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps at their university.
  
  

Reserve

• Requirements for the Marine Corps Reserve are the same as those for enlisted personnel. Those interested in joining the reserves must also be wiling to commit to training at least one weekend a month and two weeks a year.
  
  

Prior Service

• Service members who have finished their active duty service commitment can enlist in the Selected Marine Corps Reserve program or the Individual Mobilization Augmentee program.
  
  

Minors

• Individuals younger than 18 can still qualify to enlist in the Marine Corps, provided they are at least 17 years old, are working toward or have received a high school diploma and have parental consent.