What age?

[Anonymous]

Hello -

I am graduating college next Semester. I want to go to OCS, and have begun to work with a recruiter, however, I am kind of young! I am 18, and will graduate well before my 19th Birthday.

My dilemma is thus: Should I go straight into OCS as a youngin', or take a year or two, and go to grad school, then apply when I am a little older?

Thanks,
Kate

(I am working with both Navy and Marine OSO's, so this will be cross-posted in both boards)

[Admin_USMC]

I would say that it really doesn't matter what age you enter OCS. If you are mature enough to finish college at this age then you are mature enough to complete OCS. The benefit of young age iwll pay off on the physical side as well as making your promotions and eligibility for retirement come at an earlier age than your peers. Also remember that you can attend school and the Corps will foot the bill while you are in (as long as you agree to stay in longer according to how much money you receive in Tuition assitance. I think you should go for it.

[Anonymous]

I'm in the same situation except I will be 17 when I graduate from college.
What is the minimum age requirement for OCS? I thought you have to be 20 in order to become a officer in the Marine Corp.

[gysgt_mom]

Initially, I would like to say congratulations on your success in college. 18 WOW!!! The requirement is to be 20.5 when attending OCS. Although in the Marines we have a saying, "If there is a will, there is a waiver." You could be interviewed and receive a waiver in order to attend OCS even though you do not make the age requirement. Remember that in an organization where teamwork and comradeship are paramount you would be the young one. There for in your class of males I would be confident that you would receive unwanted criticism and attention. Again this is just my opinion....