How to Be a U.S. Marine

• Step 1

  Find a recruiter. Marine recruiters have local offices all around the country, and often have booths at career fairs and high schools. To find a recruiter, visit marines.com and click the "Contact A Recruiter" button in the upper left corner.

• Step 2

  Make an appointment and prepare for your visit. Recruiters do accept walk-ins, but making an appointment guarantees you a chance to talk to the recruiter and receive full attention during your visit. To make sure you get the most of your visit, be prepared to talk about why you're interested in the Marines, and write down your questions about enlistment and service. Enlisting is a big decision and you might forget some of your questions during your talk with the recruiter.

• Step 3

  Visit the recruiter. Recruiters are Marines and have been through the training and service you're considering. They will also be able to address any specific concerns you have about yourself, whether it's health issues or other problems that may prevent you from enlisting.

• Step 4

  Graduate from high school. According to the Marine Corps website, you can speak to a recruiter and even sign your enlistment contract before graduation, but you must have your diploma to begin recruit training (boot camp). If you have a nontraditional diploma such as a completion certificate, you should discuss that one-on-one with your recruiter.

• Step 5

  Take the physical examination. All recruits must take a physical examination similar to the one high school athletes take. Recruits can discuss health problems with their recruiter to see if they are still eligible for enlistment.

• Step 6

  Prepare physically. Marine recruits are required to pass a physical test. According to the military fitness site military.com, the Initial Strength Test requires male recruits to run a mile and a half in 13 minutes 30 seconds or less, do two pull-ups, and perform 35 sit-ups in two minutes. Female recruits must perform a flexed arm hang for 12 seconds, must do 35 sit-ups in two minutes, and must run a mile in less than 10 minutes 30 seconds.

• Step 7

  Prepare mentally. Boot camp is an emotionally and physically intense ordeal. Military author Michael Volkins advises recruits to expect minor illness, homesickness, stress, long days with little sleep, camaraderie and rivalry with fellow recruits, an unyielding drill sergeant. More than anything, he writes, recruits should expect deployment regardless of what recruiters have told them about the topic.

• 3
• If you think you're too old, you may still have a shot at enlisting. Officially recruits must be ages 17 to 29, but those older than 29 may be eligible for a waiver.
• If you think you're too old, you may still have a shot at enlisting. Officially recruits must be ages 17 to 29, but those older than 29 may be eligible for a waiver.

References & Resources

• United States Marine Corps
• Military.com
• Boot Camp Preparation Checklist
• The Ultimate Basic Training Guidebook