United States Marine Corps Officer Selection Stations
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CD Contents Introduction: ........................................................................................................................Page 02 Section 1: Why the Marine Corps? .....................................................................Page 14 Section 2: Programs .......................................................................................................Page 36 Section 3: Officer Training ...........................................................................................Page 44 Section 4: Areas of Specialization........................................................................Page 52 Section 4a: Aviation.........................................................................................................Page 56 Section 4b: Combat Arms.............................................................................................Page 96 Section 4c: Service Support......................................................................................Page 112 Section 4d: Law ..........................................................................................................Page 134 Section 5: Post-Graduate Educational Programs......................................Page 140 Section 6: Second Tour Opportunities...............................................................Page 154 Section 7: Life as a Marine Corps Officer.......................................................Page 164 Section 8: Who to contact..................................................................................Page 172 MARINE OFFICER The Change is Forever UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS... Joining the Marine Corps means facing tough, real-life challenges every day. The Marine Corps will develop your courage, poise, and self- confidence so you can be one of the few, the proud, the Marines. ...the Best of the Best To lead Marines requires real leadership. The Marines are the best, most elite military force in the world. To lead Marines requires a brand of leadership, a way of responding to challenging circumstances, that can be taught only in the Marine Corps’ officer programs. Your reward as a Marine Officer is knowing that you’re among the best of the best. WHAT IS THE MARINE CORPS? On November 10, 1775, the Continental Congress resolved that two battalions The Few of Marines be raised to serve during the war between Great Britain and the Colonies. They further resolved that this force be acquainted with maritime operations in order to serve aboard naval vessels. Thus, the United States The Proud Marine Corps has always been an expeditionary naval force ready to defend the nation’s interests overseas. The Marines Our expeditionary naval capabilities are critical in a world where 70% of the world’s countries are located within 200 miles of the coast. When crises erupt anywhere in the world, the Nation calls upon the Marine Corps to rapidly carry out foreign policy objectives. Throughout our history, the Marine Corps has been the force most ready when the nation is least ready. 1 What is the Marine Corps? A FORCE IN READINESS We, as Marines, are a highly trained force able to respond in a number of ways. The Marine Corps maintains units in the United States that constantly train for deployment to trouble spots. They are ready and able to sail on naval ships or fly on military aircraft to join Maritime Pre-positioned Ships (MPS) pre-loaded with equipment and munitions. These ships can be unloaded with Marines ready to go in approximately one week. Other Marine Corps units are on standby, ready to fly with their equipment to wherever a crisis erupts, for an even faster response. In addition to having units in the United States, the Marine Corps maintains forward deployed units near potential trouble spots around the world. Organized as Marine Air Ground Task Forces (MAGTFs), often as units called Marine Expeditionary Units (MEUs), Marine forces are trained to perform missions ranging from a full- scale amphibious landing, to the evacuation of U.S. embassy personnel, to the distribution of humanitarian aid. MEUs train with the Navy and operate from naval ships, which serve as mobile platforms able to deliver Marines to the coast of any country in the world. A Marine Expeditionary Unit is organized to carry out a myriad of potential missions. It is normally centered around an infantry battalion and brings its own air support in Leadership, the form of a squadron of jet aircraft and helicopters. And, since the force is designed to be self-supporting and able to operate for 30 days or more without re-supply, the MEU can operate even if cut off from outside supply lines. self-discipline, physical fitness, and mental readiness make the Marines America’s elite. 2 What is the Marine Corps? TASK-ORGANIZED AVIATION, GROUND, AND SERVICE SUPPORT UNITS Marine Corps units are task-organized as self- reliant teams composed of Ground Combat Units, Aviation Combat Units, and Combat Service Support Units. Ground Combat Units comprise approximately 30% of Marine Corps units and train for potential confrontation with U.S. adversaries. Ground Combat Units consist of infantry, armor, engineer, and artillery units. Aviation Combat Units consist of everything from fast attack jets to troop transport helicopters. They support the Ground Combat Units by delivering troops and equipment to hotspots, providing deep strike capability, and providing close air support for engaged forces. Approximately 30% of all officers are pilots. The Combat Service Support Units Marines — comprise the bulk of the Marine Corps and are critical to allow both the Ground Combat and Aviation Combat forces to do their jobs. Combat Service officer and Support Units consist of a wide variety of specialties including communications, logistics, intelligence, finance, and supply. enlisted — rise to While only a small percentage of Marines are deployed away from home at any challenges, given time, all Marines constantly prepare for that possibility. becoming more THE KEY TO MARINE CORPS SUCCESS: PEOPLE AND TRAINING Everyone who joins the Marine Corps has chosen an extremely challenging innovative when route. Knowing the Marine Corps has the most demanding training, both entry level and operationally, individuals like you have joined the Marine Corps and faced with met the standard. Marines — officer and enlisted — rise to challenges, becoming more innovative and creative when faced with problems. Each Marine is encouraged to maximize leadership potential through practice and evaluation, problems. leading to better decisions in real-world stressful situations. 3 What is the Marine Corps? We make Marines and BUILDING A CORPS OF LEADERS we win battles. The common denominator is leadership. Marine Officers are required to be leaders and are selected based on their potential leadership qualities. After selection and commissioning, the Marine Corps spends approximately one year No compromises. training these individuals to become leaders prior to their taking charge of enlisted Marines. Our training is tough. It has to be; Marine Officers take on responsibility well beyond their years. As we move into the 21st century, we face a rapidly changing world with complex situations. Our focus must be on training people to make sound decisions under rapidly changing conditions. The Marine Corps must be prepared for what may be called a “three-block war.” On one block we may deliver humanitarian assistance to help people survive. Moments later, on the next block, we may be called upon to take a harder line as a peacekeeping force. Finally, if hostilities do erupt, we must be able to win mid-intensity battles on a third block. To effectively make the right decision for the situations we face on each block requires a sharp and agile mind, and the ability to take charge. If you are interested in being one of us — developing your self-discipline, your decision-making ability, and your leadership — read this book to find out more about opportunities as an Officer of Marines. Keep an open mind; the Marine Corps is unlike anything you have ever experienced. We offer no excuses, and we take none. We make Marines and we win battles. No compromises. 4 CONTENTS SECTION 1: WHY THE MARINE CORPS? This section provides an overview of the opportunities available for college students and graduates interested in pursuing a career in the Marine Corps. The three major areas of opportunity are described. The Path to Becoming a Marine Corps Officer .......................................................... 19 E Aviation ........................................................................................................................................ 20 E Ground ........................................................................................................................................ 21 E Law ................................................................................................................................................. 22 Equal Opportunity ......................................................................................................................... 23 Marine Corps Values .................................................................................................................... 24 Making Your Choice ...................................................................................................................... 25 SECTION 2: PROGRAMS E Undergraduate Program: Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors Platoon Leaders Class (PLC) ..........................................................................................