USNA after enlisting in the Marines

bhessler

5-Year Member
Joined
Aug 4, 2014
Messages
8
Is it possible to enlist after high school in the Marines and then get into the Naval academy and then graduate as an officer in the Navy? Or do I have to come out of the Academy as an officer in the Marines because I went into the academy from the Marines.
 
Yes to #1. Prior service Marines are actually discharged from the Marine Corps before entry into the Naval Academy on Induction Day.

There is no obligation for prior Marines to commission USMC, and a commission in the Marine Corps is not guaranteed for prior Marines.
 
Is it possible to enlist after high school in the Marines and then get into the Naval academy and then graduate as an officer in the Navy? Or do I have to come out of the Academy as an officer in the Marines because I went into the academy from the Marines.

Just to be clear here... Are you asking about applying for and getting into the Naval Academy AFTER your full tour as an enlisted Marine?
 
Just to be clear here... Are you asking about applying for and getting into the Naval Academy AFTER your full tour as an enlisted Marine?

I believe he is wanting to enlist in the Marines and go through TBS and MOS training and then try to apply to the Academy. I'm not exactly sure why you'd want to do this as I've heard it's a bit more difficult going this route. If you're wanting an enlisted background as an officer it'd be easier becoming a reservist and going through PLC. I have a guy in my PLC that took that route.
 
I would like to enlist for a few years and then apply to the USNA and hopefully get into at least NAPS. I just wanted to know if I had to come out in the Marines if I did this. Also how difficult is it to get accepted into the academy as an enlisted person?
 
Enlisted

It is possible. I am enlisted right now and am applying to the naval academy. A little background. I was an emancipated minor and enlisted into the navy when I was 17. I am a E4 going up for E5 my 2nd time now. I am qualified in my work center and have completed my EAWS qualification. Some personal milestones I wanted to complete before I went to the academy. I do feel confident I can be competitive enough to hopefully get into naps this year. This route is a hard route you really have to but the ground running and not waste any time. It also helps if you are younger 17/18. Because of the limited times you will have to apply before you pass the age requirements. You have to factor in going to boot camp/school into your timeline I would honestly say that would take a year including the time it takes to enlist and leave. Then you must prove yourself to your commanding officer for him to recommend you. This too will take time. He will want to see you work and excel in your job most likely before he recommends you. So with all said I am happy I enlisted and have the chance to apply to the naval academy enlisting has only solidified my decision to one day be a naval officer. It really has opened my eyes to what the military is like and what it takes to be successful in the military. So this road is less traveled maybe more difficult whose to say this was just my experience. Now to answer your question no you may go either navy or marine upon graduation USNA no matter you enlisted status beforehand. Good luck and if you have any questions I can answer I d be more than glad too. Goodluck
 
I would like to enlist for a few years and then apply to the USNA and hopefully get into at least NAPS. I just wanted to know if I had to come out in the Marines if I did this. Also how difficult is it to get accepted into the academy as an enlisted person?
If you are still considering enlisting in the Marine Corps as you mentioned above, it can be a pretty tough path to acceptance. Read the USNA MARADMINS for the last several years and you will see that typically the USNA only accepts 10-12 enlisted Marines per year, with possibly 1-2 as direct admits and the rest going to NAPS. This year there were only 6 Marines admitted into NAPS, but there were 40 Sailors. As you can see, the statistics are not in your favor. It takes an exceptional enlisted performance in addition to the normal acceptable high school standards to get accepted. That being said...it can be done. My DS is proof, as he is one of the 6 Marines attending NAPS this year (exactly two years out of boot camp). If you or any one else considering the enlisted route want to PM me with more specific questions about his acceptance experience, I will be happy to share his qualifications, path traveled, and more details.
 
Great responses from folks with the exact experience you are searching for. I have nothing to add to those points. Sounds like the odds are pretty low.

I do want to point out that there are other paths for becoming a Navy Officer. ECP (Enlisted commissioning Program) and PLC (Platoon Leader Course) are two of several that involve moving from the enlisted ranks to an officer program. But I suspect that it is harder to move between active duty Marines to the Navy going this route.

Once you finish your active duty tour, more options become available.

Good luck
 
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