- Joined
- Feb 20, 2016
- Messages
- 1,305
This was sent to all Mids by the Brigade Academic and Assistant Operations Officer regarding U.S. Marine Corps graduate education policy this month:
Below are some frequently asked questions on USMC Graduate Education. Hopefully these clear up any issues.
Are Marine selects allowed to participate in the VGEP program?
No. Marines cannot under any circumstances participate in VGEP. This is a set in stone policy coming directly from a three-star general. Do not question it.
Why aren't Marine selects allowed to participate in VGEP?
Graduate education is not required for the majority of billets in the U.S. Marine Corps. In addition, choosing to participate in VGEP could potentially stagnate a young Marine Corps junior officer's career. If a Marine were to participate in VGEP, their career track would be thrown off by approximately two years. This would in turn screw up their fitness reports and potentially hinder the fleet experience they get, which ultimately could result in less of a likelihood for future promotions. This policy is actually looking out for your best interests.
Are there any graduate education programs Marine selects can participate in?
Yes! IGEP is an option. If you have been selected for Marine ground, have a 3.65+ GPA, and find a program less than or equal to one year then you very well may qualify for IGEP. However, there are only 5 USMC slots per year. Marine selects with avation contracts are exempt from participating in IGEP. No exceptions.
Would it be possible for me to pursue graduate education once I have a few years of fleet experience under my belt?
Absolutely! In fact, there are built in periods of time in a Marine's career track where they could possibly attend graduate school. In addition, numerous USMC officers have no desire to attend graduate school. So, the odds are heavily in your favor to pursue graduate school after you have been in the fleet for a few years!
Below are some frequently asked questions on USMC Graduate Education. Hopefully these clear up any issues.
Are Marine selects allowed to participate in the VGEP program?
No. Marines cannot under any circumstances participate in VGEP. This is a set in stone policy coming directly from a three-star general. Do not question it.
Why aren't Marine selects allowed to participate in VGEP?
Graduate education is not required for the majority of billets in the U.S. Marine Corps. In addition, choosing to participate in VGEP could potentially stagnate a young Marine Corps junior officer's career. If a Marine were to participate in VGEP, their career track would be thrown off by approximately two years. This would in turn screw up their fitness reports and potentially hinder the fleet experience they get, which ultimately could result in less of a likelihood for future promotions. This policy is actually looking out for your best interests.
Are there any graduate education programs Marine selects can participate in?
Yes! IGEP is an option. If you have been selected for Marine ground, have a 3.65+ GPA, and find a program less than or equal to one year then you very well may qualify for IGEP. However, there are only 5 USMC slots per year. Marine selects with avation contracts are exempt from participating in IGEP. No exceptions.
Would it be possible for me to pursue graduate education once I have a few years of fleet experience under my belt?
Absolutely! In fact, there are built in periods of time in a Marine's career track where they could possibly attend graduate school. In addition, numerous USMC officers have no desire to attend graduate school. So, the odds are heavily in your favor to pursue graduate school after you have been in the fleet for a few years!