How does one become a USMC 2nd Lt. through the USMMA?

[gibbins963]

Hello, I am a highschool junior with high prospects of attending the United States Merchant Marine Academy. I am extremely interested into commissioning into the United States Marine Corps upon graduation. I did not get a clear answer when I called them, so I am asking, how does one do this exactly?
Does one attend a nrotc Bulldog course, or a PLC course?
Does one have to compete for an ocs slot, or is it simply given if one attends a Marine ops program?
Is there an active Marine Ops program at King's Point?

Thanks so much for all the information in advance guys! I really appreciate it!

 

[beyond]

how does one do this exactly?

You put in a package to Naval Science your 1/C year, based on grades, regimental standing, PT scores, etc.

Does one attend a nrotc Bulldog course, or a PLC course?

I think our folks do what is called "PLC Combined" where you do one, 10 week shot. You can't break it in half like ROTC because of Sea Year.

Does one have to compete for an ocs slot, or is it simply given if one attends a Marine ops program?

Everything in the military is competitive, so yes you will still have to compete, though it is my understanding that if you do well at PLC you will get an OCS slot.

Is there an active Marine Ops program at King's Point?

Yes. We have a Gunny on staff.


I would like to remind you though, this is a MARITIME school. So all these USMC things come second, I think you want the Naval Academy. Great school if you want to be a Marine or Naval Officer.... not such a great school if you want to be a Ships Officer. Maritime school... maritime.... not Marine, Merchant Marine.

 

[gibbins963]

Thanks but..

PLC is OCS. So if I complete PLC, I will be done and will be able to commission. In addition to this, wouldn't 10 weeks cut into class time?

 

[beyond]

Yeah, I was confusing PLC and TBS... You'll take time off during Sea Year, as long as you hustle you should have plenty of time to get your sea days done and complete PLC. You'll also have the opportunity to go to Airborne and Air Assault, again based on PT, Regimental and Academic standing.

 

[gibbins963]

Confused

Wow, now I'm really confused. I just called to be sure, and they told be to talk to some other Mid that told me that he believed it was a 6 week PLC course, because he had a buddy that did it. This is quite the elusive answer I'm trying to get huh? haha

 

[KPaviator]

From my understanding (I graduated a few years back and commissioned Army) there were two options for PLC; a single 10 week course, or two 6 week courses spread out over two summers. With that being said, you can also choose to go to OCS immediately after graduation and forgo tying up summers with PLC. Everyone goes to TBS, and then off to whatever school you selected for your branch. I have friends that did all everything I mentioned above, so if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

 

[Davenj01]

It has been along time ago but when I did it there were two 6 week programs you had to finish the first at Camp Upshur and then at Brown Field. If not that one then you did a 10 week one time visit to Quantico at Brown Field. Either way you were not always given a spot in Regular Corps most rec'd reserve commissions. Naval Academy is the real way to go if this is your plan. Good Luck.

 

[gibbins963]

Reserve commission?

I don't think the USMC gives reserve commissions per say. I believe they are on reserve status until they complete TBS, and then once they receive there MOS, they go active. I believe they only commission active duty in that sense, and then one can apply for the reserves later after there active duty minimum time is up.