Marine PLC questions!

[ns1234]

hi all,

I am interested in PLC, either this or next summer. I have a BA already and will be in grad school for the next two years. I know that one can defer accepting commission if offered after plc, so I have a few questions -

1. If I don’t accept, but later decide to pursue a commission in the marines, how does that work? Would I have to reapply and go to ocs, or would they let me through?

2. Can one commission into the reserves from plc, like one can do OCS-R?

Thanks!

 

[kinnem]

I think you can choose whether or not you want to accept a commission, not when to commission. Normally one commissions immediately after receiving their BA. Not sure what would happen in your case. These are all good questions to take to an Officer Selection Officer at your local recruiter. Also, someone with a BA would normally simply go to OCS and commission after successful completion. If you wanted to get your Masters Degree first then I expect this would be the normal route to pursue. I don't think I've ever heard of a graduate student going to PLC, but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen. PLC and OCS are the same by the way... the only difference is how many weeks and whether they're consecutive weeks or not.

 

[ns1234]

Thank you for your reply! The reasons I would consider plc over ocs is because plc is considered an internship, in that it doesn’t not commit you to joining. I am very interested in joining, but not certain, and would love to have the opportunity to try it out first.

With ocs or plc, if I were to do either over the summer, are you saying it’s possible to defer TBs and all that until after I finish the masters program?

Also, my other question is, whether one can commission into reserves from plc.

Thanks!

 

[kinnem]

Thank you for your reply! The reasons I would consider plc over ocs is because plc is considered an internship, in that it doesn’t not commit you to joining. I am very interested in joining, but not certain, and would love to have the opportunity to try it out first.

Your logic makes sense but I don't know if they would allow that in your case. Since you have at least a BA if not an advanced degree by the time you apply to PLC they may not allow you to do it. Again, an OSO would be your best bet to get an answer on this. It's a pretty unusual situation.

With ocs or plc, if I were to do either over the summer, are you saying it’s possible to defer TBs and all that until after I finish the masters program?

No. I'm saying you perhaps should defer either PLC or OCS until after you complete your Masters. In any case, they will decide when you do TBS... I don't think you get much, if any, say in that.

Also, my other question is, whether one can commission into reserves from plc.

No idea. Again, OSO is your best bet to get answers. Be sure to talk to an OSO (ie an officer) and not just some recruiter. Recruiters don't necessarily understand the paths to a commission.... and they'll normally have a strong desire to recruit you anyway!

 

[ns1234]

That’s very helpful, thank you! I should probably call a oso about some of this. Thanks!