Can enlisted Marines become Army officers?

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 Dec 2014 17:39:13 -0500

I am a enlisted Marine looking for other opportunities in other branches of service. The Marines have the MECEP program which allows enlisted Marines to go to school full time and on active duty so they can start or finish their degree and become officers. I am wondering if the Army has the same program or a similar program I could look into.

Any information, help, or comments are greatly appreciated!

Semper Fi!

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Dec 29 at 2014 5:41 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Mon, 29 Dec 2014 17:41:58 -0500

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member, all the time! The most common route I've seen lately is via the Army National Guard. Assuming you meet all the different criteria you go to OCS at one of the Regional Training Institutes around the country. One of the most well known and respected is the 200th Regiment (LDR) at old Fort McClellan, AL. I'm asking CPT Private RallyPoint Member to jump in, as he is a fairly recent graduate of the 200th.

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Dec 29 at 2014 5:48 PM

LTC Yinon Weiss — Mon, 29 Dec 2014 17:48:03 -0500

Yes, though probably not through an Army program. You should be competitive for Army ROTC if you get into a school that has an ROTC program, or if you already have a college degree, you can apply to Army OCS. Your prior service experience should make you more competitive for those programs.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2014 6:01 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 Dec 2014 18:01:00 -0500

There are several programs that the Army has. Some are the same as the MC and there a few more. What you are talking about is the equivalent to our "Hip Pocket Scholarship." It is used to give active duty members in the Army a break to finish their school. The issue you will have this is that you have to be in the Army to get it. The Army really isn't taking many prior service at all.

If you are looking to go Active Army your best chance would be an Army ROTC scholarship. Once you go to a school you would draw your GI Bill and enroll in ROTC to get a commission. You wouldn't get an active duty pay check but you would draw BAH while in school. If you want to further off set your pay you could join the Army National Guard and go into the "Simultaneous Membership Program" or SMP. In this case you will be assigned to a unit as a cadet and go to school. You would draw your GI Bill and make drill pay on top of that. You would also get education benefits from the National Guard. You would still be able to go the Active Army once you grad from college.

If you had a degree you could go into a OCS program. The Regular Army has theirs at Fort Benning, GA. You will have to go to a Officers Board and get selected. Then the process begins. There is also the National Guard. I was prior enlisted and Commissioned in the Army National Guard. I went to an Active Duty OCS program called Accelerated OCS. I went to Fort McClellan, AL, as LTC Stephen C. spoke of . They are regionally aligned to support the North Carolina National Guard. I then went on to Infantry Officers Course and Ranger School from the National Guard. But I am only a weekend drilling soldier. You would be a civilian and only drawing pay for one weekend a month.

I hope this hopes. If you have any questions feel free to ask.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2014 9:15 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 09:15:00 -0500

I had a very excellent company commander who was prior service Marine.

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Mar 18 at 2015 5:24 PM

Capt Jeff S. — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 17:24:23 -0400

They were only taking 60 / year into MECEP the year I was selected and then they bumped it up to 90 / year later. Unless things changed, your best bet is to finish up your Active Duty, go into the reserves, finish your college and come in through ROTC.

Response by SFC Walter Mack made Mar 18 at 2015 7:53 PM

SFC Walter Mack — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 19:53:45 -0400

As a recruiter, I put in a couple Marine Reservists as officers. Maybe not the answer you're looking for, but if you're otherwise qualified and leave the Marines, you can be processed into the Army as an officer.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2015 11:26 PM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 23:26:37 -0400

The Army has a similar program called Green to Gold and I'm currently in that program and will be commissioning Dec 2016.

Response by Sgt Terry Boone made Mar 19 at 2015 5:51 AM

Sgt Terry Boone — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 05:51:36 -0400

The Army has a enlisted commission program similar to the USMC, if selected you would be commissioned as a CWO 1

Response by SGT Mark Rhodes made Apr 12 at 2015 12:26 PM

SGT Mark Rhodes — Sun, 12 Apr 2015 12:26:17 -0400

The Army has a green to gold program where enlisted go to school full time to finish their degree and when they are finished they are commissioned. But I'm not sure you can just switch branches unless you are not on active or reserve duty.

Response by LtCol Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2015 10:53 PM

LtCol Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 22:53:21 -0400

Why would you want to?
There are numerous ways for Marines to get a commission in the Corps. There's NESEP, NROTC, Naval Academy, Platoon Leaders Corps and various direct commission programs. Talk to your career advisor if you're still active, or an Officer Selection Officer if you're not. If your in the reserves similar programs exist.

And a successful tour at Marine Barracks is a definite positive. Check through the chain of command and find out what opportunities are available to you.

Response by SSG Lloyd Becker BSBA-HCM, MBA made Apr 24 at 2015 2:34 AM

SSG Lloyd Becker BSBA-HCM, MBA — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 02:34:30 -0400

SSgt trevor Solberg,

Since you are working on a college degree, when you finish it, you need to talk with some one in S-1, personnel and find out what the Army requires. Speaking specifically from an Army standpoint, I was looking to transfer from enlisted to officer and the form they require is a DA Form 160.

I see that you are stationed in DC. Check with the Old Guard. These are the folks that take care of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and other areas such as funerals, salutes and others. They have an S-1 and you can check with them. Wait until the changing of the guard and follow them to talk with them.

One thing I do know is this. Marine boot is tougher than the others. You will not need to repeat any of the initial training, except the qualification of a rifle. I wish you luck.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Apr 26 at 2015 2:44 PM

COL Charles Williams — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 14:44:13 -0400

Yes SSgt Private RallyPoint Member, but you would have to transition to Army ROTC, go to USNA and commission Army, go to West Point, or enlist in the Army attend Army OCS. The Army has many programs, but you need to be in the Army to access them.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2015 3:36 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 May 2015 15:36:07 -0400

Yes, you can also apply for a direct commission if qualified (check out Medical Service Corps, Legal, etc) . Much will depend on your age, your education, and openings within a branch. The most openings/choices are usually at the beginning of a Fiscal Year. Note that we used to have Dual Component Officers with enlisted people from several services who also held concurrent Army commissions, but that program is now closed to accessions.

Response by MAJ Ron Peery made May 15 at 2015 8:23 AM

MAJ Ron Peery — Fri, 15 May 2015 08:23:19 -0400

Sure can. There are lots of ways. I worked for an outstanding LTC who was prior service Force Recon. He ultimately made it to COL before I lost touch with him.

Response by MSG Douglas Tolliver made Jun 18 at 2015 4:30 PM

MSG Douglas Tolliver — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 16:30:50 -0400

Yes. If you want to go the OCS route you have to apply for OCS. I believe you also have to get 3 recommendations from Officers. I know I got some recommendations for a Soldier of mine back in 2001. I'm not totally clear on the matter but it may help to discuss it with an Army recruiter. Also, go look here: http://www.benning.army.mil/infantry/199th/ocs/ there may be some more information for you.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2015 9:55 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 09:55:14 -0400

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member I went through the same process (my EAS was July 2014), the Army has many programs that were already mentioned. I at first went into the Army Reserves and tried to finish my Bachelors degree using the Army's SMP program. The program gives you the opportunity to compete for Active Duty just like the rest of the ROTC cadets. It will be tough because it's a huge mentality change (that goes the same for even the prior enlisted Army guys). That would be your best option. Now here is where I stand today...I did not complete the program. I happen to see a Marine Officer Selection Recruiter at my campus, we had a friendly conversation and I joked about going back into the Corps. Turns out it wasn't a joke and the Corps is looking for more Officers. I was not competitive for the MECEP while I was in at all, but for the PLC program I am. The Corps can guarantee Active Duty, the Army you have to compete...and that is the reason why I changed course. FYI get an Air Contract and you will be golden. Hope this story helps! Just explore ALL of your options and make the best decision for your own growth.

Response by SSgt Gregory Juedes made Jun 24 at 2015 2:01 PM

SSgt Gregory Juedes — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 14:01:57 -0400

Why would you want to?

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2015 1:06 PM

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 13:06:53 -0400

Ive seen a marine officer go army enlisted. Anything is possible.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2015 2:41 AM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 02:41:15 -0400

I believe they do, but I would contact an Army Recruiter first. I had a SSGT friend of mine who was a 2600 SIGNIT personnel that was selected to the Army Basic Warrant Officer School as a Veterinarian, was promoted on the spot after he was discharged from the Marine Corps and came back in an Army Dress Uniform. Immediately he was transfered to Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. JK

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Jul 28 at 2015 5:59 PM

CPT Pedro Meza — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 17:59:16 -0400

SSgt Trevor Solberg, OCS or if in College ROTC for two years and also the SMP (Simultaneous Membership Program).

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 8 at 2015 6:39 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Sep 2015 06:39:23 -0400

Get out of the Marine Corps, and try to get into the Army through an Officer Selection Officer or what ever they're called. A local Army recruiter can help you out more than anyone on RP can. Unless they're a recruiter. In which case they'll likely say there isn't anything they can do, because they're too busy trying to keep the flow of new privates up.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2015 2:38 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Dec 2015 14:38:12 -0500

As a side note, as it probably would not apply to your individual case or desires, the Army does have a program for enlisted soldiers to stay active duty, get paid, get college paid for, and return to active duty as an officer. The one I am aware of was called AECP (or AMEDD Enlisted Commissioning Program) and is geared towards recruiting nurses. As long as said soldier could complete a BSN in 2 years or less, they could apply. Although did not go that route (I got out, went back to school, applied for direct commission for a medical graduate program) I have several friend that went did it and did well. I would assume there are other options besides nursing but one has to be an active duty Army enlisted soldier to apply.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2016 1:29 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Feb 2016 13:29:33 -0500

back when I was a 2LT, one of my fellow PLs was a prior Marine SSGT

Response by CW2 Carl Swanson made May 31 at 2016 1:49 PM

CW2 Carl Swanson — Tue, 31 May 2016 13:49:27 -0400

I'm not sure if this is an idea you have thought of, but there is a significant number of Flight Warrants I served with who were prior service/ prior enlisted from the USMC, Army and Air Force. I was prior Marine enlisted and Army enlisted before I became a Warrant Officer.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 7:05 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 May 2016 19:05:28 -0400

Not only can enlisted Marines become Army Officers, as I know many that have gone that routs. But in some cases, Marine Officers can become Army Officers, as I did after about a year break in active service in the early 2000s. The best way to commission Army as a prior E-Marine, would be to complete your tour, go to a college with an ROTC program and join.

Response by CPO Byron Sargent made Jun 2 at 2016 7:21 PM

CPO Byron Sargent — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 19:21:01 -0400

I would say that your best bet would be to call an Army recruiter. But to answer your question. Yes, as far as I could figure an Marine Corporal equates to a 1st LT in the Army. Just kidding Gentlemen, I hope I don't have to hand out blood pressure cuffs.

Response by SFC David Pope, MBA made Jun 5 at 2016 6:33 PM

SFC David Pope, MBA — Sun, 05 Jun 2016 18:33:45 -0400

My old battery commander had been a Corporal in the Marines.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 1 at 2016 11:14 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 23:14:32 -0400

I'm just curious as to your rationale for army, though that's fine, of course, I was merely wondering, that's all, honest. Next, how much prior coursework have you had thus far, either in terms of active duty traininh you've done while you've been in, or part or full time before or while you've been in. Also, what major(s) would you want, what army MOS possibly, or what other fields in other svcs? Next, would you consider other svcs besides army, if chances existed in them, as well, possibly? I only suggest going into such topics inmasmdetailed a fashion as possible, only because the more you can possibly relate as to your background, interests, and or motivations, them more concrete advice you might be able to get here, that's all I'm trying to suggest. I'd be most eager to hear more, so far as you might care to say, I hope that was of use, many thanks.

Response by PO1 Salvatore Costello made May 19 at 2018 10:30 AM

PO1 Salvatore Costello — Sat, 19 May 2018 10:30:07 -0400

Have you looked into the Warrant Officer program in the Army?

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2018 6:16 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 May 2018 18:16:28 -0400

I am currently in the Army ROTC program. I think it is a great program! I currently have a scholarship and it has helped me throughout my college years. If you have great grades and PT score than you will most likely get a scholarship.

Response by SGT Clive Choat made Jun 28 at 2019 2:12 AM

SGT Clive Choat — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 02:12:40 -0400

One of the best Battalion Commanders I had the privilege to serve under was an enlisted Marine. After getting his degree, he was commissioned in the Army. Truely dedicated to his soldiers, he took training seriously and never asked for anything that he wouldn’t do. He was someone the entire unit would charge into hell for. He was a major promotable then, Last I heard, he picked up a star. It can be done if you really want it.

Response by Maj John Bell made Jan 24 at 2020 7:21 PM

Maj John Bell — Fri, 24 Jan 2020 19:21:37 -0500

Yes... but who wants to have brain replacement surgery.

OH COME ON NOW!!!!! you had to know someone was gonna take a poke with that good a set up.

Response by SSG Eric Blue made Jan 3 at 2021 5:58 PM

SSG Eric Blue — Sun, 03 Jan 2021 17:58:01 -0500

Short answer, yes. I've seen it. I knew a Marine SGT who crossed over into the Army and applied for OCS. It worked because he's in the Captains' Career Course now.