03/31/2020
WHAT IS OFFICER CANDIDATES COURSE (OCC)?
OCC is a commissioning program offered by the Marine Corps to college graduates. OCC candidates attend Officer Candidates School (OCS), where they are evaluated for their potential to become future officers in the Marine Corps. OCS is extremely challenging both physically and mentally. Those who demonstrate mental agility, physical stamina, and the ability to assert and hone leadership skills, successfully graduate OCS and are given the opportunity to accept a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps.
WHEN, WHERE, AND HOW LONG IS OCS?
There are three OCC classes a year, commencing in January, June, and October. Each class is ten weeks long and held at Officer Candidates School in Quantico, Virginia. The Summer and Fall classes are open to both males and females.
WHAT IS THE OBLIGATION?
OCC is completely non-binding. Contractually, candidates agree to attend the first four weeks of OCS. After the fourth week, you can voluntarily dis-enroll from the program. Any disenrollment fully voids the contract resulting in absolutely no service obligation to the United States Marine Corps. Everyone who successfully completes OCS will have the opportunity to freely and willingly accept a commission as a Marine officer upon graduation.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Officer Candidates must be US citizens, possess at least a bachelor’s degree, be in excellent physical condition, and be of solid moral character. OCC is open for men and women.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE FEATURES?
• Flight School guarantee available to qualified applicants.
• Guaranteed JAG positions for those entering law school.
• Fully funded graduate degree programs available.
• Commissioned a Second Lieutenant upon successful completion of OCS.
WHAT ABOUT PAY?
During the ten-week training session, you will earn approximately $4500. The Marine Corps pays for the cost of travel to and from OCS, as well as room and board while there. Upon commissioning, the starting salary as a Second Lieutenant is approximately $62,000 to $73,000 annually (including meals and quarters allowances). You will make $96,000 to $113,000 annually, depending on job and duty location, after about four years of regular raises and promotions.
WHAT ABOUT SERVICE OBLIGATION?
If you accept your commission as a Second Lieutenant, the obligation is 4 years of active service. After your initial training you will be further trained in one of over twenty-five Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) including Infantry, Artillery, Tanks, Combat Engineer, Judge Advocate, Intelligence, Military Police, Financial Management, Logistics, Public Affairs, Air Traffic Control, Aviation Maintenance, Communications, and many more. As an Aviator, the obligation is 8 years of active duty after you pin on your aviator’s wings, depending on whether you fly fixed wing or rotary wing aircraft.
IN SERVICE BENEFITS:
Full medical and dental benefits, 30 days paid vacation a year, discounted travel and recreation, graduate degree opportunities, and inflation-adjusted retirement are but a few of the tangible benefits. You will also receive unparalleled leadership and management experience in what Inc. Magazine calls “the best management-training program in America”.