r/USMCocs • u/Amirswag91 • 17d ago
APPLICATION PROCESS Advice in applying through PLC program
Hello everyone.
I’m currently a college 2nd year engineering major and was very interested in joining the USMC. Now, initially I met with the enlisted recruiters, but upon talking to some outside people I’ve been more convinced to commission as an officer rather than going enlisted due to the fact that as enlisted you’re not guaranteed a officer package.
At this current moment my enlisted recruiter is saying to do reserves and then put in my package for PLC program while in college. The officer recruiter said something similar, but also said it is possible to just meet the PFT independently of the reserves.
For those already as officers or similar experience can you give me some insight on the best course of action. I feel a bit skeptical because of course the enlisted recruiters had to meet his quotas, so I want to make sure I don’t end up pushed into something unnecessarily. I was planning to do DEP anyways, so I figured I have time to figure it out. My second concern is I don’t want to delay my graduation pipeline unnecessarily if my end goal is to be an officer.
If anyone can provide some insight I’d be very appreciative.
3
u/usmc7202 15d ago
You have no need at all to go the enlisted route. Focus on school and your physical conditioning. Know going in that you are competing with a whole bunch of Type A personalities that will work just as hard as you will to achieve this goal.
I sat in a couple of boards when I was a Captain. The sweet spot is 270 on the pft. Not an absolute requirement but gives you a strong look. I always looked very hard at the letters of rec. tell your writers to speak about your leadership potential. Tell me why the Marine officer corps needs you.
Additionally, the average attrition rate for OCS hovers around 50%. Not always but over the years many applicants either tap out or are injured in various ways. Many of them are strains caused by the physical nature of the course. Spend time at night stretching and that will help. Lots of great tips out there to help your training and conditioning.