The Marine Corps has a program that will let you experience some of the challenges, responsibility, excitement, and satisfaction for which the Marine Corps is known – without making any long-term commitments. This program is called the Platoon Leaders Class (PLC). As a qualified freshman or sophomore in college you will attend six weeks of training during the summer at Officer Candidates School (OCS) in Quantico, Virginia, and an additional six weeks the summer before your senior year. Qualified juniors in college attend a ten week training session in the summer. After successfully completing all training at OCS and earning your college degree, you will be commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. If, for any reason, the decision is made not to complete or continue your training at OCS or you decide not to accept your commission, you may drop from the program with no penalties or obligations. This enables you to be in control of your future and make decisions with first-hand knowledge and experience – not based on guesses and rumors. Unlike ROTC, you can walk away at any time. Who’s eligible? College freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who are full-time students in an accredited college and who are maintaining at least a “C” average are eligible to apply. What about the pay? The Platoon Leaders Class will enable you to plan for your future. During training, you will be paid approximately $2,100 for each six weeks of training, or $4,200 for the ten week session, with free room, board, and transportation to and from OCS. The starting salary for a second lieutenant commissioned through the Freshman PLC Program right now is approximately $57,795 plus benefits.What about duties after graduation?Ground Option — 4 years active duty as a ground officer. The first six months are spent at The Basic School (TBS) in Quantico, VA, to prepare you for assignment as a Marine Officer. All officers, whether commissioned through PLC, OCC, the Naval Academy, or NROTC, attend TBS. At TBS, you will choose your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) and continue on to your specialty training. Guaranteed Aviation Option — Following six months at The Basic School, you spend 12 to 18 months in flight school and are assigned as a Marine Corps pilot with an 8 year active duty obligation.Monthly Stipend — A PLC candidate who has completed at least one summer training session is eligible for a $350 monthly stipend for up to nine months of your sophomore year, $400 per month for you junior year, and $450 per month for your senior year.Law School deferments are available to PLC candidates who are qualified to attend law school. The PLC candidate would be commissioned upon receipt of a bachelor’s degree but will not begin active service until after passing the Bar exam. While a law student, a Marine Officer is on an inactive status, which continues to build his longevity and promotes him along with his college peers who already have begun active duty. Judge advocates serve 3 ½ years on active duty, beginning shortly after passing the Bar exam.What are some of the features?1.Commission as a Second Lieutenant upon graduation — service onactive duty guaranteed. Reserve duty also available. 2.No on-campus training, drill, reserve meetings, uniforms, etc. 3.No active duty requirements if dropped from the program voluntarilyor involuntarily. 4.Qualified applicants can be guaranteed flight training. 5.Law school deferments are available for JAG applicants. 6.$5,200 per school year available for tuition (in addition to themonthly stipend described above).Application procedures:1.ASVAB military aptitude exam or qualifying SAT or ACT scores. 2.Medical exam at MEPS. 3.Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test (pull-ups, sit-ups, and a 3-milerun) 4.Selection on a competitive basis. 5.3 Selection Boards per year (December, February, and April).
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