Joining the Marine Corps is an option for individuals considering military service and structured career training.
Before beginning the enlistment process, it is important to understand the basic eligibility requirements.
These requirements establish minimum standards for enlistment across areas such as age, education, physical fitness, and legal status.
Reviewing these criteria in advance can help applicants better prepare for discussions with a recruiter.
Related Article – US Marine Corps PFT / CFT Calculator
Table of Contents
What People Get Wrong About Marine Corps Requirements
Many people believe the Marine Corps has identical entry standards for all applicants, regardless of role or background.
In reality, some requirements vary based on whether an individual is enlisting or pursuing a commission as an officer.
Another common misconception is that applicants must already meet all physical fitness benchmarks before contacting a recruiter.
Initial fitness assessments are used to evaluate readiness, but preparation and improvement may occur before formal training.
Some assume that a specific high school GPA is required for enlistment.
The Marine Corps does not publish a universal minimum GPA for enlisted applicants, though education credentials are required.
There is also confusion about vision standards, with some believing perfect eyesight is mandatory.
Vision standards focus on correctable acuity and functional visual ability rather than uncorrected perfection.
Height & Weight Requirements
The Marines, like the other military branches, take physical fitness seriously.
Therefore, they have strict guidelines in place for weight as it relates to your height.
Marine Corps Weight Standards for Men
| Height (inches) | Minimum Weight (in lbs.) | Maximum Weight (in lbs.) |
|---|---|---|
| 56 | 85 | 122 |
| 57 | 88 | 127 |
| 58 | 91 | 131 |
| 59 | 94 | 136 |
| 60 | 97 | 141 |
| 61 | 100 | 145 |
| 62 | 104 | 150 |
| 63 | 107 | 155 |
| 64 | 110 | 160 |
| 65 | 114 | 165 |
| 66 | 117 | 170 |
| 67 | 121 | 175 |
| 68 | 125 | 180 |
| 69 | 128 | 186 |
| 70 | 132 | 191 |
| 71 | 136 | 197 |
| 72 | 140 | 202 |
| 73 | 144 | 208 |
| 74 | 148 | 214 |
| 75 | 152 | 220 |
| 76 | 156 | 225 |
| 77 | 160 | 231 |
| 78 | 164 | 237 |
| 79 | 168 | 244 |
| 80 | 173 | 250 |
Marine Corps Height And Weight Standards for Women
| Height (in inches) | Minimum Weight (in lbs.) | Maximum Weight (in lbs.) |
|---|---|---|
| 56 | 85 | 115 |
| 57 | 88 | 120 |
| 58 | 91 | 124 |
| 59 | 94 | 129 |
| 60 | 97 | 133 |
| 61 | 100 | 137 |
| 62 | 104 | 142 |
| 63 | 107 | 146 |
| 64 | 110 | 151 |
| 65 | 114 | 156 |
| 66 | 117 | 161 |
| 67 | 121 | 166 |
| 68 | 125 | 171 |
| 69 | 128 | 176 |
| 70 | 132 | 181 |
| 71 | 136 | 186 |
| 72 | 140 | 191 |
| 73 | 144 | 197 |
| 74 | 148 | 202 |
| 75 | 152 | 208 |
| 76 | 156 | 213 |
| 77 | 160 | 219 |
| 78 | 164 | 225 |
| 79 | 168 | 230 |
| 80 | 173 | 236 |
Also, while you determine the Marine Corps requirements for weight and height, consider the Body Mass Index chart to ensure you are in the normal range for your age.
| Age Group | Body Fat % - Men | Body Fat % - Women |
|---|---|---|
| 17 - 20 | 18% | 27% |
| 21 - 25 | 18% | 27% |
| 26 - 30 | 19% | 28% |
| 31 - 35 | 19% | 28% |
| 36 - 40 | 20% | 29% |
| 41 - 45 | 20% | 29% |
| 46 - 50 | 21% | 30% |
| 51+ | 21% | 30% |
Related Article – Marine Corps Height and Weight Requirements
Vision Requirements
While your vision does not need to be perfect, it needs to be correctable if you wish to be a Marine.
Your eyesight acuity uncorrected can be 20/200, but correctable to 20/20 with glasses.
Furthermore, the Marines look for new recruits with normal color perception, a normal field of vision, and depth perception.
Some jobs have more stringent requirements, so check with your recruiter if you have a specific job in mind to verify vision requirements.
Age Requirements
If you are between the age of 17 and 28, you can enlist in the Marines.
However, if you are 17, you need parental permission.
If you wish to join as an officer, you must be between the ages of 20 to 28 for consideration.
ASVAB Score Requirements
One of the Marine Corps requirements is a minimum score on the ASVAB test.
You must score at least 31 on the AFQT to become a Marine if you have a high school diploma.
However, if you have a GED, you need a minimum score of 50.
GPA Requirements
The Marines do not have a specific minimum GPA requirement to join.
However, you must have your high school diploma or your GED.
It is vital to note some MOSs in the Marines require a high school diploma. Therefore, check with your recruiter if you have a specific job in mind.
Also, if you wish to join the Marines as an officer, you must have your high school diploma and a 4-year college degree.
Related Article – Marine Corps MOS List and ASVAB Scores
Citizenship Requirements
If you wish to join the Marines, you must be a U.S. citizen.
The other option is having legal immigrant status with permanent residence in the United States.
Many call the permanent residence card that proves your status the ‘green card.’
Other Requirements
If you want to be a Marine, you must be in great physical shape.
Before enlisting, the Marines expect potential recruits to take the Initial Strength Test (IST).
The IST consists of pull-ups, push-ups, planks, crunches, and a 1.5 miles timed run.
See Also
Military Pilot Vision Requirements
Vision Requirements for Each Branch of the Military
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