Prospective Marines
Your path from midshipman to Marine Corps officer starts here.
Your path
Marines on the Yard inform, influence, and develop midshipmen throughout four years at the Academy — whether you are exploring Marine Corps Service Assignment or preparing to compete for it. Three key summers shape your path to a Marine Corps commission.
Every Marine in your sphere of influence is here to help you make an informed decision. Start with your company Marine mentor in Bancroft Hall, or see the MARDET Team section for detachment-level questions.
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Rising youngster
3/C summer
One week of hands-on Marine Corps training with a Fleet Marine Force (FMF) unit — weapons, equipment, and Marines in the field.
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Rising 2/C
2/C summer
Four weeks with Fleet Marine Force (FMF) units — two separate two-week fleet immersion experiences with operating forces — plus opportunities for selective Marine Corps schools (MCIWS, MWTC, and more).
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Rising 1/C
1/C summer
Leatherneck Required
Four weeks at Quantico — the primary evaluation for Marine Corps Service Assignment from the Naval Academy.
Leatherneck eligibility: To be eligible for service assignment to the Marine Corps, you must go to Leatherneck.
The Basic School
If selected to lead Marines, you will attend The Basic School (TBS) in Quantico, Virginia. TBS provides the foundation of professional knowledge and skills you need to command and lead Marines. Over a 29-week curriculum, the course transforms you from a newly commissioned officer into a capable leader with particular emphasis on the warfighting skills required of an infantry platoon commander.
Upon completion of TBS, you proceed to flight training or MOS training. Approximately halfway through TBS, ground officers indicate MOS and geographic duty preferences. MOS assignments are based on merit and the needs of the Marine Corps.
Career options after commissioning
As a first-class midshipman, you may pursue a career as a ground officer or Marine aviator. After graduation you attend The Basic School (TBS), then proceed to flight training or military occupational specialty (MOS) training. Detailed role descriptions live on dedicated pages — not duplicated here.
- Ground CombatInfantry, armor, artillery, combat engineering, and more.
- Aviation CombatPilots and naval flight officers in Marine aviation.
- Combat SupportLogistics, communications, intelligence, and enablers.
- Marine CyberCyberspace warfare officer opportunities. Page coming in a future update.
Marines aboard the Yard represent many MOS fields and are eager to discuss their experiences. Your company Marine mentor is your first stop — find mentor assignments on the USNA intranet.
Next steps
- Summer TrainingLeatherneck, MAGTF, PROTRAMID, and selective programs.
- Company Marine MentorsWhat a company mentor is and how to find yours.
- Marines on the YardDirectory of Marine communities on the Yard. Coming soon.
