How can you join the USMC?

Answer 1

Short answer is you can't, to begin with there's no such thing as "the merchant marines" the phrase you're looking for is merchant marine, no s, secondly the term merchant marine refers to an industry, not a military service or government agency.

Saying you want to "enlist in the merchant marine" is the same as saying you want to enlist in the supermarkets, or the airline industry.

That being said, if you wish to be employed as a merchant mariner, there are a few routes you can take, one would be to attend one of the academies, or you could attend one of the trade schools, or you could get the necessary documentation and either apply dirrectly to a non-union shipping company, or join one of the maritime unions (most shipboard jobs are union and the jobs are to be had through the various union hiring halls.

I had included links, but they were not allowed

Answer 2

You must be a US citizen of at least 18 years of age, although the deferred enlistment program will allow parents/guardians to sign on behalf of those under 18. The following is a quick summary, and you can contact a recruiter or OSO for more information.

The enlistment process can be handled at any USMC Recruiting Station. Be wary of any oral promises, and get any promises of duty stations, benefits, and important dates in writing. Minimum education requirements are a GED, although a HS diploma is preferred.

Those wishing to become commissioned officers must apply with an Officer Selection Officer (OSO), usually a Captain or Major, who will guide you through the process of becoming an Officer of Marines. The standards for Marine Officers are higher than those of enlistees, and your morals, ethics, and professionalism will come into play. You also must possess (or be in the process of) a four year degree from an accredited university.

Advice for both options - pay your bills, and make sure you do not acquire debt you can not handle (more common with officers who may have accumulated credit card debt in college). Many billets in the DoD require clearances, and you will not be eligible for a clearance if you can not maintain your personal finances - someone with high debt is more susceptible to bribes.

Answer 3

It best to go through training at the school.