Marine Officer Berkeley

(1.) This is not an enlisted or reserve program. You do not go to boot camp to become an officer. (2.) You must remain a full-time college student and complete your degree in order to be commissioned. Due to this requirement, disenrollment from college will result in disenrollment from the program. (3.) Officer Programs are 100% voluntary. You are not obligated to serve in the Marine Corps until you graduate from college. Upon graduation, an officer candidate must freely and willingly accept their commission as a Marine officer.

The U.S. Marine Corps is one of the world’s most elite military organizations. Founded in 1775, the Marine Corps currently employs approximately 186,000 Marines and prides itself on core values of honor, courage and commitment. Leadership, tradition, camaraderie and service to country are the building blocks of what makes the Marine Corps a unique experience.

The Platoon Leaders Class (PLC) and Officer Candidate Course (OCC) programs are two paths for civilian college students to earn a commission in the Marine Corps. A student must be a full-time college student (freshmen, sophomore, junior or senior) or college graduate to qualify for the program.

We offer a competitive salary and benefits. 30 days paid vacation and 10 federal holidays each year. Medical, dental and vision care are provided to all service members (and their dependents) at no cost. Substantial retirement benefits are available and vary depending years of active service. Service members are eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill for graduate/professional education after serving 3 years on active duty. Financial/Tuition assistance is available up to $8,000 per year.

This page is dedicated to facilitating the mission of USMC Officer Selection Station (OSS) Berkeley, CA.

OSS Berkeley's mission is to answer questions, provide information to, and ultimately select the young men and women who will become officer candidates.

Please use this page to seek and pass on knowledge about the Marine officer application process, Officer Candidates School, The Basic School and beyond to the future leaders of the Marine Corps.

Semper Fidelis!