While you are in your freshman through junior years in college you have the option to apply for the Platoon Leaders Class (PLC). This is training that occurs during your summer(s) as a college student. The length of training changes depending what grade level you apply at. Seniors can apply for the Officer Candidates Course (OCC). There is no difference in curriculum between OCC and PLC. The total length of PLC is 12 weeks to account for processing and re-acclimating days. The age limit IS waiverable.
Freshmen: If applying during your freshman year, you will attend two 6-week training iterations at Officer Candidate School, Quantico, VA. The first iteration of 6-weeks occurs during the summer directly following your freshman year. The final 6-weeks of training occurs during the summer following your junior year. Upon graduating from college you will commission as a 2ndLt in the Marine Corps and report to The Basic School. You are paid during the two 6-week training evolutions as an E-5. That is, $2,730.30 per month as of FY23. Also, if you provide proof of a lease agreement you will also be entitled to the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) from that zip code. Financial aid is also available after completing your first iteration of training.
Sophomores: If applying during your sophomore year, you will also go to two 6- week training iterations at Officer Candidate School, Quantico, VA. The first iteration of 6-weeks occurs during the summer directly following your sophomore year. The final 6-weeks of training occurs during the summer following your junior year. Upon graduating from college you will commission as a 2ndLt in the Marine Corps and report to The Basic School. You are paid during the two 6-week training evolutions as an E-5. That is, $2,730.30 per month as of FY23. Also, if you provide proof of a lease agreement you will also be entitled to the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) from that zip code. Financial aid is also available after completing your first iteration of training.
Juniors: If applying during your junior year, you will go to a single 10-week training event at Officer Candidates School during the summer after your junior year. This program is called Platoon Leaders Class Combined (PLC-C). Upon finishing PLC-C at OCS you will finish your senior year of college and commission as a 2ndLt in the Marine Corps and report to The Basic School. You are paid during the 10-week training evolution as an E-5. That is, $2,730.30 per month as of FY23. Also, if you provide proof of a lease agreement you will also be entitled to the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) from that zip code. Financial aid is also available after completing your first iteration of training.
Seniors: If applying during your senior year, you will go to a single 10-week training event at Officer Candidates School during the summer after your senior year. This program is called the "Officer Candidates Course" (OCC). You immediately commission as a 2ndLt following OCC, and report to The Basic School. You are paid during the 10-week training evolution as an E-5 ($2,730.30 per month). Upon graduation and commissioning, you are immediately paid at the rank of a 2ndLt with appropriate tax free allowances. OCC Officer Candidates are not entitled to BAH unless they have dependents.
If you have additional questions or are ready to take the first step to becoming a Marine Officer, reach out to Captain Chad Harper at chad.harper@marines.usmc.mil, 917-346-5469, or by filling out the initial interest form.