The dates for the 2008 fiscal year enlisted-to-commissioning program selection boards and the officer candidate school dates aligned with these boards were announced recently in MarAdmin 526/07.

The message outlines the deadlines and board dates for Marines appearing on Enlisted Commissioning Program boards, Meritorious Commissioning Program boards, Meritorious Commissioning Program – Reserve boards and the Reserve Enlisted Commissioning Program selection boards.

For Marines dreaming about taking the step, the Corps offers these enlisted-to- commissioning programs and the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program, known as MECEP.

All active-duty Marines who meet specific eligibility requirements can apply for MECEP, according to Marine Corps Order 1560.15L.

When evaluating an individual’s potential for commissioned service, board members review the applicant’s service record, previous academic record, and evidence of career and academic self-improvement during their time as an enlisted Marine.

In deciding which commissioning program to pursue, the applicant’s education level is the primary determining factor.

“To apply for ECP, they have to have earned a bachelor’s level degree from an accredited college or university prior to applying for the program,” said Lt. Col. Keith M. Cutler, the commanding officer of Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron here. “For MECEP and all other programs, one has not yet completed college.”

MECEP Marines who get accepted in the program must attend a school that has a Naval ROTC detachment directly affiliated with the school.

Benefits for Marines accepted into the program include the chance to attend school full time while maintaining active-duty status and pay.

“We encourage preparatory courses if we feel the Marine could benefit from them,” said Cutler. “If we interview a Marine and discover he has already completed several semesters of school successfully, we’d feel confident they wouldn’t need to attend MECEP prep or BOOST.”

Marines can attend the Broadened Opportunity for Officer Selection and Training program, or BOOST, prior to attending college courses. The program focuses on preparatory training for the adjustment to college-level classes.

The school, which is located at Newport, R.I., hones the Marine’s knowledge of math, science and necessary literacy skills to help them compete successfully in college courses.

Before applying to any of the programs, the Marines would be required to submit a package and appear on a selection board.

“For H&HS, the Marines who submit packages to become commissioned appear in front of a board, usually consisting of three officers, to gauge their thoughts, motivations, and determine how competitive they will be,” said Cutler. “The board will discuss their thoughts on the applicant and then submit their recommendations to the commanding officer before he meets with them.”

Other squadrons do something similar to this in their officer selection process.

“As long as a Marine meets the requirements for the program, I’ll meet with them,” said Cutler.

A package consists of a copy of the Marine’s service record book, letters of recommendation from Marines who know them in a professional manner and training and achievement records.

“The impressions from the Marine’s senior-enlisted advisors and officers in charge are important in the selection process,” said Cutler. “They work with the Marine daily and know their strengths and weaknesses and can make first-hand comments on their personality and work ethic.”

“It’s a serious thing. You want to be sure it’s the route you want to take and prepare yourself adequately,” said Cutler, giving advice on making the decision to pursue a commission.

In the event that, once accepted to a commissioning program, the Marine does not complete the training required to earn their commission, they return to the fleet at the rank and in the occupational specialty they had before going into the commissioning program.