Expert: Rod Powers - 10/6/2009

Question
Hello, I am interested in pursuing a career in the Marine Corp. It is something that has been calling me since I was 12 (no servicemen/women in my family). I am currently acquiring my BSIT at a local university and was giving some thought about OCS. There is a lot of literature about OCS, but I couldn't find what rank and pay grade one can expect to receive upon completion? Are there different levels of OCS one could complete to get a higher grade? Do you just graduate and are automatically an 0-1E or 0-1?

Answer
Hi Mark,

When you graduate from OCS, you are commissioned as an O-1, and you receive O-1 pay.

At the time of your commission, if you have *more than* four years of active duty service as an enlisted member or warrant officer, you receive O-1E pay.

Some medical doctors are commissioned at a higher rank (sometimes up to O-5), if they have an extensive amount of civilian medical certifications and experience, but this doesn't apply to the Marine Corps, as they don't have Marine medical doctors (The Marines use the Navy for medical care).

Some Army, Navy, and Air Force "scientists and engineering" commissioned officers can also be commissioned at a higher paygrade, depending on their civilian certifications, educational levels (such as a PHD), and civilian experience. Again, this doesn't apply to the Marines, because they don't have "scientific" officers.

For more information about the United States Military, feel free to visit my US Military information site at: http://usmilitary.about.com

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com