Expert: Matt - 6/18/2009

Question
I would like to apply for OCS and join the USMC to become an officer.  I am filed for bankruptcy and hope to have it discharged within a month.  Does this disqualify me for the position of a USMC officer?


Answer
No, it doesn't automatically disqualify you, however the marine corps likes to rigorously screen its officer candidates and financial management/finanacial health are two areas they put some emphasis on. The reason is that they dont want people joining as a way to bail themselves out of a bad situation - they want people to join for the right reasons such as love of country, desire to serve etc...im certainly not implying you want to join for selfish reasons, Im just letting you know they will ask you about it. Contact your local Officer Selection Officer (OSO) for more details at www.marineofficer.com as only he/she can tell you for sure what your status will be.