Expert: Rod Powers - 12/13/2007

Question
Hi,

I have a question regarding the Naval Medical Enlisted Commissioning Program. I am currently serving on active duty in the Marine Corps and have been for three years now. I found out about this program and became very interested in the prospect of obtaining my bachelor's in nursing and being commissioned into the Navy. However, while reading the order on Marines being accepted into this program I found a clause that seemed to state that Marines are not eligible if they have served for more than 12 months. I'm wodering if maybe I misunderstood or if this is in fact the case? I realize seeking the guidance of my career retention specialist if my best bet, however I wanted to clear this up before even attempting. Thank you in advance for your assistance.

-Ashley

Answer
Hi Ashley,

Exactly which Order and which clause did you read that indicated this?

The latest message I could find about Marine Corps participation in the NMECP Program is for Fiscal Year 2007 (I haven't found any information for FY 2008 yet). But, I strongly suspect the program requirements will be much the same for FY 2008. For details see MARADMIN Message 374/06 at: http://www.usmc.mil/maradmins/maradmin2000.nsf/37f49138fc3d9c00852569b9000af6b7/...

As stated in this message, Marines must have at least three years remaining on their enlistment contracts in order to participate, and must not have more than 12 years of service. Those two requirements make sense. A requirement that one must have less than 12 months of service does not. I believe you likely "mis-read" the requirements.

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

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com