Be a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident
Be between 17 and 28 years old
Have a high school diploma or GED
Meet Marine Corps medical, physical, and moral standards
Contact a Marine Corps recruiter
Gather required documents such as ID, birth certificate, Social Security card, and education records
Take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)
Complete the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) medical screening
Pass the physical fitness requirements
Choose an enlistment option or contract
Take the Oath of Enlistment
Ship out to Marine Corps Recruit Depot for boot camp
Complete boot camp and follow-on training