Requirements for Enlistment in Reserves

The Marine Corps Reserve is an important component that can be mobilized for active duty in time of war, national emergency, or contingency operations.

The Marine Corps Reserve is an important component that can be mobilized for active duty in time of war, national emergency, or contingency operations. Marine reservists have fought alongside their active duty brothers and sisters regularly since World War I. The requirements to enlist into the Marine Corps Reserve are as follows:

• Be a U.S. citizen or a resident alien.
• Meet physical, mental, and moral standards.
• Be between the ages of 17-29. Seventeen-year-olds need parental consent. Prior service age limits differ.
• Have a high school diploma/GED.
• Take and pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test.
• Pass a Military Entrance Processing Station medical exam.

The Marine Corps Reserve offers an opportunity not often offered to active duty personnel. Reservists are often able to stay close to home, go to school, and/or work a full-time job while serving their country. The standard they must meet, however, will not change.

Written by David Ogden, Sgt. USMC '11-'16.

David was a Sergeant with the United States Marine Corps from 2011-2016. He is a combat veteran. He worked at Marine Parents as a writer several years after leaving the Marine Corps. He is currently on the Board of Directors and continues as an advisor. Click here to read more about the author.