Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program (MECEP)

MECEP Program

MCO P1560.15L (PDF, 93K) outlines the purpose, eligibility requirements and application process for the MECEP Program. Simply put, the MECEP Program is one of the Marine Corps' best kept secrets. It is a program that allows enlisted Marines, both regular and active reserve (AR) in the ranks of Corporal and above who are between the ages of 20 and 26 (waivable with prior college credit) to seek a bachelors degree and then be commissioned 2nd Lieutenants in the Marine Corps. The Marine Corps Recruiting Command (MCRC) publishes a Marine Admin Message (MARADMIN) annually in the April time frame soliciting applications for the program. MCO P1560.15L outlines the format for submission of MECEP packages. Then, in December, the MCRC (ON) holds a board to select qualified applicants. Word to the wise, put in an application. The bottom line is that the Marine Corps is full of individuals with outstanding talent and potential who, for some reason or another had less than admirable high school grades. Take a couple college classes, make good grades, study and take the SAT, and put in a package. We have numerous MECEP Marines here at the University of Oklahoma who had less than stellar high school grades, but were good performers as NCO's, took a few college classes and made good grades, and the next thing they new, they were at college pulling A's and B's.

MECEP Application Process

Again, the guidelines for preparing a MECEP package are found in MCO P1560.15L and the current MARADMIN. Do keep in mind that there are often disparities between the MCO and the MARADMIN. Where there may be differences, follow the MARADMIN. The responsibility for putting the package together is yours. Your administrative section should provide support, but do not expect anyone to have the same zeal as you. Do not let minor setbacks prevent you from applying. The final say on waivers comes from Regular Officer Programs, MCRC (ON). They can be reached at (703) 784-9446. A great source of additional information as well as assistance with your MECEP package is the Officer Selection Officers at Camp Lejeune and Camp Pendleton. You can contact the Officer Selection Officer, Camp Lejeune at (910) 451-0126 or the Officer Selection Officer, Camp Pendleton at (760) 763-0268.

MECEP Selection

The MCRC (ON) will announce annually (usually during mid December) the results of the MECEP board by MARADMIN. They will indicate which selectees are required to attend MECEP preparatory school in San Diego, California, as well. Although you should have been accepted to a university prior to applying for MECEP, this is sometimes not feasible. If not already accepted to a university, you will have until approximately 1 April to forward your college acceptance letter to MCRC (ON). Since applications for incoming freshman and transfer students are due to the University of Oklahoma Undergraduate Admissions not later than 1 February and 1 April, respectively, it is important to start the application process immediately upon notification that you have been selected.

MECEP Application Forms

• Enlisted Commissioning Program (ECP) Application Form (MS Word, 42K)
• ECP Application Form Instructions
• Reserve Enlisted Commissioning Program (RECP) Application Form (MS Word, 42K)
• RECP Application Form Instructions
• Sample MECEP Application

MECEP Requirements for Commission:

• Physical Fitness (First Class)
• Officer Candidate School (Summer First Year)
• Bachelor Degree of Arts or Science

Enlisted Commissioning (MECEP) Resources

• MCO 1040.43A (Commissioning Programs) (PDF, 393K)
• Meritorious Commissioning Program (MCP) Refer to Encloser 2 (PDF, 393K)
• Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program (MECEP) (PDF, 93K)

Required NROTC Courses

• NS-3333 - Evolution of the Art of War
• NS-4333 - Amphibious Warfare
• NS-4633 - Naval Leadership and Ethics