MECEP Selectees

What's the scoop on MECEP Prep at San Diego?
Before you head to college, you'll go to MECEP Prep for approximately 10 weeks. There, they'll place you in classes to prepare you for college: English, History, Chemistry, Physics, math of some sort. Not everyone there takes the same classes. You are split into groups, based on your major and how well you did on the SAT/ACTs. Its purpose is to ready you for an environment that requires a book in hand, instead of an M-16.

How much of a load do I have to take while I'm at college?
Marines are required to maintain full-time student status every spring and fall semester (this includes the 3 credits from Navy Lab and Marine PT). During your OCS summer, you are also mandated to acquire 9 credits through winter and summer classes and 12 credits on all other summer/winter breaks.

Am I integrated into the NROTC Battalion or independent of them?
You are a member of the battalion, assigned either as a marching member or as a billet holder from squad leader to battalion commander. As with Officer Candidates (Navy commissionees), your experiences as an enlisted man or woman will be used to guide younger members and to set the example for the entire battalion.

What about pay? What should I expect?
Your pay is the same as it was in the fleet. You will draw base pay, BAS, and BAH as usual. You will also have the option to draw on your G.I. Bill; however, the rules are slightly different. You are not allowed to draw the full amount. Instead, the G.I. Bill will pay the full amount of your tuition and no more. In another words, if tuition is $2,400 for the semester, you will be paid $2,400 in additional income from Veteran's Affairs. You also may apply for any scholarships you desire and apply for financial aid at FAFSA.

Can I get promoted while in the program?
Absolutely. If you are a Corporal, you will be promoted to Sergeant once you meet TIG/TIS requirements, regardless of the cutting score. As a Sergeant or SNCO, you will look at your previous MOS's zones and will be non-competitively promoted accordingly. The Marine Corps Promotion Manual has more information on MECEP promotions. Keep in mind also that if you are removed from the program, you'll return to the fleet with whatever rank you left it as.

When will I attend OCS?
During your first summer at the University. You will attend a six-week program, called Bull Dog. The MOI and AMOI will properly prepare you for OCS through classes and rigorous PT.