Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program
The MECEP is designed to provide outstanding enlisted Marines the opportunity to become Marine Corps officers. MECEP is open to all active duty Marines and Marines in the Active Reserve (AR) program who meet the eligibility requirements. Selection is based on an individual's potential for commissioned service as demonstrated by his/her service record, previous academic record, and evidence of career and academic self-improvement. MCO P1560.15L 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 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. In December the MCRC (ON) holds a board to select qualified applicants. Regardless of high school achievement, put in an application. The bottom line is that the Marine Corps is full of individuals with outstanding talent who, for some reason or another had less than admirable high school grades. Take a couple college classes, makes good grades, study and take the SAT or ACT, and put in a package.
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 motiviation 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.
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). It is important to start the application process immediately upon notification that you have been selected.
The current MECEPs have extremely impressive credentials, an average cumulative GPA of over 3.5, and an average PFT score of 262. They excel in all areas of academic, military, and athletic activities. They take the lead in nearly all areas of the NROTC Unit, coach and participate on numerous award winning drill and military excellence teams. Your GI Bill will cover the cost of tuition and fees. One important item to note is that the amount of GI Bill reimbursement for active duty personnel will not exceed the total semester cost of tuition and fees, regardless of the school that you attend. Tutoring is available at no cost and many of the required books are kept in stock in the NROTC Unit supply. The cost of living is quite reasonable and the BAH rate will certainly compensate for living in Oxford. The campus contains a spectacular fitness facility, free to students, with an extensive weight room, Olympic pools, an indoor track, and numerous other amenities. You will not be disappointed in your experience at Ole Miss.
How to Apply to Ole Miss
Application forms for enrollment on the Oxford campus as an undergraduate may be obtained from and submitted to the Office of Admissions, The University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677; for the Graduate School, to the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, The University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677; for the School of Law, to the Director of Admissions, School of Law, The University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677. An application for undergraduate admission may also be transmitted electronically through the University's World Wide Web site at http://www.olemiss.edu/admissions/undergrad.html. Applicants for admission are advised to submit the application for admission well in advance of the period in which enrollment is sought. Applications are accepted as early as one year prior to the desired enrollment. It may not be possible to evaluate applications received later than 20 days prior to registration; late application may require the applicant to register after classes begin.
Once you have applied for admission, call the Assistant Marine Officer Instructor at (662) 915-5752, so that he can begin to track your application. Once you are accepted, immediately call the BOOST/MECEP Coordinator at MCRC (ON) at (703) 784-9446 and fax or mail a copy of your acceptance letter. You may then make coordination with the BOOST/MECEP Coordinator to prepare your Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders.
PCS Orders, registering for classes, and reporting
If you are scheduled to attend MECEP Preparatory School, you will be issued PCS orders with Temporary Additional Duty (TAD) en route. All Marines will be authorized a household goods shipment, travel pay, dislocation allowance equal to two months Basic Allowance for Quarters (married Marines), and advance pay if requested. If you are a single Marine who has never been on independent duty or lived on the local economy, utilizing advance pay may be a good idea. You can usually take one month of advance pay to be paid back in 12 months by simply taking your orders to disbursing. You are also authorized 10 days of Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) which reimburses you for the cost of a hotel either at your last command, your new command, or split between the two. You must initially pay the expense out of pocket, but you will be reimbursed once you complete your travel claim.
Once you have been accepted to the university, contact your Advisor. He or she will provide you information on transfer credits that have been accepted and courses that you should register for. Remember that you are required to attend in a full-time status, which means at least 12 hours per semester. 15 hours, however, is usually the minimum for MECEP students.
You will check-in to the Marine Officer Instructor, room 209 Barnard Hall, aboard the Ole Miss campus. The uniform of the day for checking in is Charlies. Important Note: make absolutely sure that you reenlist for six years prior to transferring from your previous command. The administrative staff is extremely professional and will assist you in starting your local allowances and completing a travel claim. In addition to your basic pay, you will receive Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) and Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS).
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