A MUSICAL TRADITION. A WARRIOR LEGACY.

Instrumentalists and vocalists who answer the calling to become a Marine have the opportunity to enlist through the Musician Enlistment Option Program (MEOP). Performing throughout the continental United States and internationally, Marine musicians serve as musical ambassadors of the Marine Corps.

FIND GREATER PURPOSE IN YOUR PASSION

Marine Corps Musicians fight for our Nation while continuing to pursue their passion for music in the Musician Enlistment Option Program. As musical ambassadors for our Nation, MEOP presents the opportunity to become a Marine and fight to advance our Nation’s ideals on the world’s stage. Here is where you will learn how to create a harmony of determination, resiliency, and talent as a Marine Musician.

MEOP REQUIREMENTS

To qualify for the MEOP, recruits must first audition and qualify for the music program. Once qualified, your recruiter will prepare you for recruit training, either by passing the INITIAL STRENGTH TEST (IST) or entering the DELAYED ENTRY PROGRAM and passing the IST at a later date.

Every MEOP recruit attends the Corps' 13-week recruit training and, upon graduation, attends the Naval School of Music for advanced instrumental and academic training.

MEOP CAREER PATHS

As a Marine Corps musician, you'll have the opportunity to serve with one of the ten renowned Marien Corps bands throughout the world. Leadership roles within the bands include bandmasters, small ensemble leaders, enlisted conductors, drum majors and instrument repair technicians.  Also available is the opportunity to be a part of the Commandant's Own Marine Drum & Bugle Corps.based in Washington, D.C.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

To even consider an endeavor of this magnitude is admirable, but just as the Marine Corps may not be right for everyone—not just anyone can be a Marine. To enlist as a Marine, you must obtain your high school diploma and be a legal U.S. resident between 17 and 28. enlisted candidates must pass a criminal background check and have no felony convictions. New recruits must pass The Initial Strength Test, or IST, to demonstrate their PHYSICAL FITNESS. The IST consists of pull-ups or push-ups, crunches or plank pose, and a 1.5-mile timed run.

THE AUDITION PROCESS

Each applicant is required to perform pre-selected audition excerpts. For more information regarding the audition process, including instrument-specific requirements, email MARINEMUSIC@MARINES.USMC.MIL or contact a recruiter using the link provided below.