Marine Corps PLC | Everything You Need To Know

[@uzer141]

Thank you so much for the informative video! I’m in the process of becoming a Candidate and being boarded. If I get my physical fitness to where my OSO wants me to be at, as well as keep doing well in school, then there’s a very good chance that I’ll be boarded and attend PLC juniors this summer (currently junior enlisted)

[@AndrewDanko]

Good luck to you marine, never hesitate to reach out with any questions, I’m always happy to help.

[@kevinbolen7106]

Ayooo I just got selected for juniors this summer! 😤2 years of hard word payed off

[@AndrewDanko]

@@kevinbolen7106 that’s awesome man, congrats. Selection is a big accomplishment, but the real test is OCS itself - so make sure you continue the hard work and don’t lose focus as to why you wanna be there (both now and when you’re there getting blasted by a Sergeant Instructor). Good luck and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.

[@AndrewDanko]

@Matt Lopez hi Matt, thanks for reaching out. Yes, there is a reserve option in which would require your son to do all the necessary training followed by I believe 1 year of active duty then any further obligation would be done in the reserves, meaning weekend and an occasional week or two of training during the year

[@TheSonjaxfactor]

What KZbin channel would you recommend for me to hear the very basics of what you are talking about? And just what each promotion means and what you are eligible to do?

[@parkermcginley3708]

Yeah NROTC definitely is a bigger time commitment than it might appear. I know some units advertise that its only 6-8 hours a week, but that might be time in uniform, when you look at time in prep additional volunteering required and everything else I think you'd be hard pressed to find an NROTC midshipman who spends less than 15 hours a week some way involved with the unit, its more like an internship than a club and you definitely get the vibe that this is "a military training environment" poolie event type deals are much more laid back and you get a ton of options in regards to that. I would say NROTC prepares you better for OCS and the fleet, but if you'd like to party or do other internships while in school NROTC will be a barrier to that in a pretty significant way.

[@jacobadams8757]

holy shit I went to OCS 237 with you this summer Danko, I recognize your name haha

[@AndrewDanko]

That’s awesome man, small world! Lol, hope everything is going well, maybe we’ll run into each other down the road at some point at TBS or in the fleet!

[@jacobadams8757]

@@AndrewDanko Hell yeah brother. Also, were you in Delta co. this summer? Or were you in Lima?

[@AndrewDanko]

@@jacobadams8757 I was actually in Alpha Company, I had a few friends in both Delta and Lima tho. Which were you in?

[@jacobadams8757]

@@AndrewDanko Oh damn! I was Alpha co., 1st Platoon! What platoon were you??

[@AndrewDanko]

@@jacobadams8757 ahh nice bro, I was in 3rd Platoon

[@jamescirillo2097]

Hey Andrew, I was wondering what the minimum PFT was to get into marine OCS, I've been getting a lot of mixed messages about the reps and what that equates to in points. I'm 20 and have seen that 8 pullups, 70 crunches, 24 minute run time is the minimum, but have also seen the standards to be a lot more. Thanks for any help.

[@AndrewDanko]

Hi James, thanks for reaching out. So the only one I’m not sure on is crunches, it’s either 60 somethin or 70. The other two minimums are 8 pull-ups and 24 min run. If you want to view scoring, just look up scoring chart USMC PFT online and you’ll see how the point breakdown works. This in mind, being able to just barely meet these standards will not suffice, most don’t know the minimums bc marines never shoot for doin the bare minimum and even if you can pass it you rlly need to pass w flying colors to even get a chance to go to OCS! You should aim for about 18+ pull-ups, 105-115 crunches and a sub 22 minute run, that would make you a bit more competitive in terms of getting selected. Hope this helps!

[@jamescirillo2097]

Definitely, I'm currently above all of them but have to work on the pullups

[@eprovence6702]

I was scouted by my school for this program. I am curious tho if I were to go through the application and everything do you know if travel expenses are paid for? Does it cost anything?

[@antoinecharlesdegaulle580]

Thank you for the video. Very informative

[@slavicsoup7762]

Thanks for the informative video. I have been interested in the military for many years now. I have researched a bit on a lot of different paths to pursue a route in aviation, as I really wish to do that. Is it true that you are guaranteed flight school after you graduate college? Is there any schooling before flight school that needs to be completed through the PLC program?

[@slavicsoup7762]

Also would you say this route is a pretty viable route for aviation? Does PLC mean anything once you get into flight school or is it performance and grades from that point on?

[@AndrewDanko]

Yes - you are guaranteed flight school after college. As for schooling, in PLC it’s all the same until you get to MOS school, so pilots follow the same program up until they go to aviation school.

[@AndrewDanko]

@@slavicsoup7762 yes, it’s a very viable option. It allows anyone interested to be guaranteed a spot in flight school, and it’s also all the same (doesn’t matter what program you’re from: PLC, OCC, NROTC)

[@captainthez6532]

@@AndrewDanko please respond I have been talking with my recruiter and he gives me the advice to go reserve first and then attend college for me have more chance for selection

[@captainthez6532]

By selection I mean the PLC course

[@DreamyFFA]

I hope you are able to read this. So I’m 25 currently and I just started college. I’ve always wanted to join the marines but out of off 6 years for a girl. I told her this is what I wanted and I’m sticking with it. I feel like this would be the best option for me to have a stable career so I can continue school. Should I go for PlC Now? Or go reserves and do school while in it and then maybe become an officer after? Is that possible?

[@AndrewDanko]

Hey man, thanks for reaching out and supporting the channel, means a lot. So the marine corps (and military as a whole) is very stable, but understand it’s tough as well. The military is not an easy life and the Marine Corps is especially challenging and demanding, so keep this in mind. As for what you should do, if you just started college I recommend looking up a recruiter online and getting started with an application for PLC. If you’re in college it doesn’t make much sense to enlist then become an officer after, just too much time and will cause you to pause your schooling for a bit whereas PLC allows you to be in school and train during your summer or summers.

[@AndrewDanko]

I hope this answers your question. Also, if you’re looking for stable, any branch will do (and the other ones usually have much better benefits like the National Guard for example). If you’re looking to be part of the best branch, and the hardest from a physically and sacrifice standpoint, then the Marine Corps is your route. Make sure you know your why. Good luck to you.

[@DreamyFFA]

@@AndrewDanko I’ve wanted to be in the marines since I was a kid. I understand it’s going to be tough and hard. And I also know that I won’t fully realize that until I’m actually in it. I appreciate you reaching out quickly. You are a homie

[@bek42510]

When doing the PFT part of the application process for PLC did you get to run the three mile on a track or did you do it somewhere else?

[@briancastromartinez2196]

Im currently a senior, I got out of the DEP because I want to be an officer instead. Can I apply for PLC as a freshman in a Community College?

[@NMWEYSILYSMM]

Needs to be a 4 year university for PLC

[@matthewellis8433]

In the same spot as you, except going to a 4 year. Meeting with an OSO tomorrow. Best of luck, brother.

[@TheSonjaxfactor]

Hello, I just discovered your channel. Are you still uploading??

[@luke_5187]

My recruiter told me I’d have to go to basic when everything I found says I don’t 🤨

[@AndrewDanko]

To be an officer…?

[@luke_5187]

@@AndrewDanko for the PLC program i don’t need to go to basic but I decided to go reserves then apply for the program since I have finished my first year of college.

[@marcuse7261]

@@luke_5187ow did that go bc I’m in the same situation as well currently

[@alfonsofrancos1737]

How can I get PLC combined guaranteed and as a prior enlisted Marine with 5 years active duty would I accumulate up to 6 years if I did PLC and started as a freshmen or sophomore?

[@dylanmico9995]

I’m shipping in May. Does anything go to college credits?

[@AndrewDanko]

As far as I’m aware no, at least not at my school. Sometimes schools will offer summer credit for it as potentially an internship, but it probably depends on your school/major and the credit would probably only be elective credits

[@Ghost-pq8td]

Hey I had a question regarding PLC, I learned about the program through my recruiters Ssgt and im very interested in this program but i was told I could do this once im finished with traditional enlisted boot camp and i would then go onto apply to PLC once im fown with MCT and my job school.

[@HeyBigChriss]

Hey man, I found out about this program through my flight instructor who went through this and flew CH53’s! I’m about to start my junior year and I’m really interested in this program! I am interesting in branching aviation and becoming a pilot (aviator). I have a couple of questions though. 1. How competitive are the boards? - I have about a 3.3GPA, and around 45 flight hours. 2. I’ve had a couple surgeries (3 to be exact) but these do not limit me physically in anyway, would this last be a DQ for me at the medical boards? (Obviously talking to a Marine Doc would be ideal) 3. I’m about to email my officer recruiter in the following days, do you have any tips to make a good first impression? 4. Is getting a pilot slot really competitive e through PLC? Thanks man.

[@AndrewDanko]

Hi man, great questions. Here’s a few notes on each: 1) your gpa seems pretty solid so I wouldn’t worry too much about, but definitely Strive to get it as high as possible (Obviously the higher the better). From my understanding, the flight hours won’t help your application, but they may help you when you take the ASTB to qualify for aviation (it’s a test with a few different parts that you have to take in order to contract as an aviator). 2) With the surgeries, your recruiter will advise you on them. They aren’t usually an issue (so long as nothing is of serious effect on your current physical shape or a disqualifying condition), but they do require a lot of paperwork to document. So be prepared for that. 3) I would say just be very respectful and courteous. At the end of the day, showing initiative, getting all your paperwork done, and showing up whenever they need you to is what they’re looking for. If you put in the work, so will your recruiter. 4) Any spot to go to OCS is competitive because there aren’t many spots. As of right now, I know the marine corps is in need of aviators (which is a plus for you) but it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a shoe-in. There are only so many spots and they can only send so many candidates. Simple as that. Lastly, make sure you’re in peak physical condition. Your PFT (physical fitness test) scores are very important. The selection boards need to know that you are physically fit (far beyond the minimum standards) so they know you won’t fail during OCS because you’re out of shape. Hope this all helps.

[@clevonwright9934]

So my question is this; I am a junior currently and will be applying for PLC this year. I have a 2.4 GPA, 82 ASVAB score, 111 GT Score, with a 261 PFT Score. I am prior service (Served in the Army), work a full time job and go to school full time, I will have about 6 letters of recommendation from military leaders and leaders at my civilian job. Though my GPA is pretty low, how likely will I be selected? Will I even have a shot to be selected?

[@AndrewDanko]

To be straightforward with you - your GPA and PFT scores are a bit lower than usual. This in mind, prior service is usually a plus, however, there’s really no way to know what’ll happen, depending on the current needs of the corps that may or may not be a competitive application. Keep in mind - GPA & PFTs can always be improved, so if you don’t get selected first time around, keep going. Any application has a shot, and if they don’t select you the first time around, keep improving until they have no choice but to select you. Good luck

[@clevonwright9934]

@@AndrewDanko Ok so last question, with that being said on your end sir, since I am a junior how much time do I have to improve my GPA for PLC? Would Marine OCS be a better move for me come Senior year instead of PLC right now in my Junior Year?

[@AndrewDanko]

@@clevonwright9934 So I’d say this - keep chipping away at a higher GPA, even if that means taking a few extra classes (not required for your degree) that are easy A’s (to pad your GPA a bit). If you’re going into your junior year now, you’ll have I believe either 3 or 4 boards left before the summer classes commence next summer, meaning you can prove yourself by boosting your GPA each semester. Similarly, improve your PFT score as best as possible - you should aim for at least a 280 or above (general rule of thumb for selection). Afterwards, you can continue to improve your GPA in your senior year but at that point you’d really be applying for OCC I believe (attending OCS after graduating), which means you’d be up for selection against other college grads versus students currently in college.

[@AndrewDanko]

Either way though - the selection process is not limited per se, meaning once your application is in, it can be reviewed on every review board that is convened throughout the year with no limit or cap, so there isn’t necessarily a “better option”, once your app is in it will continue to roll through the boards, the only thing you can do is improve it so when it’s updated before each board, there is some progress/improvement as you inch towards eventual selection.

[@clevonwright9934]

@@AndrewDanko Thank you boss I appreciate all this information!! It really helped me put things into prospective

[@Nana-kq4ld]

If you do the 10 week program your junior year, but don't do it for a commission. Instead for the experience and pay. Is that an issue? Would you be hazed or looked down upon? Do you need to tell your recruiter? If you have any other insights that would be helpful. Thank you.

[@AndrewDanko]

That’s certainly not the conventional way, but you could do that and nobody would know except for your OSO (obviously). So If you finished the training and graduated, then in your senior year you could elect to decline the commission and from there, you would incur no obligation and would get to keep the money. I find that anybody wanting to do that doesn’t usually make it all the way through the 10 weeks (because your “why” is essential to staying sane while there) but again, you could theoretically do that if you choose to do so. It’s not impossible, again just not overly typical

[@AndrewDanko]

You could ask your OSO about this, but it may make them less inclined to want to send you through the training…..Just food for thought. At the very least, try to get selected to go to OCS and go in with an open mind. You may end up loving it, you never really know. Earning the title is a special moment few ever get to experience!

[@jaideepgaddam1623]

When do you recommend getting in touch with an OSO, and would you recommend trying to max out the PFT?

[@AndrewDanko]

I would get in touch with an OSO as soon as possible. If you have any interest at all, they will help you get started with all the necessary paperwork so you can get your application in quicker.....as for trying to max the PFT, I’d say run, run, and run some more. I think the run is key, and a lot of ppl can max the other two areas but not the run. So start building up weekly mileage (starting at as many as you can and working up to AT LEAST 30-40 per week) and you should easily see your run time improve

[@jaideepgaddam1623]

Sure thing, thanks. And yes, I will work on the run. But I also know that maxing the other two will usually be no problem. Also, one more thing. Did you take the Marine Corps CFT, and would you still recommend preparing for it? Thank you so much for the information!

[@AndrewDanko]

@@jaideepgaddam1623 Yes, I’ve taken the CFT, and it’s really nothing to worry about. If you’re running a lot, you will naturally build up the speed for the run, the agility for the maneuver under fire drill, and by practicing pull-ups you’ll get better at ammo can presses. If I were to choose a focus area, I’d say do 100 reps of shoulder press w a 35 lbs dumbbell in the weight room every so often and you should do fine on those. Hope this helps!

[@jaideepgaddam1623]

@@AndrewDanko Awesome. Yeah I’m just starting to work out again, so it helps. Goal is to max them both in the next 6-9 months by the end of the year, so that I can screen for PLC. Thank you Andrew!

[@jaideepgaddam1623]

@@AndrewDanko Andrew, one last thing. Did you enlist in the marine corps reserves before doing PLC, and if one did, for example, enlist in the marine corps reserves, would that help them in applying for the PLC?

[@nate9133]

Can you make a video about if it is worth it to join the marine reserves to prepare you for PLC? Or what the best way to prepare for PLC is?

[@AndrewDanko]

Yes I’ll try to to get out a prep guide video for PLC (or really a prep guide for you going to OCS). Are you looking for things to do in order to be physically prepared or mentally? As in - workouts or like how good ways to practice the academics, leadership and mental toughness aspects?

[@AndrewDanko]

Regarding whether the marine reserves are worth it to prep for PLC I’d say no. There’s no need to go through boot camp and become an enlisted marine for a year or two in order to prep for PLC/OCS. The training you get is pretty different and most guys in PLC are just college students who are in shape and generally good kids in terms of grades and extracurriculars. I respect the guys who are enlisted before coming to OCS, but in some cases those guys only have a small leg up - if anything I thought they’d know more but depending on their previous MOS they usually had roughly the same knowledge as the guys who never served before joining PLC and going to OCS.

[@nate9133]

@@AndrewDanko both

[@marcuse7261]

@@AndrewDanko I’m having this same problem. Actually my question is how hard is it to get accepted into plc? Especially as a reservist I don’t want to get stuck and not be able to commission upon graduation. I need boot camp mentally so I wouldn’t mind and I’ll get paid as a reservist but I want to commission active after college

[@speedy_6581]

Just out of curiosity, what’s the average age of a candidate who is about to start the active duty requirement? Also, I’ll be a reservist during college would that bet me anymore benefits? Great vid by the way!

[@AndrewDanko]

I would assume it’s typical college graduating age, so perhaps 22 or 23, but that’s only my assumption (I don’t have any stats in front of me to back that up). As for being a reservist, I’m not sure how much more it will necessarily help (except for the fact that you’ll be experienced in all the application processing and mindset required to be an officer in the Corps).

[@AndrewDanko]

Hope this helps!

[@spencerparkes4973]

I have signed a contract In January, But I decided I don’t want to do PLC anymore, if I get selected in April, will I be forced to go this summer?

[@AndrewDanko]

I would chat with you OSO/recruiting office. He should be able to pull your application so there aren’t any issues. You should do this soon though. I actually know a kid who got order to go to OCS and never showed up. I wouldn’t recommend it, but nothing really happened to him.

[@samsavant9921]

Did you talk to an enlisted recruiter or is there a specific Officer recruiter you talked to

[@infidel2231]

There are separate recruiters for the enlisted path and the officer path. You need an OSO.

[@flexarari]

@AndrewDanko can a college senior apply, I have 100 college credits. 1 year left. Haven't started senior classes yet. Is there a waiver for this?

[@MaxMax-zf1ei]

If I go to PCL can I commission to navy?

[@oaktree1585]

semper fi Love Usmc Rokmc

[@isaacmichaels1653]

Went to a recruitment building, and they told me PLC was solely for reserve marines. Was that a flat out lie to try and get my to enlist during college?

[@AndrewDanko]

PLC is not just for reservists, it’s for active & reservists w/ an air or ground option (I think they also offer cyber contracts now too).

[@isaacmichaels1653]

@@AndrewDanko thanks for letting me know

[@cb6916]

Once I complete PLC, do I still have to attend OCS?

[@AndrewDanko]

Yes - any commissioning route requires OCS, even if you do NROTC Marine Option

[@cb6916]

@@AndrewDanko ahhh gotchu thank you for clarifiying that, best of luck in the service bro

[@jerynnhathaway401]

Do you ever happen to make that workout plan?

[@TheGarrettZone]

Did you have to go through MEPS for this?

[@AndrewDanko]

You can go through DoDmerb or MEPS. In my case I went to MEPS because it takes only a day versus DoDmerb which can take weeks for both scheduling various appointments and waiting for them to review all the info

[@TheGarrettZone]

@@AndrewDanko awesome thanks for the reply!

[@andrewwest6560]

If I want to do PLC do i need to go to an oso or is my local recruiting office fine? I plan to go in a few days to my recruiter.

[@AndrewDanko]

If you want to do PLC you should look for a nearby OSO. There’s not necessarily anything wrong with going to a normal recruiter (who can point you in the direction of an OSO) but they may try to persuade you to enlist versus going the officer route, so just keep that in mind.

[@spencerparkes4973]

I signed a contract in January, if I get selected in April, will I be forced to go this summer?

[@spencerparkes4973]

I have decided that I no longer want to do the PLC program

[@zachb5206]

@@spencerparkes4973 why

[@Dolf1201]

What happened

[@BriceScanlon]

Hey Andrew how much would you say GPA matters?

[@AndrewDanko]

GPA is big man, make sure your grades are as good as they can be. The marine corps isn’t going to bet on you if they can’t be assured that you’ll graduate on time (if you fail classes) and, more than that, that you’ll graduate at all. Point is, a good GPA is BIG for your application

[@marshallsmith101]

PLC 1972/1974

[@dylanmico9995]

How do you apply for the tuition assistance

[@AndrewDanko]

I would talk to your OSO, they should be able to help you get setup for the tuition assistance.

[@reecegeorgens1755]

How did you not have to go to boot camp? Is it that if you go through this program the “officer boot camp” is your boot camp?

[@AndrewDanko]

Yes. So officers go to Officer Candidate School (the Officer’s version of boot camp). If you don’t want to be an officer, and you decide to go enlisted, then you go to boot camp.

[@AndrewDanko]

My apologies for the delayed response on this, I actually just graduated Officer candidate school yesterday and haven’t had my phone much for the past 10 weeks or so!

[@isaacmartinez5218]

What’s the pay ?

[@AndrewDanko]

For OCS or for the tuition assistance?

[@isaacmartinez5218]

@@AndrewDanko I just finished talking to a recruiter today about PLC I am in college at the moment and I want to know what is the pay while I am in college?

[@AndrewDanko]

@@isaacmartinez5218 so if you get the tuition assistance I believe it’s $1500 per semester, but if you take that you owe an additional 6 months. So it’s a give and take. Then you also get paid for the training (OCS over the summer) like i mentioned in the video

[@deltasix66]

Long and Boring, Get to the Point!!!

[@thomasroche6657]

LOL if it’s such a problem just speed up the time!!!

[@uzer141]

This isn’t meant to be fun wtf - clearly you’re not suited to be an officer lol