Marines Offer Commissions, Chance to Stay in College

With the arrival of Lieutenant Ralph Hornblower, Jr. '41, the Marine Corps' offer to students or graduate students of a chance for a commission and time in which to complete their studies has become a reality. A Harvard man himself, the Lieutenant will interview all applicants today and tomorrow, and his recommendations will be important in determining which men are chosen.

Known as the Candidates Class for Commission, the training course at present plans, but does not guarantee that men who enlist under it will be allowed to stay in college, and will be given six months' notice if called before their studies are completed. An exception to this rule is the Senior who signs up this February, for he may be called up for the May class.

Men accepted for the Candidates Class will be given about six months of training when they leave college, and may earn commissions as second lieutenants in the Marine Corps Reserve if they pass this training. Interviews may be obtained by calling Kirkland 7600 extension 38. Trainees will be chosen as a result of these interviews and physical exams prior to final induction in March.

Qualifications for the Candidates Class are much like those for the other services. Men wishing to enter it must be United States citizens, be unmarried, and agree to remain single until commissioned. Further, they may not belong to any other military organization, including the R.O.T.C.'s

Applicants must either be studying for an A.B., S.B. or Engineering degree in the College, or be post-graduates holding such degrees. Medical, Dental, and Theological students will not be considered.

Physically, the prospective trainees must be able to meet the requirements for the regular Marine Corps, be not over 76 inchs in height, and not under 66 inches. Weight will be judged in proportion to height.

Age limits are as follows: College Seniors and graduate students must be over 20 and not over 24 years and six months of age when enlisted; Juniors must be over 19 but not over 23 years and six months of age when enlisted; Sophomores must be over 18 but under 23 when enlisted.