Philippine Marines Recruitment 2026: Qualifications, Requirements and Salary

Last updated: October 30, 2026

The Philippine Marine Corps (Hukbong Kawal Pandagat ng Pilipinas) is the naval amphibious force under the command of the Philippine Navy. Marines carry out amphibious and special operations, and they are known as the “cutting edge” of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

If you want to join “the few, the proud,” here are the current qualifications and requirements posted on the official Philippine Marine Corps website.

Ways to join the Marines

• Marine Candidate Soldier – for those who want to become enlisted Marines
• Marine Officer Candidate – for college graduates who want to become Marine officers

Marine Candidate Soldier qualifications

• Filipino citizen of good moral character
• 18 to 24 years old
• Unmarried and with no child to support
• At least 5’0″ (60 inches) tall
• Physically, mentally and psychologically fit for military training

Initial requirements

• PSA birth certificate
• High school or K-12 diploma
• Transcript of Records (if you have at least 72 college units)
• TESDA certificate (NC II), if any
• 2×2 picture with white background

Marine Officer Candidate qualifications

• At least 21 years old but not more than 26 years and 6 months old on the date of admission
• Filipino citizen of good moral character
• Single, never been married and has no child of his or her own
• Graduate of a 4-year bachelor’s degree
• At least 5’0″ (60 inches) tall
• Physically, mentally and psychologically fit for military training

Initial requirements

• PSA birth certificate
• College diploma
• Transcript of Records
• 2×2 picture with white background

Put all documents in one original folder and four photocopied folders with red tabbing.

AFPSAT

Like all AFP applicants, Marine applicants must take the AFP Service Aptitude Test (AFPSAT). Read our AFPSAT exam schedule and requirements guide and practice with our AFPSAT reviewer.

Salary in 2026

Marines follow the base pay schedule for military and uniformed personnel. Under Executive Order No. 107 (s. 2025), the 2026 monthly base pay is:

• Candidate Soldier: ₱19,516
• Private: ₱31,151
• Probationary Second Lieutenant: ₱40,284
• Second Lieutenant: ₱46,020

Allowances are given on top of base pay, including subsistence allowance of ₱350 per day starting January 1, 2026. See the full table in our post on the base pay schedule of military and uniformed personnel.

Benefits

• Serve and protect the country
• Chance to join United Nations peacekeeping missions
• Career advancement
• Leadership and skills training, local and abroad
• Postgraduate studies in the country and abroad
• Free medical and dental service, including dependents
• Insurance and health care benefits
• Billeting and housing privileges
• Job security
• Competitive pay and allowances

How to apply

Check the official Marine Corps recruitment page at marinecorps.mil.ph/join/marines for the application schedule and exam dates.

You can also follow the Recruitment Office – Philippine Marine Corps Facebook page for mobile recruitment and exam announcements.

Applying is free. Be careful with fixers or anyone asking for money to get you in.

Related posts

• Philippine Navy exam schedule and qualifications
• Philippine Navy ranks and salary
• How to join the Philippine Army
• Latest government job openings

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