A Marine Officer is: A Man or Woman of Exemplary Character; Devoted to Leading Marines 24/7; Able to Decide, Communicate, and Act in the Fog of War; A Warfighter who Embraces the Corps’ Warrior Ethos; and Mentally Strong and Physically Tough.
Practically speaking, a Marine Officer is a manager. But the word "manager" is usually synonymous with the word "boss", concerned only with the completion of their subordinate's assigned tasks to the detriment of their morale and well-being.
A Marine Officer is much more than just a manager or a boss. Officers are expected to be leaders, embodying the core values of our Corps: Honor, Courage, and Commitment. A Marine Officer could be in charge of up to approximately 50 Marines from the onset of their career after training. These men and women need to possess the ability to inspire. They must also instill their own good habits in their Marines by setting the example. Marines in any given unit will come from all socioeconomic backgrounds, ethnicities, and places. A good Officer will be able to unite them and create a team out of any Marines assigned under their charge.
After talking to an Officer Selection Officer (OSO) an applicant will be evaluated by a board to determine whether they are a good fit for Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Quantico, VA. If selected, the applicant becomes an Officer Candidate. Officer Candidates all throughout the nation appy to OCS for various reasons. But whatever brought them together matters not, they will be forged into Marines and by the end of OCS, each will understand that their decision to become a Marine Officer isn't about them. Their wants and needs will become second to their assigned mission and to those around them. "Selflessness" is something all passing candidates will quickly understand or they will fail.
Attached below is the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) handbook, detailing all jobs an Officer could be assigned. I've also attached an analysis of the Oath of Office to truly understand the importance of your commitment.
If you are interested in becoming a Marine Officer, contact Capt Chad Harper at 917-346-5469 or chad.harper@marines.usmc.mil