QUANTICO, Va. -- Michael McHale commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps on August 11, 2018. McHale utilized the Marine Corps’ Enlisted Commissioning Program (ECP), which is designed to allow enlisted Marines who have earned a baccalaureate degree to attend Officer Candidates School (OCS). Marines who complete the 10 weeks of training at OCS, located in Quantico, Virginia, are commissioned as Marine officers.
McHale originally enlisted in the Marine Corps in November 2015 and graduated recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina in February 2016. After training to become a combat mass communicator, he was given orders to Marine Corps Recruiting Command in Quantico, Virginia. After serving there for a year, he made the decision to apply for the program.
“The day I commissioned, it was such an amazing feeling — the feeling of accomplishment.” McHale said. “I would do it over and over again despite any and all challenges that were presented to me.
“It was absolutely beneficial that I spent time enlisted before I commissioned, especially because it gives me an understanding of what my Marines are going through, have gone through and will go through,” McHale said.
McHale is currently slated to start the logistics officer course at Camp Johnson, North Carolina on October 15, 2019. Upon graduation, he will go to his new unit at 2nd Medical Battalion under 2nd Marine Logistics Group at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
“Everybody needs good leadership, and if you’re a Marine who finds yourself considering [commissioning] because you can give back to the Marine Corps the same way the Marine Corps has given to you — do it,” McHale said.
If you or someone you know is interested in any enlisted commissioning program, please visit https://www.mcrc.marines.mil/Marine-Officer/Officer-Naval-Enlisted-Applicants/.