Frequently Asked Questions
1. If I want to enroll in Marine Cadets of Iowa, do I have to buy uniforms?
ANSWER: No. Uniforms are part of the enrollment process. Uniforms must be returned within 60 days of disenrollment.
2. Can an individual be in two cadet programs at once?
ANSWER: Yes. So long as a cadet can manage the load and balance scheduling, there is no prohibition against this. Several have done this in the past.
4. Will MCI cadets pay a an enrollment fee?
ANSWER: Yes. Enrollment is currently $145.
5. Will there be monthly activities and summer and winter training?
ANSWER: Yes. Fees for summer training may be higher depending on the amount of grant funding MCI is able to acquire.
6. What will the physical requirements be for MCI?
ANSWER: Cadets in the junior MCI program will be coached towards USMC Initial Strength Test standards. Senior cadets of higher ranks will have to meet higher standards to achieve those ranks.
7. So I am a Cadet First Lieutenant in the Civil Air Patrol. Does that mean I am carry over that rank to MCI?
ANSWER: Unfortunately, no. There is not 1:1 transferability in the ranking system. We want you adjust to and meet a new set of standards.
8. Why "Marine Cadets"?
ANSWER: I have 22 years of outcome data on Iowa cadet military ascensions that I can access. Over 85 percent of prior Sea Cadets who joined a branch of service selected either the Marine Corps or the Army. Those trends have been remarkably steady. We are aligning this program to the historical interests of Iowa youth.
9. How can a cadet promote?
ANSWER: Promotion is based on a number of factors: participation (not measured by time in grade), standing a promotion board, observed proficiency, physical readiness standards, swim proficiency, martial arts belt acquisition, and completing required knowledge homework assignments.
10. What ages will MCI serve?
ANSWER: We gave this a great deal of consideration. MCI will take motivated individuals ages 11 and above with previous cadet experience; otherwise, new joins must be age 12. An older teen can remain a MCI cadet through high school graduation. Nineteen year old cadets that are (rising) or current high school seniors pursuing the military can remain with permission of the Executive Director, but in no circumstances can an individual age 20 be a cadet.
11. If I had an advanced paygrade recommendation in another program for advanced enlistment, will I lose that for coming to Marine Cadets of Iowa?
ANSWER: No. Paygrade recommendations are good until age 24. Marine Cadets of Iowa, in its founding documents sent to the Marine Corps Recruiting Command and Marine Corps Training and Education Command, has formally requested recognition of MCI cadets for advanced paygrade ascension into the Marine Corps upon meeting criteria. Once that is approved, we will approach the Army and the Air Force with similar proposals.
13. Does MCI make money?
ANSWER: No. Marine Cadets of Iowa is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Donations to our program are tax deductible. We are aligned with United Way as well; some employers or local programs provide matching funds for United Way donations. You can specify that a portion or all of your United Way money be routed to Marine Cadets of Iowa. There is no paid staff.
13. Does MCI have insurance?
ANSWER: Yes. MCI is insured.
14. Will MCI require cadets to get the COVID-19 shot?
ANSWER: No. MCI will not require any proof of immunization documents from cadets and families. Immunization and immunization status is a matter between the family and their health care providers.
15. I heard that promotion was not time-in-grade based. How does that work?
ANSWER: Cadets will earn eligibility for promotion, in part, based on accumulated drill credits. Drill credits are awarded for drill and for special weekend training events at the rate of one drill credit for each half day of a drill or training event. This eliminates enrolling and not participating and still running a clock for promotion, which are adult leadership team agreed was not appropriate. This system rewards activity and participation.
16. I know that Marines typically don't travel to drill in a working uniform. Will I get to wear my MARPAT uniform around in public as a cadet?
ANSWER: Likely not much. When we proposed to the Marine Corps for the privilege of wearing Marine Corps uniforms, we affirmed with them our desire to follow all of the applicable uniform rules for wear. MARPAT is reserved for the working environment. Cadets may be asked to wear a civilian travel uniform to/from drill. This would consist of a navy blue polo shirt w/logo (purchased and retained by cadet), white undershirt, (issued), khaki trousers (issued), belt/buckle (issued), and appropriate footwear prescribed by the Command.
17. Who are the adults involved with this program?
ANSWER: More than 15 volunteer adults conduct the program. All are background checked.