Baltimore Sun

Selby, 21, is one of 273 first classmen, or “firsties,” who will receive commissions in the Marine Corps this year. It is the highest number in recent Naval Academy history, accounting for more than 25 percent of the graduating class of just over 1,000.

The surge comes even as U.S. military involvement in Afghanistan deepens, with 8,000 Marines being rushed into an increasingly deadly fight.

U.S. commanders believe the Afghanistan war will last five years or longer, and midshipmen headed for the Marine Corps acknowledge the likelihood of experiencing close combat.

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Traditionally, the Marine Corps has taken about 17 percent of each year’s graduating class. But in 2004, with the war in Afghanistan under way and a new conflict launched with the invasion of Iraq, the Navy and Marine Corps negotiated an agreement to allow 20 percent of the class to choose a commission in the Marine Corps.

A new agreement this year allows the Marines to select even more – one of every four midshipmen.

Despite the demands and danger, getting into a slot as a Marine officer remains highly competitive.