FY26 Bonus Policy Update

Learn about the FY26 Selective Retention Bonus (SRBP) policy change, including deferred payments and reenlistment flexibility for Marines.

New Policy Alert Regarding Bonus Opportunities

Key Change Overview

IMMEDIATE APPROVAL

• Old Process: Marines often waited weeks or even months for SRBP funding before their reenlistment was approved, causing frustration and uncertainty.

• New Process: The Marine Corps will now approve reenlistment requests immediately—even if SRB funds aren't yet available—ensuring Marines get a timely response and can move forward with their career plans.

Deferred Payment

• New Policy: Payment of the Selective Retention Bonus (SRB) will be deferred and made when funding becomes available. Marines will secure their bonus amount at the time of reenlistment, even if actual payment occurs later.

• What This Means: Your contract is locked in, and your bonus is guaranteed—you just may receive the funds at a later date, no later than September 30, 2026.

Flexibility

• If Not Paid by Sep 30, 2026: Marines will have the option to either continue serving and await payment or separate from the Marine Corps.

• Separation Option: If unpaid by that date, you will have 90 days to request separation with your discharge based on your service characterization. The Marine Corps is providing flexibility to meet your needs.

Security

• Worried About Promotions or Zone Changes? Don’t be. Once you reenlist and your SRB is approved, your bonus is secure—even if you get promoted or move into a new bonus zone.

• Peace of Mind: Your contract amount won’t change, regardless of administrative updates to your pay grade or MOS eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can a Marine expect to be paid their SRBP?

Marines will be paid in order of execution unless directed otherwise.

If the Marine is not paid, when and how do they get out of their contract?

Marines must wait until 30 Sep 2026 and, If not paid by then, Marines will have 90 days to submit a request to MMSR-2 for separation.

If the Marine elects to separate, what type of discharge will they receive?

Marines who elect to separate will receive a discharge based on their characterization of service.

Can a Marine choose to stay past 30 Sep 2026?

Yes. Marines who have not been paid their SRB/Kicker may choose to stay past 30 Sep 2026.

If I choose to stay, will I still be paid?

Yes. If a Marine chooses to stay past 30 September 2026, they will be paid as soon as funding is made available.

If I change bonus zone or promote out of a bonus, will I still be paid?

Yes. The moment a Marine reenlists, they secure the SRB and/or Kickers that were approved. A grade change or bonus zone change does not affect the approved amount on the reenlistment contract.

If I am a Marine with an EAS before 1 October 2025, can I still reenlist?

Yes! If you still desire to stay Marine, go see your local Career Counselor and submit a RELM to see what your options are. Even if your MOS is closed, the opportunity to extend into FY26 exists, and your request will still be considered by HQMC.

MARADMIN 031/25

SUBJ: CANCELLATION OF MARADMIN 191/25 THE FISCAL YEAR 2026 SELECTIVE RETENTION BONUS (SRB) PROGRAM AND FISCAL YEAR 2026 BROKEN SERVICE SRB (BSSRB) PROGRAM

POC

Maj McGee (MPP-20), TEL: 703-784-9362
Email: mark.mcgee2@usmc.mil
MSgt Piliaris (MMEA-1), TEL: 703-432-9120
Email: jason.piliaris@usmc.mil

REMARKS

1. Purpose. To announce the closure of Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Selective Retention Bonus Program (SRBP) and Broken Service Selective Retention Bonus Program (BSSRBP).

2. Background. Pursuant to references (b) and (c), each year the current FY SRBP and BSSRBP must be closed prior to the next FY SRBP and BSSRBP. This MARADMIN cancels Maradmin 191/25, the FY26 SRBP and BSSRBP, effective 28 October 2025. The Marine Corps met FY26 retention goals in September of 2025. This resounding success was due to the initiative and actions of our command teams, career
counselors, and our amazing Marines throughout the multi-cohort campaign. This success allows the Marine Corps to shift focus to the FY27 cohort, and the FY27 SRBP and BSSRBP will be announced via
MARADMIN at a later date.

3. Action. Commanding Officers will ensure their FY26 reenlistment eligible Marines fully understand bonuses may only be awarded to Reenlistment Extension Lateral Move (RELM) submissions received at
Headquarters, U.S Marine Corps (HQMC) in the Total Force Retention System prior to 28 October 2025 if funding is available. Eligible FY26 reenlistment Marines that have not submitted for reenlistment
to HQMC prior to 28 October 2025 will no longer be eligible to receive a bonus. Although the FY26 SRB and BSSRB have closed, Marines are advised to meet with their unit career counselor to explore opportunities to Stay Marine through lateral moves into open Military Occupational Specialties, the Direct Affiliation Program, or the Active Reserve Program.