Career Transitions & Lateral Moves

OFFICER LATERAL MOVE PROGRAM

The Officer Lateral Move (LM) program is a competitive process that allows qualified active component officers to transition from their current Primary Military Occupational Specialty (PMOS) to a new one. The program is managed by the Retention and Release Officer (RRO) and is designed to balance the Marine Corps' inventory of officer MOSs, ensuring that critical skill communities are properly manned to meet the needs of the service.

All lateral move requests are reviewed and selected based on the needs of the Marine Corps, the officer's qualifications, and the recommendation of the gaining occupational field.

General Lateral Move Program

This section applies to all officers seeking a lateral move into any of the MOSs specified in the annual program MARADMIN.

• Governing MARADMIN: The announcement MARADMIN is the primary source for the list of open MOSs, specific eligibility criteria, and all submission deadlines. All applications must be submitted in accordance with this guidance.
  • FY26 Lateral Move Program for Marine Officers (MARADMIN 607/25)

Application & Submission Procedures

1. Review the MARADMIN: Thoroughly read the current MARADMIN to ensure you meet all eligibility criteria for your desired MOS before proceeding.
2. Engage Your Monitor & OccField: Discuss your intent to request a lateral move with your current PMOS monitor. You must also contact the gaining occupational field sponsor to understand the specific requirements and career implications of the new community.
3. Prepare Your Application: Complete the AA Form and gather all required supporting documentation and endorsements as specified in the MARADMIN.
   • Download the General Lateral Move AA Form Template
4. Submit Your Package:
   • Submission Email: SMB_MANPOWER_OFFICER_PROGRAMS@USMC.MIL
   • File Naming Convention: `L.NAME_EDIPI_LM(Req PMOS)` (e.g., `SMITH_1234567890_LM(0402).pdf`)
   • Subject Line Format: `Lateral Move Request - [Last Name, First Name] - [Desired PMOS]`

Note: Lateral move decisions will be communicated via separate correspondence, typically within 90 days of receipt by MMOA-3.

FIELD ACCESSION BOARD

The Field Accession Board provides a competitive opportunity for unrestricted company-grade officers to transition from their current PMOS and be designated as Student Naval Aviators (SNAs), ultimately earning an aviation PMOS.

This program is a critical talent management tool used to source future pilots and flight officers from the existing officer population. The board is managed by the Retention and Release Officer (RRO) and convenes annually to select the most qualified candidates.

Core Eligibility & Service Obligation

The eligibility criteria are detailed in the annual announcement MARADMIN. Key prerequisites generally include:

• Grade: Active Component First Lieutenants and Captains.
• Career Designation: Must be a career-designated Captain, or a First Lieutenant on the current selection list for Captain.
• Time in Service: Must have no more than 4.5 years of commissioned service at the time of application.
• Physical & Aviation Aptitude: Must meet stringent physical qualification standards for aviation duty and achieve a qualifying score on the Aviation Selection Test Battery (ASTB).

Service Obligation:

• Officers selected for Field Accession will incur a significant active-duty service obligation upon completion of flight training, which runs concurrently with any other obligations.

Application & Submission Procedures

1. Review the MARADMIN: This is the mandatory first step. The MARADMIN provides the definitive list of all prerequisites, application documents, and deadlines.
2. Pass Initial Screenings: Before applying, you must have a current flight physical and have taken the ASTB.
3. Engage Your Monitor: Discuss your intent to apply with your current PMOS monitor to receive a conditional release for this career transition.
4. Prepare the Application Package: Complete the AA Form and gather all required supporting documentation and endorsements as specified in the MARADMIN.
   • Download the Field Accession AA Form Template
5. Submit Your Package:
   • Submission Email: smb_manpower_officer_programs@usmc.mil
   • File Naming Convention: `L.NAME_EDIPI_FAB.pdf`
   • Subject Line Format: `Field Accession Board Application - [Last Name, First Name]`

Official Guidance & Results

• Governing MARADMIN:
  • FY27 Field Accession Boards MARADMIN
• Board Results:
  • Board results are typically published via a consolidated aviation boards results MARADMIN.
  • FY27 Consolidated Aviation Boards Results MARADMIN

Marine Acquisition Officer Program

The Marine Acquisition Officer program develops a professional corps of acquisition officers who meet the statutory requirements of the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA). In the Marine Corps, acquisition is not an entry-level MOS. Officers first gain experience in their primary MOS and an initial acquisition tour. Following this, designated "Acquisition Candidates" can voluntarily request to lateral move into the 8059 (Aviation) or 8061 (Ground) Acquisition PMOS via a competitive selection panel.

• External Program Management: The MAO career path, training, and certifications are managed by Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM). For detailed career information, visit the official MARCORSYSCOM "Make the Move" website.

Selection Panel & Application Procedures

The annual Acquisition PMOS Selection Panel is the formal process for an officer to lateral move and be designated a professional Marine Acquisition Officer.

• MARADMIN: Provides specific eligibility criteria, prerequisites (including DAWIA certification levels), and submission deadlines.
  • FY26 Acquisition Primary MOS Selection Panel Solicitation (MARADMIN 386/25)

Application Process:

1. Review the MARADMIN: Ensure you meet all prerequisites for your desired MOS (8059 or 8061).
2. Contact the Occupational Field Sponsor: Engage the appropriate OccFld specialist at MARCORSYSCOM or the Marine Aviation Detachment to discuss your career path and verify your qualifications.
3. Prepare Your Application: Complete the AA Form and gather all required endorsements and supporting documents as specified in the MARADMIN.
   • Download the Acquisition PMOS Lateral Move AA Form Template
   • Download the Sample Endorsement Letter Template
4. Submit Your Package:
   • Email: smb_manpower_officer_programs@usmc.mil
   • File Name: `RANK_LAST NAME_EDIPI_ACQSP` (e.g., `MAJ_SMITH_1234567890_ACQSP.PDF`)
   • Subject Line: `Acquisition PMOS Panel - [Last Name, First Name]`

CWO to LDO Program Overview

The CWO to LDO program provides an opportunity for technical subject matter experts to continue their service and apply their specialized skills at higher levels of leadership as company-grade officers. The Limited Duty Officer (LDO) is an officer designated for duties in a technical field that requires extensive experience.

This program is managed by the Retention and Release Officer (RRO) and selections are made by an annual board.

Core Eligibility Criteria (MCO 1040.42B, Ch. 3)

To be eligible, Chief Warrant Officers must meet the following criteria:

• Citizenship: Must be a citizen of the United States.
• Time in Service: Must have completed at least 8 years but not more than 20 years of total active service on the date of appointment.
• PMOS and Grade: Must be a CWO2, CWO3, or CWO4 in a specific MOS listed in the current MARADMIN. CWO5s are not eligible.
• Disciplinary Action: Must not have any disciplinary action in their record.
• Education: Must have a high school diploma or GED.
• Physical Fitness: Must be physically qualified for appointment as determined by BUMED.

Application & Submission Procedures

The application process is detailed in the annual announcement MARADMIN.

• MARADMIN: Provides specific MOSs, deadlines, and instructions for the current board.
  • FY28 CWO to LDO Selection Board Announcement (MARADMIN 295/26)
• Application Package: A complete package includes the AA form with command endorsements, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and all other documents specified in the MARADMIN.
  • Download the CWO to LDO AA Form Template
• Submission Process:
  • Email: smb_manpower_officer_programs@usmc.mil
  • File Name: `L.NAME_EDIPI_LDO` (e.g., `SMITH_1234567890_LDO.pdf`)
  • Subject Line: `CWO to LDO Application - [Last Name, First Name] - [Rank]`

Service Obligation

Officers appointed as LDOs from this program incur a four-year service obligation from the date of appointment.

Required Forms & References

• Official Order: MCO 1040.42B, Limited Duty Officer (LDO) and Warrant Officer (WO) Programs
• AA Form: Download the CWO to LDO AA Form Template

Inter-Service Transfer (IST) Program

The Inter-Service Transfer (IST) program provides an opportunity for qualified active component commissioned officers from other uniformed services to transfer to the United States Marine Corps. The Retention and Release Officer (RRO) at MMOA-3 serves as the representative agency for this process.

The program is designed to meet the needs of the Marine Corps by accepting officers who possess the requisite skills and leadership potential to succeed in the MAGTF. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Core Eligibility & Process

The IST program is governed by DoD, SECNAV, and Marine Corps orders, with specific MOS opportunities published annually via MARADMIN.

• Governing MARADMIN: Provides specific eligibility requirements, accepted MOSs, and application procedures for the current fiscal year.
  • FY26 Marine Corps Officer Inter-Service Transfer Program (MARADMIN 120/26)
• General Application Process:
  • Review All Guidance: Applicants must read the current MARADMIN and all governing policies.
  • Obtain a Conditional Release: Applicants must obtain an endorsed DD Form 368 from their current service's personnel headquarters.
  • Complete the Application Package: The package requires the endorsed DD Form 368, an Interview Board Report, and all other documents specified in the MARADMIN.
  • Submit for Determination: Complete packages are submitted directly to MMOA-3 for review.

Application & Submission Procedures

All IST application packages must be submitted in the required format to the Officer Programs inbox.

• Submission Process:
  • Email: smb_manpower_officer_programs@usmc.mil
  • File Name: `L.NAME_EDIPI_IST` (e.g., `SMITH_1234567890_IST.pdf`)
  • Subject Line: `Inter-Service Transfer Application - [Last Name, First Name] - [Current Service]`

Required Forms & References

• Marine Corps Orders: MCO 1001.65A, Active Duty Officer Retention and Release
• Higher-Level Guidance:
  • SECNAVINST 1000.7F, Interservice Transfer of Commissioned Officers
  • DoDI 1205.05, Transfer of Service Members Between Reserve and Regular Components
• Application Templates & Guides:
  • Download IST Application Template (Into the Marine Corps)
  • Download Interview Board Report Template
  • Download IST Application Guidance

Return to Active Duty (RAD) Program

The Return to Active Duty (RAD) program provides an opportunity for qualified Marine Corps officers currently affiliated with the reserve component to return to the active component. The program is managed by the Retention and Release Officer (RRO) and governed by MCO 1001.65A.

Selections are made by a competitive board designed to meet the needs of the active component by bringing in officers with critical skills and experience.

Core Eligibility Criteria

This program is exclusively for officers currently serving in the Marine Corps Reserve (SMCR, IMA, or IRR).

Additional Eligibility Requirements (MCO 1001.65A):

• Must be a commissioned officer in the Reserve Component.
• Must meet physical fitness and medical standards for retention.
• Must not have been passed over for promotion in the reserve component.
• Must meet any specific PMOS, grade, and time-in-service requirements as specified in the current MARADMIN.

Application & Submission Procedures

The RAD application process is governed by the annual MARADMIN, which provides the timeline and specific requirements for that year's board.

• Governing MARADMIN:
  • FY26 Return to Active Duty Program for Marine Corps Officers (MARADMIN 478/25)
• Application Process:
  • Review All Guidance: Applicants must read MCO 1001.65A and the current MARADMIN to ensure they meet all requirements.
  • Prepare the Application Package: Complete the AA Form and gather all required supporting documentation (e.g., LORs, FITREPs, personal statement).
  • Secure Command Endorsements: The AA Form and application must be routed for all required command endorsements.
  • Submit Your Package:
    • Email: smb_manpower_officer_programs@usmc.mil
    • File Name: `L.NAME_EDIPI_RAD` (e.g., `SMITH_1234567890_RAD.pdf`)
    • Subject Line: `Return to Active Duty Application - [Last Name, First Name] - [Rank]`

Service Obligation

Officers approved for RAD will incur a 48-month service obligation upon returning to the active component.

Required Forms & References

• Official Order: MCO 1001.65A, Active Duty Officer Retention and Release
• Application Template: Download the Return to Active Duty AA Form Template