Retention and Release

Retention & Release Overview

This section is managed by the Retention and Release Officer (RRO) and governs the competitive boards and administrative processes that define an officer's active service status. The programs housed here are designed to shape the force by retaining the most qualified officers, managing career progression, and facilitating specialized transitions.

The cornerstone of this section is Career Designation (CD), which serves as an officer's first major benchmark in the talent management cycle. All programs are executed in accordance with MCO 1001.65A, Officer Retention and Release.

The RRO is responsible for the staffing, processing, and execution of the following key programs.

Career Continuation & Retention

• Career Designation (CD) Panels: Manages the semi-annual CDP-1 and CDP-2 boards, the primary mechanism for offering continued active service to company-grade officers.

• Extension of Active Duty (EAD): Processes requests to extend an officer's Expiration of Active Service (EAS) to meet operational requirements or qualify for an initial CD screening.

Lateral Move & Force Shaping

• MOS Lateral Moves: Executes the competitive boards for officers seeking to transition to a new Primary Military Occupational Specialty (PMOS).

• Aviation Boards: Facilitates the Field Accession, PEP_ISE, and Transition/Conversion boards for the aviation community.

• Acquisitions Primary MOS (8061) Panel: Executes the selection panel for officers seeking the 8061 acquisitions PMOS.

• Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) to Limited Duty Officer (LDO) Board: Manages the selection process for CWOs seeking appointment to the LDO program.

Service Transition & Re-Entry

• Inter-Service Transfers (IST): Processes requests for officers seeking to transfer from a sister service to the Marine Corps.

• Return to Active Duty (RAD): Manages the application and selection process for former officers requesting to return to the active component.

Career Designation (CD) Program Overview

Career Designation (CD) is the competitive, force-shaping process used by Headquarters Marine Corps to determine which company-grade officers will be offered the opportunity to continue active service beyond their initial obligation.

The primary objective is to retain the best and most fully qualified officers, managing the active-component population within each Year of Commissioned Service (YCS) to support force health, rank structure, and promotion timing to Major.

Screening Eligibility

Eligibility is based on active duty service time post-qualification, replacing the historical requirement of observed fitness report time.

• Eligibility: Unrestricted officers become eligible to screen for Career Designation upon completing 540 days of active-duty service following the formal assignment of their Primary MOS.

• Cutoff Date: To be eligible for a board, officers must meet the 540-day criteria by the specific cutoff date designated in that board's solicitation MARADMIN.

• Roster Audit: MMOA-3 publishes the official eligibility roster via MARADMIN prior to each board. Officers are strongly encouraged to verify their inclusion.

Career Designation Panel (CDP) Schedule & Resources

Headquarters Marine Corps convenes two Career Designation Panels per fiscal year:

• CDP-1 (August Board): Primary screening panel for the first half of the fiscal year.

• CDP-2 (February Board): Primary screening panel for the second half of the fiscal year.

(Links will be updated continuously as MARADMINs and rosters are published.)

EAS Extensions for Initial CD Screening

If an officer meets the 540-day eligibility but their EAS does not extend to the board's cutoff date, the officer must proactively request an EAS extension to be screened.

• Contract Requirement: Your EAS must extend at least 4 months past the board's convening date.

• Guaranteed Approval: Pursuant to MCO 1001.65A, EAS extensions for an officer's initial career designation screening are guaranteed.

• Submission Procedures: Submit an Administrative Action (AA) Form (NAVMC 10274). Command endorsement is not required for this initial screening extension.

  • Download the Initial CD Screening EAS Extension AA Form Template
  • Formatting: Save and label your PDF as L.NAME_EDIPI (e.g., SMITH_1234567890.pdf).
  • Submission: Email completed AA forms to smb_manpower_officer_programs@usmc.mil.

• Failure of Selection Warning: This extension is only for an officer's first look and will not be granted for subsequent screening opportunities.

References

• MCO 1001.65A: Active Duty Officer Retention and Release.

Career Designation FAQ

• Q1: Do I need to submit a package to screen for Career Designation?

  No. If you meet the 540-day PMOS threshold by the designated cutoff date and possess the required EAS contract timeline, your screening is automatic. You do not need to submit an application or command endorsement to be considered.

• Q2: What is the timeline and process for accepting Career Designation once selected?

  Selected officers will be published in the official CDP Results MARADMIN. You must formally accept or decline the offer via Marine Online (MOL) no later than 14 days from the release of the results MARADMIN.

  • Critical Warning: Officers who do not respond via MOL by the 14-day deadline will be considered as having declined the offer and will execute their existing EAS.
  • Obligation: Upon accepting CD, your EAS will become indefinite and you will incur a 24-month active duty service obligation, which runs concurrently with any other obligations.
• Q3: What happens if I decline the offer of Career Designation?

  If you formally decline (or fail to respond within 14 days), you will execute your current Expiration of Active Service (EAS) date and transition out of the active component.

• Q4: I was not selected on my first Career Designation Panel. Do I get a second look?

  Yes, conditionally. If you naturally possess enough contract time on your initial active duty contract to reach the next scheduled CDP, you are eligible to screen on subsequent panels.

• Q5: Can I request an active duty extension to get a second look?

  No. EAS extensions will not be granted to officers who have been considered previously but failed selection and desire a subsequent screening opportunity. If you fail selection and your EAS arrives before the next board, you will execute your EAS.

• Q6: How does accepting Career Designation impact my slating or orders?

  Accepting CD signifies your commitment to continued service, making you eligible for long-term career progression and standard slating, including PCS orders and competitive lateral moves. Career designation is intended to be completely separated from the assignments process handled by your monitor.

Extension of Active Duty (EAD) Program

Pursuant to MCO 1001.65A, Enclosure (2), an Extension of Active Duty (EAD) is an administrative action to temporarily extend an officer's Expiration of Active Service (EAS). The primary purpose is to meet the needs of the Marine Corps by retaining officers to fill critical manning requirements, satisfy operational commitments, or resolve unique personal or medical situations.

Core Eligibility Criteria (MCO 1001.65A): To be considered, officers must satisfy the following baselines:

• Commissioned Service Limit: Requests that would push service beyond six Years of Commissioned Service (YCS) will not normally be considered.

• EAS Window: Officers must have no more than 18 months and no less than 4 months remaining before their current EAS.

• Ineligibility due to Promotion Status: Officers who have twice failed selection for promotion or were found "not qualified" for promotion are ineligible.

Justification for Extension Requests

Approval of an EAD is determined on a case-by-case basis by MMOA-3. Valid justifications include:

1. Operational or Assignment Commitments: To satisfy a critical unit deployment or meet a minimum overseas Tour on Station (TOS) requirement.

2. Humanitarian Reasons: To resolve acute, documented personal hardships or medical/family emergencies.

3. Specialized Training or Transition: To support officers in unique training pipelines where additional obligated service is required for a new school or lateral move.

4. Initial Career Designation Screening: If you require an extension solely for your first Career Designation screening, refer to the specific guidance on the Career Designation Panel Tab and do not use the general process below.

Submission Procedures

This process applies to all requests except for initial Career Designation screening.

• 1. Draft the AA Form (Blank AA Form Template): Your form must state your current EAS, the requested target EAS (typically capped at 12 months), and a detailed justification.

• 2. Command Endorsement: All operational, humanitarian, or special circumstance requests must be formally endorsed by the first O-5 (Lieutenant Colonel) or above in your chain of command.

• 3: Submit Your Package:

  • Email: smbmanpowerofficerpr@usmc.mil
  • File Name: L.NAME_EDIPI (e.g., SMITH_1234567890.pdf)
  • Subject Line: EAS Extension Request - [Last Name, First Name] - [Rank] - [PMOS]

Lateral Move (LM) Program Overview

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

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.

Officer Lateral Move Program

This section applies to all officers seeking a lateral move into any MOS except for the 17XX Cyberspace community.

• Governing MARADMIN: All applications must accord with the current fiscal year's announcement MARADMIN, which lists open MOSs, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.

  • FY26 Lateral Move Program for Marine Officers (MARADMIN 607/25)

• Submission Template:

  • Download the Lateral Move AA Form Template

1702 Cyberspace Officer Lateral Move

Due to unique technical requirements, officers seeking to lateral move into the 1702 PMOS are managed via a separate process with its own MARADMIN, application, and selection board.

• Governing MARADMIN: Provides specific technical prerequisites, required certifications, and application details.

  • FY27 Solicitation of Lateral Moves to 1702 Cyberspace Warfare Officer (MARADMIN 433/25)

• Submission Template:

  • Download the 1702 Lateral Move AA Form Template

Step-by-Step Submission Procedures

The following process applies to all lateral move requests.

1. 1. Review the MARADMIN: Thoroughly read the MARADMIN for your desired program. Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria and prerequisites before proceeding.

2. 2. Engage Your Monitor & Gaining OFP: Discuss your intent with your current PMOS monitor and contact the gaining occupational field sponsor to understand the requirements and career implications.

3. 3. Prepare Your Application: Complete the correct AA form template and gather all required supporting documentation as specified in the MARADMIN.

4. 4. Submit Your Package:

   • Email: SMBMANPOWEROFFICERPR@USMC.MIL
   • File Name: L.NAME_EDIPI_LM(Req PMOS) (e.g., SMITH_1234567890_LM(0402).pdf)
   • Subject Line: Lateral Move Request - [Last Name, First Name] - [Desired MOS]

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

Aviation Boards Program Overview

The Retention and Release Officer (RRO) is responsible for staffing and processing several competitive boards that shape the Marine Corps' aviation community. These boards are designed to manage the inventory of specific aviation MOSs, provide opportunities for career progression, and select qualified officers for unique assignments.

Each board operates under its own specific guidelines and timelines as announced annually via MARADMIN.

Core Aviation Board Programs

MMOA-3 administers the following three distinct aviation-centric boards:

• Field Accession Board: Provides an opportunity for unrestricted officers to transition and be designated as student naval aviators, ultimately earning an aviation PMOS.

• Transition/Conversion (T/C) Board: A force-shaping tool that manages the inventory of specific aviation communities by allowing qualified aviators to transition or convert from one aircraft platform to another based on the needs of the Marine Corps.

• Personnel Exchange Program (PEP) & Inter-Service Exchange (ISE) Board: Selects highly qualified Marine aviators to serve as exchange officers with allied air forces (PEP) or other U.S. military services (ISE). This program also selects officers for Test Pilot School (TPS).

Current Board Information (FY27)

This section provides the official announcement MARADMINs for the current fiscal year's boards. Review the appropriate MARADMIN for specific eligibility criteria, prerequisites, and application deadlines.

• Official Guidance:

  • FY27 Aviation Transition/Conversion Board MARADMIN
  • FY27 Field Accession Boards MARADMIN
  • FY27 Aviation PEP & ISE Board MARADMIN

• Board Results:

  • FY27 Consolidated Aviation Boards Results MARADMIN

Application Templates & Submission

All applications must be submitted via AA Form using the correct template for the desired program.

• Application Templates:

  • Download Field Accession AA Form Template
  • Download Transition/Conversion (T/C) AA Form Template
  • Download PEP & ISE AA Form Template
  • Download Test Pilot School (TPS) Letter of Intent Template

• Submission Process:

  • Email: smb_manpower_officer_programs@usmc.mil
  • File Name: L.NAME_EDIPI_BoardName (e.g., SMITH_1234567890_FAB.pdf)
  • Subject Line: [Board Name] Application - [Last Name, First Name]

Marine Acquisition Officer (MAO) Program

The Marine Acquisition Officer (MAO) 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. 1. Review the MARADMIN: Ensure you meet all prerequisites for your desired MOS (8059 or 8061).

2. 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. 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. 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:

  1. Review All Guidance: Applicants must read the current MARADMIN and all governing policies.
  2. Obtain a Conditional Release: Applicants must obtain an endorsed DD Form 368 from their current service's personnel headquarters.
  3. Complete the Application Package: The package requires the endorsed DD Form 368, an Interview Board Report, and all other documents specified in the MARADMIN.
  4. 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

Information for Active Duty Marine Officers

Active Duty Marine Officers seeking to apply for an IST to another service must do so in accordance with SECNAVINST 1000.7F through the Separation and Retirements Branch (MMSR). This process is not managed by MMOA-3.

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:

  1. Review All Guidance: Applicants must read MCO 1001.65A and the current MARADMIN to ensure they meet all requirements.
  2. Prepare the Application Package: Complete the AA Form and gather all required supporting documentation (e.g., LORs, FITREPs, personal statement).
  3. Secure Command Endorsements: The AA Form and application must be routed for all required command endorsements.

  4. 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