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MARINE CORPS DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY PROGRAMS (PHDP)

The Marine Corps Doctor of Philosophy Programs (PHDP) are the premier educational opportunities available to Marine officers. This program is designed to develop a small, select group of officers as strategic thinkers and technical experts who can provide invaluable analysis and leadership at the highest levels of the Department of Defense.

The PHDP is a fully-funded program that provides for three years of resident study at a civilian university. Officers are selected for one of two distinct tracks through a highly competitive annual board facilitated by MMOA.

Available Program Tracks

• PhD-Technical (PhD-T):
  • For officers who will pursue doctoral studies in highly technical, scientific, or engineering fields to meet specific Marine Corps requirements for advanced technical expertise.
• PhD-Strategist (PhD-S):
  • For officers who will pursue doctoral studies in fields related to national security, international relations, or strategic studies to serve in high-level planning and policy billets.

Program Length & Service Obligation

Accepting orders to the PHDP is the most significant educational commitment an officer can make.

• Program Length: Officers are authorized up to 36 months of resident schooling to complete their PhD.
• Service Obligation: Upon completion of their degree, officers incur a six-year active-duty service obligation.
• Utilization Tour: This service obligation is served concurrently with a mandatory three-year utilization tour in a billet that directly leverages the officer's doctoral education.

Core Eligibility Requirements

• Grade: Open to career-designated Captains through Lieutenant Colonels.
• Education: Must possess a master's degree (or be currently enrolled in a master's program).
• Standardized Tests: Must have current GRE or GMAT scores.
• PME: Must be PME complete for grade.

Note: This is a highly competitive program. Applicants are expected to have a distinguished record of superior academic and operational performance.

Application & Submission Procedures

• Review the MARADMIN & MCO: The annual MARADMIN provides the specific deadlines and application requirements. MCO 1524.2 provides the foundational policy for the program.
• Contact Your Monitor: Discuss your intent to apply with your PMOS monitor to ensure proper career timing.
• Prepare the Application Package: A comprehensive package is required, including an AA form, official transcripts, GRE/GMAT scores, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
• Submit to MMOA: Completed packages are submitted to MMOA-3 for the selection board in accordance with the MARADMIN instructions.

Official Guidance & References

• Governing MCO: MCO 1524.2, Marine Corps Doctor of Philosophy Program (PHDP)
• Annual MARADMIN: For specific application details and deadlines, officers must refer to the current fiscal year's announcement MARADMIN, which can be found by searching the official Marine Corps messages website.

NAVAL RESERVE OFFICER TRAINING CORPS (NROTC) SELECTION board

The Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) program is designed to develop college students as professional officers in the naval service. A tour at an NROTC unit is a unique opportunity for Marine officers to serve in a key leadership and mentorship role, directly shaping the next generation of naval officers.

MMOA facilitates an annual selection board to screen and select qualified officers for three distinct billets at NROTC units hosted at universities across the country: Professor of Naval Science (PNS), Executive Officer (XO), and Marine Officer Instructor (MOI).

Available Billets & Responsibilities

• Professor of Naval Science (PNS):
  • Rank: Colonel or Lieutenant Colonel
  • Role: Serves as the Commanding Officer of the NROTC unit and is responsible for the overall execution of the program.
• Executive Officer (XO):
  • Rank: Lieutenant Colonel or Major
  • Role: Serves as the second-in-command of the NROTC unit, responsible for day-to-day administration and midshipman mentorship.
• Marine Officer Instructor (MOI):
  • Rank: Major or Captain
  • Role: Serves as the primary instructor and mentor for Marine-option midshipmen, preparing them for Officer Candidates School (OCS).

Core Eligibility Requirements

To be considered by the selection panel, officers must meet the following baseline criteria. The annual MARADMIN will publish a complete list of all prerequisites.

• PME: Must be PME complete for grade.
• Education: A master's degree is required for PNS and XO billets.
• Time on Station: Must be able to complete the prescribed 3-year tour length.
• Fitness: Must maintain the highest standards of physical fitness and military appearance.

Application & Submission Process

• Review the MARADMIN: The annual announcement MARADMIN is the primary source for the list of available billets, all specific eligibility criteria, and submission deadlines.
• Contact Your Monitor: All interested officers must discuss their intent to apply with their PMOS monitor to ensure proper career timing and receive a conditional release.
• Prepare the Application Package: A comprehensive package is required, including an AA form, a photo, and letters of recommendation as specified in the MARADMIN.
• Submit to MMOA: Completed packages are submitted to MMOA-3 for the selection panel.
  • Submission Email: smb_manpower_officer_programs@usmc.mil
  • File Naming: `L.NAME_EDIPI_NROTC.pdf`

Official Guidance

• For all specific details regarding the application process, available universities, and deadlines, officers must refer to the current fiscal year's announcement MARADMIN, which can be found by searching the official Marine Corps messages website.

marine attaché (MARA) program

The Marine Attaché (MARA) Program selects highly qualified Marine officers for assignment to the Defense Attaché Service (DAS). Marine Attachés serve in U.S. Embassies and Consulates across the globe, acting as the primary military advisors to the Ambassador and representing the Marine Corps to the host nation's military.

This is a demanding, high-visibility assignment requiring exceptional professionalism, cultural adaptability, and strategic acumen. The program is managed by the USMC Intelligence Department, and the Defense Attaché Service is run by the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA).

MMOA-3's Role: Program Sponsor

While the Intelligence Department manages the MARA program, MMOA-3's role is to serve as the program sponsor and facilitate the execution of the annual selection board. We are responsible for soliciting applications, verifying core eligibility, and running the competitive board that selects the Marine Corps' nominees for the Defense Attaché Service.

Core Eligibility Requirements

To be considered by the Marine Corps selection board, officers must meet the following baseline criteria. The MARADMIN for each fiscal year will publish a complete list of all prerequisites.

• Grade: Active Component officers in the grades of Major, Lieutenant Colonel, and Colonel.
• MOS: Open to all unrestricted officers.
• Time on Station: Must be able to complete the prescribed tour length.
• Security Clearance: Must possess a Top Secret/SCI clearance or be eligible to receive one.
• PME: Must be PME complete for grade.

Note: Specific language, regional, and time-in-service requirements are detailed in the annual MARADMIN.

Application & Selection Process

The MARA selection process is a multi-phased effort, beginning with the Marine Corps board and culminating in final screening by the DIA.

1. Review the MARADMIN: This is the critical first step. The MARADMIN provides the definitive list of available countries, specific eligibility criteria for each billet, and the detailed application requirements.
2. Contact Your Monitor: All interested officers must discuss their intent to apply with their PMOS monitor to ensure proper career timing.
3. Prepare the Application Package: A comprehensive application package is required, which typically includes a formal letter, an AA form, a security clearance verification letter, and other supporting documents as specified in the MARADMIN.
4. Submit to MMOA: Completed packages are submitted to MMOA-3 for the Marine Corps selection board.
5. DIA Screening: Officers selected by the Marine Corps board are then forwarded as nominees to the DIA for final screening, interviews, and selection.

Official Guidance & Resources

• Authoritative Program Information: For in-depth information about the Defense Attaché System, the career path, and training, officers are directed to the official USMC Intelligence Department's page.
  • USMC Intelligence Department - Defense Attaché Program

ground & Intelligence pERSONNEL EXCHANGE PROGRAM (PEP)

The Ground and Intelligence Personnel Exchange Program (PEP) provides an exceptional career-broadening opportunity for Marine officers to serve with the military forces of allied and partner nations. These assignments enhance professional development, promote mutual understanding, and strengthen relationships with key international partners.

Officers selected for PEP billets serve as representatives of the Marine Corps, embedded within a foreign military unit. The program is managed by the Strategy and Plans Division (PLU).

MMOA-3's Role: Program Sponsor

While the Strategy and Plans Division (PLU) manages the PEP, MMOA-3's role is to serve as the program sponsor and facilitate the execution of the annual selection board. We are responsible for soliciting applications, verifying core eligibility, and running the competitive board that selects the Marine Corps' nominees for these unique international assignments.

Core Eligibility Requirements

To be considered by the selection board, officers must meet the following baseline criteria. The annual MARADMIN will publish a complete list of all prerequisites for each specific exchange billet.

• Grade: Active Component officers in the grades of Captain, Major, and Lieutenant Colonel.
• MOS: Open to specific ground and intelligence PMOSs as detailed in the MARADMIN.
• Time on Station: Must be able to complete the prescribed tour length.
• PME: Must be PME complete for grade.

Note: Specific language requirements, required skill sets, and other detailed criteria are listed in the annual MARADMIN for each available billet.

Application & Selection Process

1. Review the MARADMIN: This is the critical first step. The MARADMIN provides the definitive list of available exchange billets, the specific eligibility criteria for each, and detailed application requirements.
2. Contact Your Monitor: All interested officers must discuss their intent to apply with their PMOS monitor to ensure proper career timing and receive a conditional release for screening.
3. Prepare the Application Package: A comprehensive application package is required, including an AA form, letters of recommendation, and other supporting documents as specified in the MARADMIN.
4. Submit to MMOA: Completed packages are submitted to MMOA-3 for the Marine Corps selection board.
5. Final Screening: Officers selected by the board are then forwarded as nominees for final screening and assignment.

Official Guidance & Resources

• Authoritative Program Information & Templates: For in-depth information about the PEP career path and to access the official application templates, officers are directed to the P&O International Affairs Branch's resource page.
  • P&O International Affairs Program Resources

U.S. MILITARY GROUP (USMILGP) / SECURITY COOPERATION OFFICER (SCO)

The Security Cooperation Officer (SCO) program selects qualified Marine officers for assignment to U.S. Military Groups (USMILGP) and Security Cooperation Organizations around the world. SCOs are responsible for planning, managing, and executing security cooperation activities with partner nations, directly supporting the geographic combatant commander's theater strategy.

This is a critical career-broadening assignment that requires exceptional professionalism, cultural expertise, and a deep understanding of security cooperation policy. The program is managed by the Strategy and Plans Division (PLU).

MMOA-3's Role: Program Sponsor

While the Strategy and Plans Division (PLU) manages the SCO program, MMOA-3's role is to serve as the program sponsor and facilitate the execution of the annual selection board. We are responsible for soliciting applications, verifying core eligibility, and running the competitive board that selects the Marine Corps' nominees for these vital international billets.

Core Eligibility Requirements

To be considered by the selection board, officers must meet the following baseline criteria. The annual MARADMIN will publish a complete list of all prerequisites.

• Grade: Active Component officers in the grades of Captain, Major, and Lieutenant Colonel.
• MOS: Open to all unrestricted officers.
• Time on Station: Must be able to complete the prescribed tour length.
• Security Clearance: Must possess or be eligible for a Top Secret/SCI clearance.
• PME: Must be PME complete for grade.

Note: Specific language skills, regional expertise, and other detailed requirements are listed in the annual MARADMIN.

Application & Selection Process

1. Review the MARADMIN: This is the critical first step. The MARADMIN provides the definitive list of available billets, specific eligibility criteria, and detailed application requirements.
2. Contact Your Monitor: All interested officers must discuss their intent to apply with their PMOS monitor to ensure proper career timing and receive a conditional release for screening.
3. Prepare the Application Package: A comprehensive application package is required, including an AA form, letters of recommendation, and other supporting documents as specified in the MARADMIN.
4. Submit to MMOA: Completed packages are submitted to MMOA-3 for the Marine Corps selection board.
5. Final Screening: Officers selected by the board are then forwarded as nominees for final screening and assignment.

Official Guidance & Resources

• Authoritative Program Information & Templates: For in-depth information about the Security Cooperation career path and to access the official application templates, officers are directed to the P&O International Affairs Branch's resource page.
  • P&O International Affairs Program Resources

PRESIDENTIAL HELICOPTER SQUADRON (HMX-1) SELECTION PANEL

Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1) is responsible for the transportation of the President of the United States, Vice President, Cabinet members, and other visiting heads of state. Service at HMX-1 is one of the most visible and demanding assignments in the Marine Corps, requiring the highest standards of professionalism, maturity, and flight leadership.

The HMX-1 Selection Panel is a competitive board that selects highly qualified pilots and support officers for assignment to the "Nighthawks."

MMOA-3's Role: Selection Facilitator

While HMX-1 manages its own recruiting and initial screening process, MMOA-3's role is to facilitate the execution of the final selection panel. We are responsible for soliciting applications via MARADMIN and running the competitive board that selects officers for this prestigious duty.

Core Eligibility Requirements

To be considered by the selection panel, officers must meet the stringent criteria outlined in the governing MARADMIN and on the official HMX-1 recruiting website. Key prerequisites include:

• Grade: Active Component Captains through Lieutenant Colonels.
• Aviation Status: Open to qualified Rotary Wing and Tiltrotor pilots, as well as specific aviation ground and support officers as detailed in the MARADMIN.
• Flight Hours & Qualifications: Must meet minimum flight hour requirements and possess specific aircraft qualifications.
• Security Clearance: Must be eligible for a Top Secret/SCI and Yankee White (YW) security clearance.

Note: Due to the unique nature of the mission, all applicants must meet strict physical and personal screening standards.

Application & Selection Process: A Dual-Track Approach

Applying for HMX-1 is a two-track process that requires simultaneous coordination with both HMX-1 recruiters and concurrence from MMOA monitors.

1. Engage the HMX-1 Recruiters: This is the mandatory first step. All interested officers must contact the HMX-1 recruiting section to begin their screening process. The HMX-1 recruiters will vet your qualifications and provide you with the specific application documents they require.
   • Official HMX-1 Recruiting Page: https://www.hmx-1.marines.mil/recruiting/
2. Request concurrence from MMOA monitor: Concurrently, you must request concurrence from your monitor to ensure you meet eligibility criteria to apply.  

Official Guidance & Resources

• Authoritative Program Information & Application Documents: The official HMX-1 recruiting website contains all necessary application forms, detailed program information, and recruiter contact information.
  • HMX-1 Recruiting Website

TOP LEVEL SCHOOL (TLS) SELECTION BOARD

The Top Level School (TLS) Selection Board is an annual board that competitively selects Lieutenant Colonels and Lieutenant Colonels (select) to attend a resident Top Level School. This is a critical career milestone designed to prepare senior officers for high-level command and staff billets through advanced professional military education.

Current Board Information (AY 27-28)

This section hosts all active documents for the current academic year's selection board. All eligible officers must use the official online questionnaire linked below to communicate their school and fellowship preferences. This survey is the only authorized mechanism for board communication.

[Access the AY 27-28 TLS Questionnaire Here]

Declining to Screen: Remove By Request (RBR)

Officers who are eligible but do not desire to be considered must complete the online questionnaire and attach a formal AA form requesting RBR, endorsed by the first General Officer in their chain of command.

• Download TLS RBR AA Form Template

Available Top Level School Programs

The TLS board selects officers for three primary categories of programs.

1. U.S. Resident Senior Service Colleges

(These programs grant JPME Phase II credit)

• Marine Corps War College (MCWAR)
• U.S. Army War College (AWC)
• U.S. Air War College (AWC)
• College of Naval Warfare (CNW)
• U.S. Army Advanced Strategic Leadership Studies Program

2. National Defense University (NDU)

(These programs grant JPME Phase II credit)

• National War College (NWC)
• The Eisenhower School (ES)
• College of International Security Affairs (CISA)
• College of Information and Cyberspace (CIC)
• Joint Advanced Warfighting School (JAWS)

3. Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC) Fellowships

(These one-year assignments grant Service PME credit but do not grant JPME credit.)

• Federal & Departmental: DHS, DoS, USAID
• Strategic & Academic: Hoover Institute (Stanford), ISSP (Yale), JFK School (Harvard), Lincoln Labs (MIT), Logistics Fellowship (Penn State), SAIS (Johns Hopkins), Security Studies Program (MIT)
• SECDEF & USNA: SECDEF Executive Fellowship, SECDEF Strategic Thinkers Program (STP), Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership (USNA)

For more details, visit the CMC Fellows Program Website.

Top Level School Archives

This repository provides insight into historical selection trends, board precepts, and alternate lists for planning and review purposes only.

Command Screening Program (CSP)

The CSP ensures that our Marines receive the best possible leadership by providing a fair and equitable opportunity for all eligible officers to be considered for command. This formalized system is designed to select the best and most fully qualified officers to lead the Marine Corps' operational and supporting establishments.

Current Command Screening Board (FY27)

This section hosts all active documents for the current fiscal year's boards. All eligible officers must use the official online questionnaire linked below to communicate their command preferences and intentions. This survey is the only authorized mechanism for board communication.

[Access the FY27 Command Screening Questionnaire Here]

Note: Eligibility rosters are updated periodically to reflect corrections and approved RBRs.

Alternate Slating Policy: Alternate lists are published in alphabetical order to maintain slating flexibility. MMOA monitors will proactively initiate contact with an officer should a fleet-up be required.

Declining to Screen: Remove By Request (RBR)

Officers who are eligible but do not desire to screen must formally request removal. To do so, you must complete the online questionnaire (indicating your intent not to screen) and attach a formal Administrative Action (AA) form requesting RBR.

• Endorsement Requirement: The AA form must be endorsed by the first Marine in your fitness report routing chain.
• Submission Warning: Officers without a properly endorsed AA form will be screened by the board.
• RBR Templates: (If you have trouble viewing the AA Form in your browser, save it to your desktop and open with Adobe Reader).
  • Download Pre-filled Colonel CSB RBR Template
  • Download Pre-filled Lieutenant Colonel CSB RBR Template

Acquisition Command Screening Board (ACSB)

The Acquisition Command Screening Board (ACSB) is a competitive selection board that screens and selects highly qualified 8059 (Aviation) and 8061 (Ground) Lieutenant Colonels and selects for leadership billets within major acquisition programs. The purpose is to select the "best and most fully qualified" officers to lead programs where the Marine Corps has a unique or vested interest.

Current Command Screening Board (FY27)

This section hosts active documents for the current board. All eligible officers must use the official online questionnaire to communicate their command preferences. This survey is the only authorized mechanism for board communication.

[Access the FY27 Acquisition Command Screening Questionnaire Here]

Note: Eligibility rosters are updated periodically to reflect corrections and approved RBRs.

Additional Application Requirements

In addition to the online questionnaire, all eligible officers are required to submit the following documents in a single PDF file labeled EDIPI_LastName_AcqCSB via the questionnaire:

1. Bio-on-a-Slide
2. DAWIA Training Transcript (from eDACM system)
3. Acquisition Career and Training Summary (CTS), obtained from Ms. Angela Rowan (angela.rowan@usmc.mil)

Declining to Screen: Remove By Request (RBR)

Officers eligible but not desiring to screen must formally request removal. You must complete the online questionnaire (indicating intent not to screen) and attach a formal AA form requesting RBR.

• Endorsement Requirement: The AA form must be endorsed by Commander, MARCORSYSCOM or the PEO for Air ASW, Assault and Special Mission Programs.
• Submission Warning: Officers without a properly endorsed AA form will be screened by the board.
• RBR Template: (If you have trouble viewing, save to your desktop and open with Adobe Reader).
  • Download Blank AA Form RBR Template