Joint Officer Matters

Point Accrual Methodology

Marine Corps officers accumulate joint experience and qualification points through three approved statutory pathways. Comprehension of these mechanisms is essential for strategic career progression and ultimate JQO designation:

• Standard Joint Duty Assignments (S-JDA): Billets formally codified on the Joint Duty Assignment List (JDAL). Credit is accrued strictly based on the duration of time served in the assigned billet.

• Experience-Based Joint Duty Assignments (E-JDA): Non-JDAL experiences or deployments demonstrating direct relevance to "Joint Matters." These require proactive self-nomination and subsequent adjudication by a formal review board to yield qualification points.

• The Combination Path: Pursuant to CJCSI 1330.05C, officers may synthesize fractional S-JDA service time with E-JDA points to meet the 24-point threshold required for JQO (Level III) designation.

Joint Qualification Levels & Pathways

Pursuant to Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Instruction (CJCSI) 1330.05C, joint experience within the Department of War is systematically tracked utilizing a cumulative point-accrual methodology and structured career milestones. While officers may begin accumulating joint experience points early in their careers, advancement to Joint Qualified Officer (JQO) status (Level III) is governed by strict statutory criteria concerning paygrade thresholds and recency requirements.

Level II Qualification (Joint MOS 9701)

• Joint Officer Management Policy Revisions Memorandum to DoDI 1300.19 dated 30 June 2026 have eliminated Joint Qualification Level II from policy.

• There is no service impact to this JOM policy revision. Personnel with the MOS 9701 will retain it on their record, but personnel will no longer be submitted for this MOS by the service.

• The previous Joint Qualification Level II did not serve as a prerequisite for Level III nor a determination for personnel to be assigned to a Joint Billet.

Level III Qualification (JQO / Joint MOS 9702)

• Educational Requirement: Successful completion of both JPME Phase I and JPME Phase II.

• Experience Requirement: Accrual of 24 Joint Qualification Points earned via S-JDA, E-JDA, or the Combination Path.

• The 365-Day Recency/Paygrade Requirement: To qualify for JQO designation (Level III), officers must satisfy the statutory requirement of at least 365 days of qualifying joint experience (or 12 joint points) earned while serving in the paygrade of O-4 or higher.

  • S-JDA Billet: An officer must serve at least one day as an O-4 while assigned to an active S-JDA (JDAL) billet for the cumulative duration of that assignment to satisfy the 12-month recency requirement.

  • E-JDA Billet: Joint experience points accumulated strictly in the paygrade of O-3 are capped at 12 points. To bridge the gap to Level III, a minimum of 12 additional points (or 365 qualifying days) must be earned subsequent to the officer's promotion to O-4 (Major) or above.

The Combination Path

In accordance with CJCSI 1330.05C, officers are not required to rely solely on a single, continuous 24-to-36 month standard joint tour to achieve JQO status. The instruction formally authorizes a Combination Path, enabling officers to merge traditional S-JDA service time with experience-based E-JDA points. This pathway supports Marine Corps officers who have completed partial standard joint tours due to service requirements, or who have supplemented their service careers with short-term joint deployments.

Regulatory Rules of the Combination Path

• Minimum Point Threshold: Officers must accumulate a combined total of 24 joint points, in addition to completing JPME Phase I and II, to be nominated for Level III (JQO) designation.

• Exclusion of Concurrent Credit: Officers are strictly prohibited from earning E-JDA or discretionary points for tasks, training, or deployments executed during the identical timeframes for which they are claiming S-JDA time-based credit.

• Statutory Recency Compliance: Under the combination path, a minimum of 12 points of the combined 24-point total must be earned in the paygrade of O-4 or higher to satisfy the Level III recency requirement.

References & Statutory Policies

• Title 10, United States Code, Chapter 38 (Sections 661-668): Codified federal statute governing Joint Officer Management.

• DoD Instruction (DoDI) 1300.19: DoD Joint Officer Management (JOM) Program.

• CJCSI 1330.05C: Joint Officer Management Program Procedures (Effective 19 July 2024).

JDAMIS & The Joint Duty Assignment List (JDAL)

The Joint Duty Assignment Management Information System (JDAMIS) is an automated management information system and database maintained by the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) and updated by the Joint Staff, Military Services, and joint organizations. JDAMIS serves as the permanent system of record for all Joint Officer Management (JOM) related matters.

The position management file within JDAMIS constitutes the official Joint Duty Assignment List (JDAL). This list is formally approved by the Under Secretary of War for Personnel and Readiness (USW(P&R)) and managed by the Joint Staff J-1. The JDAL is the official statement of current and historical joint positions and is modified only with USW(P&R) approval or other OSW-delegated authority.

JDAL Qualification Criteria

• Paygrade Threshold: JDAL positions are strictly restricted to permanent, funded billets in the paygrades of O-4 (Major) and above.

• Billet Preponderance: To be certified on the JDAL, the preponderance of a billet's day-to-day responsibilities must meet the statutory definition of "Joint Matters" (10 U.S.C. Section 668).

• Drop-Off Protection: If an officer is occupying a billet that is de-certified from the JDAL during their tour, their joint credit is legally protected. The officer will receive full credit, provided they executed a valid check-in diary entry prior to the drop-off date. Backfills for that billet will not receive credit.

Statutory Definition of "Joint Matters" (10 U.S.C. 668)

To qualify for JDAL inclusion, billet responsibilities must relate directly to the achievement of unified action by multiple military forces in operations conducted across domains—including land, sea, air, space, or the information environment. This comprises:

• National military strategy, strategic planning, and contingency planning.

• Command and control of operations under unified command.

• National security planning with other departments and agencies of the United States Government (interagency).

• Combined operations with the military forces of allied nations.

Note: In this context, "multiple military forces" refers to forces involving participants from the U.S. Armed Forces alongside other federal departments/agencies, foreign military forces/agencies, or non-governmental entities.

Positions Categorically Excluded from the JDAL

Per DoDI 1300.19, certain assignments cannot be placed on the JDAL, regardless of their location or command. Officers in these roles may, however, proactively apply for E-JDA (Experience-Based) points via self-nomination if their individual duties meet the statutory threshold. Excluded Position Categories:

• Student Assignments: Any assignment for joint education or joint training.

• Instructors: All instructor positions, excluding faculty members directly responsible for preparing and presenting JPME Phase II curricula.

• Fellowships & Internships: Assignments affiliated with educational, research, or degree-granting programs where the officer is not responsible for executing or implementing joint policy.

• Intra-Departmental Roles: Assignments located entirely within an officer’s own Military Department.

• Junior Officer Billets: All positions legally requiring the paygrade of O-3 and below.

• Temporary Billets: Temporary, overage, or unfunded positions.

JDAL Visibility and Access

The JDAL is not publicly published or posted for general access due to high volatility (billets are constantly added, modified, or de-certified) and generic coding. Roughly half of the Marine Corps billets on the JDAL are generically coded as 8006 (Unrestricted Officer), 8007 (Unrestricted Ground Officer), or 7506 (Pilot/NFO). MMOA monitors do not know which specific occupational fields will be required to fill these billets until the Officer Staffing Goal Model is finalized.

Standard Joint Duty Assignments (S-JDA)

A Standard Joint Duty Assignment (S-JDA) is a billet explicitly codified on the active JDAL. Serving in an S-JDA is the primary, traditional pathway toward satisfying the experiential requirements for designation as a Joint Qualified Officer (JQO).

Active Duty Billet Verification: Officers must remember that not all billets at joint commands are JDAL billets. Joint commands contain numerous service-organic or non-joint support billets that do not confer joint credit. Prior to executing orders, officers must verify the S-JDA status of their prospective billet with their PMOS monitor.

S-JDA Billet Types:

• Standard Joint Billets: Officers may be assigned without prior JPME completion, though JPME Phase I is highly preferred.

• Joint Critical Billets: Highly sensitive positions restricted to senior Field Grade officers. The incumbent must, by law, be a designated JQO (Additional MOS 9702) prior to assignment.

Tour Lengths & Credit Accrual

Pursuant to Title 10, U.S. Code, Section 664, strict statutory timeframes govern the awarding of S-JDA credit.

Tour Length Rules:

• Standard Orders: All orders to a JDAL tour must be written for a minimum of 24 months. This does not supersede DoDI 1315.18 or Joint Travel Regulation (JTR) constraints.

• Full Credit Statutory Gate: An officer is eligible for full joint duty credit upon departure if they have completed at least 22 months plus one day in the billet (calculated day-for-day).

• TAD / TDY Pauses: Temporary duty periods exceeding 30 consecutive days away from the joint organization for Service-related duties (pre-command training, JPME) do not count toward the 24-month minimum at command discretion. These days effectively pause joint time accrual.

Constructive Credit & Early Departures

Early departure from an S-JDA is heavily scrutinized. Reassigning or transferring even 24 hours prior to meeting the statutory gates without proper authorization will result in zero joint credit being awarded.

• Constructive Credit: In cases of documented military necessity (e.g., command-boarded positions), PMOS monitors may request constructive credit for officers who are reassigned from an S-JDA within 60 days of meeting the 24-month requirement (meaning they have completed at least 22 months).

• Joint Tour Length Waivers (JTLW): Any departure prior to the 22-month minimum gate requires an OSD-approved JTLW. If approved, the officer receives only accrued (fractional) joint credit. Departures without an approved JTLW yield no credit.

How to Obtain an S-JDA Billet

All joint assignments are managed and executed exclusively by your PMOS Assignment Monitor. The JOMO does not possess slating authority, nor do JOM managers influence assignment recommendations.

• Notify Your Monitor: During your transition window (typically within 12 months prior to your Slated Estimated Date of Departure), formally indicate your desire to fill a JDAL billet.

• Ensure PME Completion: Ensure you are JPME Phase I complete (or actively enrolled). Monitors prioritize JPME-compliant officers for competitive S-JDA slates.

• Confirm the Billet: During interviews, explicitly ask the monitor to confirm if the prospective joint billet is actively JDAL-coded within JDAMIS.

Joint Professional Military Education (JPME)

In accordance with Title 10, U.S. Code, Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) provides the specialized knowledge, skills, and strategic perspective necessary to enhance officer performance in joint and multinational environments. By law, JPME must be completed sequentially: Phase I followed by Phase II.

Officers are strongly advised to proactively manage their joint education profile early in their careers or request joint education allocations en route to a joint assignment.

Direct Entry Waivers (DEW): Joint Staff policy strictly limits attendance at JPME Phase II without prior completion of Phase I. Waivers are authorized only on a strict case-by-case basis under compelling circumstances. Furthermore, per Title 10, no more than 10 percent of any given JPME Phase II class may consist of officers attending under a DEW. Officers attending via a DEW will not receive Phase II credit until Phase I is subsequently completed.

JPME Phase I (Intermediate Level)

JPME Phase I is typically completed by mid-grade officers and is a strict statutory prerequisite for attending Phase II.

• Screening & Selection: In-residence Intermediate Level School (ILS) allocations—which award JPME Phase I credit upon completion—are screened annually via the Commandant's Professional Intermediate-Level Education Board (CPIB).

• Marine Corps Equivalents: The Marine Corps Command and Staff College (CSC) satisfies the Phase I requirement. For distance education, the Command and Staff College Distance Education Program (CSCDEP) 8000-series curriculum is accredited for Phase I credit.

• Foreign Professional Military Education (FPME): While FPME completion grants Service PME credit, it no longer provides JPME Phase I credit. Marines undertaking FPME who have not already completed ILS must plan an alternate avenue to obtain JPME Phase I credit to ensure they are PME complete for grade.

JPME Phase II & Senior Level Education

JPME Phase II is a senior-level curriculum focusing on joint force integration and strategic operations, available for officers in the paygrades of O-4 through O-6.

• Screening & Selection: In-residence senior Service schools, National Defense University (NDU) allocations, and foreign senior PME slots—which award JPME Phase II credit upon completion—are screened and selected annually via the Top Level School (TLS) Selection Board.

• Senior Level Fellowships: Participation in senior-level fellowships satisfies Service PME requirements at the senior level. However, fellowships do not meet the joint learning areas established for JPME equivalency. Officers filling fellowship billets must secure JPME Phase II credit through an alternate avenue, such as the Joint Combined Warfighting School (JCWS) course.

• Statutory Outplacement Requirements:

  • NDU Graduates: Due to Title 10 regulations, if an officer is already a designated JQO and attends an NDU college, they must, by law, be assigned to a standard JDAL tour upon graduation.

  • JCWS Resident Graduates: Greater than 50% of active duty graduates must be assigned to an S-JDA as their first assignment following graduation.

Joint and Combined Warfighting School (JCWS) Applications

For officers who do not receive Phase II credit via a senior Service college (such as Fellowship or FPME attendees), the Joint Forces Staff College (JFSC) offers four 10-week Phase II classes per year. Attendance is highly competitive due to limited Service quotas. Priority for class seat allocation is based on rank.

The list of available courses is hosted on the Joint Forces Staff College website.

• Funding: JCWS attendance is funded by the student's parent command. Officers must verify command funding prior to applying or coordinate with their monitor to request JPME attendance en route during a PCS.

• Submission Timeline: Applications must be submitted to MMOA-3 no later than 90 days prior to the course convening date.

• Application Form: JCWS Application

• Submission Inbox: Submit completed applications to smb_jointmatters_active@usmc.mil. MMOA-3 will notify you if selected and confirm availability.

Certificate Submission & JOH Updates

To ensure an accurate Joint Officer History (JOH) and receive appropriate educational credit, officers must manually submit their completion documents for all accredited distance learning programs (JPME I and JPME II).

• Submission Inbox: Email certificates to smb_jointmatters_active@usmc.mil.

• Processing Time: Please allow up to 10 business days for the credit to be adjudicated and reflected in your JOH.

Experience-Based Joint Duty Assignments (E-JDA)

The Experience-Based Joint Duty Assignment (E-JDA) pathway recognizes and awards joint qualification points for significant joint experiences gained in non-Joint Duty Assignment List (JDAL) billets. These include joint task force deployments, operational coordination roles, and temporary duty in support of joint operations.

E-JDA point accumulation is a self-directed process. It is the individual officer's responsibility to submit a high-quality, fully documented, and properly sanitized self-nomination package for formal board adjudication.

• Paygrade Limitation: Pursuant to CJCSI 1330.05C, officers must be in the paygrade of O-3 or above for the entire duration of the submitted joint experience to accrue joint points.

• Strict Statutory Timeline: Active Component officers must formally submit their self-nomination via the Joint Qualification System (JQS) portal within one year (12 months) of the completion date of the nominated joint experience.

• Adjudication Window: Due to the volume of submissions and the scheduled frequency of the Joint Panel, the entire process (review, vetting, adjudication, and final posting) typically spans 6 to 12 months.

Points Calculation Methodology (DoDI 1300.19)

E-JDA points are calculated strictly to the nearest tenth based on the total number of certified, consecutive joint duty days and the designated intensity multiplier. There is no rounding up of partial months.

• Standard Experience (Intensity Factor 1): Traditional joint staff support or routine non-combat staff assignments. Yields 1.0 point per month (30.4 days).

• Combat/Hostile Area Experience (Intensity Factor 3): Joint operations in designated combat zones. Yields 3.0 points per month (30.4 days). Officers must provide Leave and Earnings Statements (LES) validating Hostile Fire Pay/Imminent Danger Pay (HFP/IDP) for every month claimed.

E-JDA Review Board Schedule (FY26)

E-JDA packages are adjudicated by service-specific review panels. Packages must be submitted via the E-JDA portal approximately 45 days prior to the board convening date to allow for administrative vetting and correction.

Note: If corrections or additional documents are required, JOM managers will contact you directly via the JQS system.

Step-by-Step Submission Procedures

To prevent system timeouts, compile and draft all required information prior to initiating your online application.

• Step 1: Draft your Joint Experience Summary (JES)
  You must describe how your duties fulfilled the statutory definition of "Joint Matters." Your responses are strictly capped at 340 characters per question. Draft these in a word processor beforehand.

• Step 2: Access the JQS Portal
  Log in to the secure Joint Qualification System (JQS) portal using your CAC: Officer Joint Experience Portal

• Step 3: Format and Sanitize Supporting Documentation
  All files must be scanned in black and white at 150 DPI in .pdf format. You must completely sanitize (black out) your Social Security Number (SSN) and that of your reporting senior on all documents. Organize and name your files exactly as follows:

  • Fitness Reports: Combine all FITREPs into a single PDF, arranged chronologically. File Name: LASTNAME_FITREPS.pdf

  • Orders: Upload your PCS or TAD orders. File Name: LASTNAME_Orders.pdf

  • Award Citations: Combine the award write-up and the formal citation. File Name: LASTNAME_Award_JT_COM.pdf

  • Verification: For OCONUS, upload your Adjudicated Travel Voucher. For Combat Experience, upload LES statements for each month claimed.

• Step 4: Verify Your Record
  Following the release of board results, points will be updated in JDAMIS. You may audit your updated credits by clicking the "View Joint Officer History" link within your JQS portal account.

Note: Submissions initiated while actively in-tour will be returned for re-work. The Joint Staff will not adjudicate any self-nominations until the requested tour is fully completed.

Discretionary Points

Pursuant to DoDI 1300.19, Discretionary Points are defined as joint qualification points earned in excess of the minimum statutory education and experience requirements. These points are accumulated through active participation in approved joint exercises, collective or individual joint training, and accredited joint education curricula other than standard Joint Professional Military Education (JPME).

Discretionary points are designed to reward Active Component officers for activities that directly enhance their operational knowledge and mastery of joint matters.

• Maximum Point Allowance: A maximum of 6 discretionary points may be applied toward the total point portfolio required for Level III/JQO (24 points) qualifications.

• Strict 12-Month Submission Window: In accordance with Joint Staff directives, discretionary points must be formally approved and updated within JDAMIS within 12 months of the officer completing the qualifying event. Submissions exceeding this limit will be rejected.

S-JDA / E-JDA Point Accrual Exclusion

To maintain the integrity of statutory joint tracking, strict concurrency rules govern the awarding of discretionary points:

• Concurrency Ban (Exercises & Training): Officers may not be awarded discretionary points for joint training or exercises executed while actively serving in a Standard Joint Duty Assignment (S-JDA) or during any period for which they are already being awarded Experience-Based (E-JDA) points.

• Distance Learning Exception (Education): Officers may be awarded discretionary points for approved "Joint Education" completed via distance learning while simultaneously serving in an S-JDA billet or accumulating E-JDA points.

Joint Staff (J-7) Validation Requirements

The joint education course, training program, or exercise must be formally listed on the Joint Staff (J-7) Approved Event List within the specific timeframe the event was executed. If an event was not certified at the time of completion, points cannot be authorized.

• Direct Reference Documents:

  • FY26 Joint Exercise Report

  • Master List of Certified Courses

• Education Recency Rule: For joint educational courses, only the Joint Qualification Report covering the exact timeframe of course completion will be used to determine eligibility.

Submission and Validation Process

To request discretionary points, officers must submit a completed application package directly to the Joint Officer Matters Office (JOMO).

• 1. Complete the Required Worksheet: Download and complete the formal Active Component Discretionary Points Worksheet.

• 2. Supporting Documentation: All submissions must be accompanied by certified documentation (e.g., FITREPs, orders, completion certificates) that substantiates the request.

• 3. Submit the Package: Email your completed worksheet and documentation to the active joint inbox with the specified subject line format.

  • Submission Email: smb_jointmatters_active@usmc.mil

  • Subject Line: Discretionary Points Request - [Last Name, First Name] - [Rank] - [MOS]

Once JOMO verifies the packet, the approved points will be reflected on your official joint record. You can verify your updated points by accessing the "View Joint Officer History" link via the secure DHRA Web Portal.

References & Statutory Policies

• Title 10, United States Code, Section 668: Codified definition of "Joint Matters."

• CJCSI 1330.05C: Joint Officer Management Program Procedures (Effective 19 July 2024).

• User Manual: Joint System (JDAMIS) JQS Submission Manual

Select Billet Program Overview

The Select Billet Program is a highly specialized branch of the External Billet Program. Many Marines serve outside the Marine Corps with both Department of War (DoW) organizations and non-DoW federal departments and agencies. A small, sensitive subset of those assignments constitutes the Select Billet Program.

When applying to this program, you are applying to serve in one of these sensitive positions. Some of these billets may be joint-credit eligible and almost all are characterized by a demanding operational pace.

• Geographic Locations: While the majority of billets are in the National Capital Region (NCR) and North Carolina, opportunities exist at several other CONUS and OCONUS locations.

• Eligibility Parameters:

  • Officers: Minimum rank is typically Captain (O-3), with the bulk of allocations for Majors (O-4) and Lieutenant Colonels (O-5).

  • MOS Distribution: Opportunities exist across many fields, with primary demand in Communications (06XX), Intelligence (02XX), Aviation (75XX), Combat Arms (03XX/18XX/08XX), and Special Operations (0370/0372).

Career Considerations & Mentorship

While these assignments offer unparalleled operational experience, they often fall outside traditional PMOS progression.

• Career Risk Assessment: Many of these roles do not carry the formal designation of a PMOS "key developmental billet." Critically evaluate the potential career implications of a non-standard assignment before applying.

• Mandatory Consultation: Before applying, you are highly advised to consult with your PMOS Assignment Monitor and Career Counselor to ensure the assignment aligns with your career trajectory and promotion viability.

Application & Adjudication Process

The Select Billet Program operates on a highly competitive, year-long cycle. Applications are thoroughly screened to ensure candidates meet strict eligibility requirements.

• 1. Administrative Screening: Your Initial Screening Questionnaire (ISQ) is reviewed for completeness and eligibility. You will receive an email confirmation within 30 days.

• 2. Monitor Concurrence: Program managers will contact your PMOS monitor to verify assignment availability. Your monitor has final authority. If you have orders or have been selected for another program, you will not be considered.

• 3. Agency Review & Assessment: If your monitor concurs, your application is forwarded. An interested agency will contact you directly to initiate their specific vetting process, which may include a formal assessment lasting from 1 to 6 weeks.

• 4. Final Selection: Selected officers are notified and receive orders. Non-selected officers are also notified. Applications are valid for one hiring cycle only and must be resubmitted for future consideration.

Critical Timelines & Submission Guidelines

Select billets typically open during the summer PCS cycle.

• When to Apply: You may apply up to one year in advance. It is in your best interest to apply as soon after 01 June as possible.

• The Deadlines: Billets for the following summer are typically filled by 31 December.

• Off-Cycle Opportunities: On rare occasions, "off-cycle" vacancies occur and will be solicited through PMOS monitors.

Instructions: How to Apply

To apply, officers must complete the Initial Screening Questionnaire (ISQ) and submit it via secure email.

• 1. Download the Form: External Billet Initial Screening Questionnaire (ISQ)

• 2. Draft Your Application: You may apply to the program without knowing specific details; your application is screened against all vacancies for which you are viable.

  • Strict Security Directive: Do not use specific unit names or locations in your application. Keep all content UNCLASSIFIED.

  • Expressing Preferences: To indicate preferences, refer only to general regions or skill sets (e.g., "I wish to be considered for a select billet in the National Capital Region."). If no preference, state: "I wish to be considered for any select billets for which I am eligible."

• 3. Submit Your Package: Email your completed ISQ to the centralized inbox.

  • Submission Email: SMB_Select_Billet_Applications@usmc.mil

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q1: What is JDAMIS, and why must I audit my entry/exit dates?

  The Joint Duty Assignment Management Information System (JDAMIS) is the authoritative DoD database for tracking Joint Duty Assignments (JDA). By regulation, JOM managers cannot log checking-in or checking-out dates until after the physical administrative action occurs, making personal audits crucial.

• Q2: How do I verify if my billet awards joint duty credit?

  While the Marine Corps mans roughly 2,000 billets at Joint Commands, only about 700 are on the Joint Duty Assignment List (JDAL). Prior to executing orders, you must coordinate with your PMOS monitor to verify if the billet is JDAL-coded. If they cannot confirm, contact the JOMO directly.

• Q3: What is the statutory joint tour length, and how is full credit calculated?

  Pursuant to Title 10, U.S. Code, Section 664, all orders to a JDAL billet must be written for a minimum of 24 months. However, an officer is eligible for full credit upon departure if they have completed at least 22 months plus one day in the billet. This does not supersede standard JTR tour length requirements.

• Q4: What is constructive credit, and how does the "60-day rule" operate?

  In cases of documented military necessity, monitors may request constructive credit for officers reassigned from an S-JDA within 60 days of meeting the 24-month tour requirement (meaning they have served at least 22 months).
  CRITICAL: Departing even 24 hours prior to the 22-month-plus-one-day gate without a waiver results in zero joint credit.

• Q5: What happens if I must depart my S-JDA prior to the 22-month gate?

  Any departure before the 22-month minimum requires an OSD-approved Joint Tour Length Waiver (JTLW). If approved, you receive only accrued (fractional) credit. Without an approved JTLW, no credit is awarded.

• Q6: Do TAD/TDY periods pause my joint tour timeline?

  Yes. Any temporary duty exceeding 30 consecutive days away from your joint organization for Service-related duties (e.g., PME) will not count toward the S-JDA credit at the discretion of the joint command. These days pause your joint time accrual.

• Q7: How do I apply for JQO designation once I am qualified?

  No manual application is required. Once your Joint Officer History (JOH) reflects completion of JPME I, JPME II, and a Full Joint Tour (or 24 points), the nomination process is fully automated. The process from validation to designation typically takes 2 to 3 months.

• Q8: Is JQO designation required for promotion to Brigadier General?

  Yes. Statutory law requires JQO designation (Level III qualification) as a prerequisite for selection and appointment to the grade of Brigadier General (O-7).

• Q9: Do I need to be JPME complete to be assigned to a joint billet?

  It depends. For non-critical billets, you may be assigned without prior JPME. For critical joint billets, you must, by law, be a designated JQO (Level III) prior to assignment.

• Q10: What experiences are eligible for Experience-Based (E-JDA) credit?

  The experience must align with the statutory definition of "Joint Matters" under Title 10, U.S. Code, including duties involving unified action, strategic planning, interagency operations, or combined operations with allied forces.

• Q11: How can I ensure my joint history remains accurate?

  The individual officer bears ultimate responsibility for auditing their record. Contact the JOMO immediately if you are detaching from a joint command near the 22-month mark, are a FAO/RAO/DATT, or are retiring while assigned to a Joint Command.

Contact Information

For all inquiries regarding Joint Officer History (JOH) audits, Standard Joint Duty Assignment (S-JDA) tour lengths, Constructive Credit verification, or E-JDA submissions, please contact the Joint Officer Matters Office.

(Please allow 2–3 business days for responses to general inquiries and up to 10 business days for the processing and posting of submitted JPME certificates).

• Organizational Inbox: smb_jointmatters_active@usmc.mil
• Joint Officer Matters Officer: Maj Steven Scher
  • Phone (DSN): 278-9280
  • Phone (Commercial): (703) 784-9280
• Assistant Joint Officer Matters Officer: Mr. Simon Hebert
  • Phone (DSN): 278-9280
  • Phone (Commercial): (703) 784-9280