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

Career Designation Board	Solicitation	Eligibility Roster	Results MARADMIN	Selected Roster
FY27 CDP-2	Pending	Pending	Pending	Pending
FY27 CDP-1	Pending	Pending	Pending	Pending
FY26 CDP-2	📄	📄🔒	📄	Pending
FY26 CDP-1	📄	📄🔒	📄	📄🔒

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
• 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]

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.

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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)

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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.

17XX CYBERSPACE & INFORMATION OFFICER LATERAL MOVES

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Program Overview

This section is for qualified active component officers seeking to lateral move into the 17XX occupational field, which includes Cyberspace Warfare, Space Operations, and Information Maneuver. This program is designed to identify and develop officers with the specific technical and operational skills required to succeed in the information environment.

Due to the unique and highly technical requirements of this field, the 17XX lateral move process is managed separately from the general officer lateral move program.

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General Lateral Move Program

This section applies to all officers seeking to lateral move into the 1702, 1706, or 1707 PMOS.

• Governing MARADMIN: The announcement MARADMIN is the primary source for all specific prerequisites, technical requirements, eligibility criteria, and submission deadlines. All applications must be submitted in accordance with this guidance.
  • FY27 Solicitation of Lateral Moves to the 17XX Community (MARADMIN 433/25)

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Available MOSs & Career Paths

• 1702 - Cyberspace Warfare Officer:
  • Focus: Plan and execute defensive and offensive cyberspace operations.
• 1706 - Cyberspace Operations Officer (Space):
  • Focus: Officers selected for this path will attend the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) to earn a Master of Science in Space Systems Operations (Curriculum 8866).
• 1707 - Information Maneuver Officer:
  • Focus: Plan and integrate information-related capabilities to create effects in the information environment.

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Application & Submission Procedures

1. Review the MARADMIN: Thoroughly read the current MARADMIN to ensure you meet all technical and professional eligibility criteria for your desired MOS.
2. Engage Your Monitor & OccField: Discuss your intent with your current PMOS monitor. You must also contact the 17XX occupational field sponsor to initiate any required technical screenings or interviews.
3. Prepare Your Application: Complete the AA Form and gather all required supporting documentation and endorsements as specified in the MARADMIN.
   • Download the 17XX Lateral Move AA Form Template
4. Submit Your Package:
   • Submission Email: SMB_MANPOWER_OFFICER_PROGRAMS@USMC.MIL
   • File Naming Convention: `L.NAME_EDIPI_LM(Desired_MOS)` (e.g., `SMITH_1234567890_LM(1706).pdf`)
   • Subject Line Format: `Lateral Move Request - [Last Name, First Name] - [Desired PMOS]`

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.

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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.

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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]`

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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

AVIATION TRANSITION/CONVERSION (T/C) BOARD

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Program Overview

The Aviation Transition/Conversion (T/C) Board is a critical force-shaping tool that manages the inventory of specific aviation communities. The board provides a competitive opportunity for qualified Marine aviators to transition or convert from one aircraft platform to another, based on the needs of the Marine Corps.

This program is managed by the Retention and Release Officer (RRO) and convenes annually to select the most qualified candidates to fill specific inventory shortfalls.

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Core Eligibility & Service Obligation

The eligibility criteria are detailed in the annual announcement MARADMIN and vary by aircraft community. Key prerequisites generally include:

• Aviation Status: Must be a qualified Naval Aviator in a specific PMOS that is designated as eligible to transition out.
• Grade & Experience: Must meet the specific grade, flight leadership qualifications (e.g., Section Leader, Division Leader), and total flight hour requirements listed in the MARADMIN.
• Time on Station: Must be able to complete the prescribed tour length or obtain a waiver.

Service Obligation:

• Officers selected for Transition/Conversion will incur a new active-duty service obligation upon completion of their new aircraft training.

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Application & Submission Procedures

1. Review the MARADMIN: This is the mandatory first step. The MARADMIN provides the definitive list of which communities are accepting applications, the specific prerequisites for each, and all submission deadlines.
2. Engage Your Monitor: Discuss your intent to apply with your MMOA-2 PMOS monitor to ensure proper career timing and to understand the implications of a successful transition.
3. Prepare the Application Package: Complete the AA Form and gather all required supporting documentation and endorsements as specified in the MARADMIN.
   • Download the Transition/Conversion (T/C) AA Form Template
4. Submit Your Package:
   • Submission Email: smb_manpower_officer_programs@usmc.mil
   • File Naming Convention: `L.NAME_EDIPI_TC.pdf`
   • Subject Line Format: `Transition/Conversion Board Application - [Last Name, First Name]`

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Official Guidance & Results

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

aviation pERSONNEL EXCHANGE program & INTER-SERVICE EXCHANGE (PEP/ISE) BOARD

The Aviation Personnel Exchange Program (PEP) and Inter-Service Exchange (ISE) Board is a competitive selection panel that identifies highly qualified Marine aviators for unique assignments outside the traditional fleet environment. These programs are critical for fostering interoperability and providing officers with invaluable career-broadening experience.

This board selects officers for three distinct programs:

1. Personnel Exchange Program (PEP): Service with the air forces of allied and partner nations.
2. Inter-Service Exchange (ISE): Service with other U.S. military branches (Air Force, Navy, Army, Coast Guard).
3. Test Pilot School (TPS): Assignment to the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School.

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Core Eligibility & Service Obligation

Eligibility criteria vary significantly for each program and are detailed in the annual announcement MARADMIN. Key prerequisites generally include:

• Aviation Status: Must be a qualified Naval Aviator or Naval Flight Officer with specific aircraft qualifications.
• Grade & Experience: Must meet the grade, flight leadership qualifications, and flight hour requirements for the desired billet.
• Career Timing: Must be able to complete the prescribed tour length.

Service Obligation:

• Officers selected for any of these programs will incur a service obligation upon completion of their assignment or training.

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Application & Submission Procedures

1. Review the MARADMIN: This is the mandatory first step. The MARADMIN provides the definitive list of available billets, the specific prerequisites for each, and all submission deadlines.
2. Engage Your Monitor: Discuss your intent to apply with your MMOA-2 PMOS monitor to ensure proper career timing and understand the career implications of the assignment.
3. Prepare the Application Package: Complete the appropriate application form and gather all required supporting documents as specified in the MARADMIN. Note that TPS has a unique Letter of Intent requirement.
   • Download the PEP & ISE AA Form Template
   • Download the Test Pilot School (TPS) Letter of Intent Template
4. Submit Your Package:
   • Submission Email: smb_manpower_officer_programs@usmc.mil
   • File Naming Convention: `L.NAME_EDIPI_Program` (e.g., `SMITH_1234567890_PEP.pdf`).
   • Subject Line Format: `[Program Name] Application - [Last Name, First Name]`

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Official Guidance & Results

• Governing MARADMIN:
  • FY27 Aviation PEP & ISE Board 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