Plans and Programs (MMOA-3)

Who We Are

Plans and Programs (MMOA-3) operates at the core of the Marine Corps' Human Resource Development Process (HRDP). While MMOA-1 (Ground) and MMOA-2 (Aviation) manage individual PMOS slating, MMOA-3 administers the non-statutory boards and programs that govern an officer's broader career progression.

our mission

MMOA-3 executes the strategic assignment, retention, and professional development of the Active Component Officer Corps. We manage the Commandant's Education Boards, Command Screening Boards, Joint Officer Management, and Career Designation programs to ensure the highest-performing talent is selected for strategic investment.

Our goal is to balance the paramount needs of the Marine Corps—enhancing combat readiness and unit lethality—with the individual talent, career aspirations, and equitable development of every Marine Officer.

Talent Management philosophy

Every program, board, and assignment executed by MMOA is governed by the foundational assignment policies of MCO 1300.8 and MCO 5250.1. Officers participating in MMOA-3 programs must understand the following career obligations:

needs of the service are paramount

• MAGTF readiness and valid staffing requirements always drive assignment decisions.

• Service requirements will prevail when competing with individual preferences or family considerations.

best and fully qualified

• Selection for command, resident education, and key leadership billets is fiercely competitive.

• Board selections are based strictly on demonstrated performance and future potential.

concurrent obligations

• All service obligations (such as PCS retainability and educational payback tours) run concurrently.

• An officer cannot separate from the Marine Corps until all forms of obligated service are satisfied.

return on investment

• Graduate education, fellowships, and specialized training are strategic investments.

• Selection for these programs incurs a mandatory, follow-on utilization tour.

• The length of your payback/utilization tour is directly proportional to the length of the academic program attended.

tour vs assignment

• A Tour refers to the overall time spent at a geographic location as prescribed by the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR).

• An Assignment refers to a specific billet an officer holds within that tour.

• Officers may execute multiple billet assignments while completing a single geographic tour.

Manpower Management Division

Officer Assignments (MMOA)

Physical Address

3280 Russell Road
Quantico, VA 22134-5103

Bldg Direction

3rd Floor of Marsh Center