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
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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.
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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
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MOS Lateral Moves: Executes the competitive boards for officers seeking to transition to a new Primary Military Occupational Specialty (PMOS).
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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
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Inter-Service Transfers (IST): Processes requests for officers seeking to transfer from a sister service to the Marine Corps.
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Return to Active Duty (RAD): Manages the application and selection process for former officers requesting to return to the active component.
Program Overview
Career Designation (CD) is the competitive, force-shaping process utilized by Headquarters Marine Corps to determine which company-grade officers will be offered the opportunity to continue active service beyond their initial active service obligation.
The primary objective of the CD process is to retain the best and most fully qualified officers on active duty. This process systematically manages the active-component officer population within each Year of Commissioned Service (YCS) to support health-of-the-force guidelines, rank structure alignment, and optimal promotion timing to the grade of Major.
Screening Eligibility
The eligibility criteria for Career Designation is based on standard active duty service time post-qualification, replacing the historical requirement of observed fitness report time.
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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 Military Occupational Specialty (PMOS) from their PMOS-awarding school.
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Cutoff Date: To be eligible for screening on an upcoming board, officers must meet the 540-day PMOS criteria by the specific cutoff date designated in that board's solicitation MARADMIN (typically established in close proximity to the board's convening date).
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Roster Audit: MMOA-3 publishes the official service eligibility roster via MARADMIN prior to the convening of each board. Officers are strongly encouraged to actively verify their inclusion on these rosters.
Career Designation Panel (CDP) Schedule & Resources
Headquarters Marine Corps convenes two Career Designation Panels per fiscal year to align with standard expiration of active service (EAS) cycles and accession patterns.
Official Board Documents & Rosters
(Links will be updated continuously as MARADMINs and rosters are published for the active fiscal year).
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Career Designation Board
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Convene Date
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Solicitation MARADMIN
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Eligibility Roster
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Results MARADMIN
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Selected Officer Roster
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FY26 CDP-2
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27 July 2026
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Pending Release
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Pending Release
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FY26 CDP-1
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4 February 2026 |
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EAS Extensions for Initial CD Screening (First-Look Only)
If an officer meets the 540-day eligibility requirement but their current Expiration of Active Service (EAS) does not naturally extend to the board's cutoff requirement, the officer must proactively request an EAS extension to be screened.
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Contract Requirement: Your EAS must extend at least 4 months past the board's convening date to ensure contract continuity throughout the screening and selection-release process.
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Guaranteed Approval: Pursuant to MCO 1001.65A, EAS extensions requested strictly to allow an officer to reach their initial career designation screening are guaranteed.
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Submission Procedures: Officers in this highly specific category must submit an Administrative Action (AA) Form (NAVMC 10274). Command endorsement is not required for this initial screening extension.
- Failure of Selection Warning: This extension process is strictly reserved for an officer's first look. Extensions will not be granted to officers who have been considered previously but failed selection and desire a subsequent screening opportunity.
References
MCO 1001.65A: Active Duty Officer Retention and Release.
Q1: Do I need to submit a package to screen for Career Designation?
A: No. If you meet the 540-day PMOS threshold by the designated cutoff date and possess the required EAS contract timeline to reach the board, your screening is automatic. You do not need to submit an application, AA form, or command endorsement to be considered by the panel.
Q2: What is the timeline and process for accepting Career Designation once selected?
A: 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.
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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.
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Obligation: Upon accepting CD, your EAS will be changed to indefinite (00000000) and you will incur a 24-month active duty service obligation. This service obligation runs concurrently with any existing or future obligations, such as PCS orders.
Q3: What happens if I decline the offer of Career Designation?
A: If you formally decline (or fail to respond to the offer 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?
A: Yes, conditionally. If you naturally possess enough contract time remaining 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?
A: No. EAS extensions will not be granted to officers who have been considered previously but failed selection and simply desire a subsequent screening opportunity. If you fail selection and your EAS arrives prior to the next board, you will execute your EAS.
Q6: How does accepting Career Designation impact my slating or orders?
A: Accepting CD signifies your commitment to continued service, making you eligible for long-term career progression and standard slating. This includes eligibility for permanent change of station (PCS) orders and competitive PMOS lateral moves. Career designation is intended to be completely separated from the assignments process handled by your monitor.
Program Overview & Purpose
Pursuant to MCO 1001.65A, Enclosure (2), an Extension of Active Duty (EAD) is an administrative action to temporarily extend an Active Component officer's Expiration of Active Service (EAS). The primary purpose of the EAD program 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 for any EAS extension, officers must satisfy the following service-wide baselines:
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Commissioned Service Limit: Requests for extensions that would push an officer's service beyond six Years of Commissioned Service (YCS) will not normally be considered.
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EAS Window: Officers must have no more than 18 months and no less than 4 months remaining before their current EAS.
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Ineligibility due to Promotion Status:
Justification for Extension Requests
Approval of an administrative EAD is determined on a case-by-case basis by MMOA-3. Valid justifications for an extension request include:
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Operational or Assignment Commitments: To satisfy a critical unit deployment or meet a minimum overseas Tour on Station (TOS) requirement.
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Humanitarian Reasons: To resolve acute, documented personal hardships or medical/family emergencies.
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Specialized Training or Transition: To support officers in unique training pipelines (e.g., aviation accessions) where additional obligated service is required for a new school or lateral transition board.
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Initial Career Designation Screening: If you require an extension solely to be considered by your first Career Designation panel, do not use the general process below. For the specific (and guaranteed) extension process for initial CD screening, please refer to the guidance on the Career Designation Panel Tab.
Submission Procedures
This process applies to all requests except for initial Career Designation screening.
1. Draft the AA Form (Blank AA Form Template) Your AA Form must explicitly state:
- Your current, verified EAS.
- The exact target EAS date being requested (typically capped at 12 months).
- A detailed, professional justification for the request.
2. Command Endorsement
- All operational, humanitarian, or special circumstance EAD requests must be formally endorsed by the first O-5 (Lieutenant Colonel) or above in your chain of command.
3: Submit Your Package
- Submission Email: smbmanpowerofficerpr@usmc.mil
- Required File Naming Convention: L.NAME_EDIPI (e.g., SMITH_1234567890.pdf).
- Subject Line Format: EAS Extension Request - [Last Name, First Name] - [Rank] - [PMOS]
Program Overview
The 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 PMOS. 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.
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.
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Governing MARADMIN: All applications must be submitted in accordance with the current fiscal year's announcement MARADMIN. This document lists the specific MOSs open for lateral moves, eligibility criteria, and submission deadlines.
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Submission Template:
1702 Cyberspace Warfare Officer Lateral Move Program
Due to the unique and highly technical requirements of the cyberspace community, officers seeking to lateral move into the 1702 PMOS are managed via a separate and distinct process. This program has its own MARADMIN, application, and selection board.
Step-by-Step Submission Procedures
The following process applies to all lateral move requests.
1. Review the MARADMIN
2. Engage Your Monitor and the Gaining Occupational Field
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Discuss your intent to request a lateral move with your current PMOS monitor.
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Contact the gaining occupational field sponsor or MOS specialist to understand the specific requirements and career implications of the new community.
3. Prepare Your Application
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Complete the correct AA form template for your desired program.
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Gather all required supporting documentation as specified in the MARADMIN (e.g., transcripts, letters of recommendation, fitness reports).
4. Submit Your Package
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- Required 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 MOS]
Lateral move decisions will be communicated to the Marine via separate correspondence within 90 days of receipt by MMOA-3.
Program Overview
The Retention and Release Officer (RRO) is responsible for the staffing and processing of 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 and demanding 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:
Current Board Information (FY27)
This section provides the official announcement MARADMINs for the current fiscal year's aviation boards. Review the appropriate MARADMIN for specific eligibility criteria, prerequisites, and application deadlines.
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Official Guidance:
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Board Results:
Application Templates & Submission
All applications must be submitted via AA Form using the correct template for the desired program.
Application Templates:
Submission Process:
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Required File Naming Convention: L.NAME_EDIPI_BoardName (e.g., SMITH_1234567890_FAB.pdf).
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Subject Line Format: [Board Name] Application - [Last Name, First Name]
Program Overview
The Marine Acquisition Officer (MAO) program is designed to develop a professional corps of acquisition officers who meet the statutory requirements of the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) and are competitive for selection to Program Management and other Key Leadership Positions (KLPs).
In the Marine Corps, acquisition is not an entry-level MOS. Officers first gain experience by cycling between their primary MOS in the operating forces and an initial acquisition tour. Following this tour, officers are designated as "Acquisition Candidates." On a voluntary basis, these candidates can then request to lateral move into the 8059 (Aviation) or 8061 (Ground) Acquisition PMOS via a competitive selection panel managed by MMOA-3.
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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.
Application Process:
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Review the MARADMIN: Ensure you meet all prerequisites for your desired MOS (8059 or 8061).
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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 acquisition-specific qualifications.
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Prepare Your Application: Complete the AA Form and gather all required endorsements and supporting documents as specified in the MARADMIN.
Application Templates:
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Submit Your Package:
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Required File Naming Convention: RANK_LAST NAME_EDIPI_ACQSP (e.g., MAJ_SMITH_1234567890_ACQSP.PDF).
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Subject Line Format: Acquisition PMOS Panel - [Last Name, First Name]
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 and management as company-grade officers. The Limited Duty Officer (LDO) is an officer in a competitive category, designated for officer duties in a technical field that requires extensive training and experience.
This program is managed by the Retention and Release Officer (RRO) and selections are made by an annual board, in accordance with the governing Marine Corps Order.
Core Eligibility Criteria (MCO 1040.42B, Ch. 3)
To be eligible for consideration by the CWO to LDO selection board, Chief Warrant Officers must meet the following criteria:
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Citizenship: Must be a citizen of the United States.
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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.
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PMOS and Grade: Must be a CWO2, CWO3, or CWO4 in a specific MOS listed in the current fiscal year's announcement MARADMIN. CWO5s are not eligible for this program.
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Disciplinary Action: Must not have any disciplinary action in their record.
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Education: Must have a high school diploma or GED.
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Physical Fitness: Must be physically qualified for appointment as determined by the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED).
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Security Clearance: Must meet the security clearance requirements for the LDO MOS for which they are applying.
Application & Submission Procedures
The application process is detailed in the annual announcement MARADMIN and requires the submission of a comprehensive package.
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MARADMIN: The MARADMIN provides the specific MOSs being considered, application deadlines, and any additional instructions for the current fiscal year's board.
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Application Form: The primary application document is the AA Form, which must be routed for command endorsements.
Application Package Contents:
In addition to the AA form, a complete application package must include all documents specified in the MARADMIN, such as:
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Letters of recommendation.
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A personal statement.
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Certified copies of all civilian and military education transcripts.
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Any other required documentation.
Submission Process:
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Required File Naming Convention: L.NAME_EDIPI_LDO (e.g., SMITH_1234567890_LDO.pdf).
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Subject Line Format: 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
Program Overview
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 and initial point of contact for this process.
The program is designed to meet the needs of the Marine Corps by accepting officers who possess the requisite skills, experience, and leadership potential to succeed in the MAGTF. All applications are reviewed for determination on a rolling basis.
Core Eligibility & Process
The IST program is governed by a combination of DoD, SECNAV, and Marine Corps orders, with specific MOS opportunities and eligibility criteria published annually via MARADMIN.
General Application Process:
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Review All Guidance: Applicants are required to read the current MARADMIN and all governing policies (listed below) to understand the full scope of the program.
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Obtain a Conditional Release: Applicants must obtain a DD Form 368, Request for Conditional Release, endorsed by their current service's personnel headquarters. This is a mandatory prerequisite for the application.
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Complete the Application Package: The application requires a comprehensive package, including the endorsed DD Form 368, an Interview Board Report, and all other documents specified in the MARADMIN.
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Submit for Determination: Complete packages are submitted directly to MMOA-3 for review and determination.
Application & Submission Procedures
All IST application packages must be submitted in the required format to the Officer Programs inbox.
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Required File Naming Convention: L.NAME_EDIPI_IST (e.g., SMITH_1234567890_IST.pdf).
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Subject Line Format: Inter-Service Transfer Application - [Last Name, First Name] - [Current Service]
Required Forms & References
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.
Program Overview
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 is governed by the policies outlined in MCO 1001.65A.
Selections are made by a competitive board process designed to meet the needs of the active component by bringing in officers who possess critical skills and experience.
Core Eligibility Criteria
This program is exclusively for officers currently serving in the Marine Corps Reserve. To be eligible, you must be affiliated with one of the following:
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Selected Marine Corps Reserve (SMCR)
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Individual Mobilization Augmentee (IMA)
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Individual Ready Reserve (IRR)
Additional Eligibility Requirements (from MCO 1001.65A):
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Must be a commissioned officer in the Reserve Component.
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Must meet the physical fitness and medical standards for retention.
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Must not have been passed over for promotion in the reserve component.
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Must meet any specific PMOS, grade, and time-in-service requirements as specified in the current fiscal year's announcement MARADMIN.
Application & Submission Procedures
The RAD application process is governed by the annual MARADMIN, which provides the timeline, specific MOS requirements, and any additional instructions for that year's board.
Application Process:
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Review All Guidance: Applicants must thoroughly read MCO 1001.65A and the current MARADMIN to ensure they meet all eligibility requirements.
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Prepare the Application Package: Complete the AA Form and gather all required supporting documentation as specified in the MARADMIN. This often includes letters of recommendation, fitness reports, and a personal statement.
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Secure Command Endorsements: The AA Form and application must be routed for all required command endorsements.
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Submit Your Package:
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Required File Naming Convention: L.NAME_EDIPI_RAD (e.g., SMITH_1234567890_RAD.pdf).
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Subject Line Format: 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