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 Defense (DoD) organizations and non-DoD federal departments and agencies. A small, sensitive subset of those assignments constitutes the
Select Billet Program.
When applying to the Select Billet Program, you are applying to serve in one of these sensitive positions. Some of these select billets may be
joint-credit eligible and almost all are characterized by a demanding operational pace.
- Geographic Locations: While the majority of these billets are located within the National Capital Region (NCR) and North Carolina, opportunities also exist at several other CONUS and OCONUS locations.
- Eligibility Parameters:
- Officers: Minimum rank is typically Captain (O-3), with the bulk of available allocations tailored for Majors (O-4) and Lieutenant Colonels (O-5).
- MOS Distribution: Opportunities exist across a wide variety of occupational fields, with primary demand centered in Communications (06XX), Intelligence (02XX), Aviation (75XX), Combat Arms (03XX/18XX/08XX), Reconnaissance (0321), and Special Operations (0372). Other MOSs may be eligible depending on active billet vacancies at the time of submission.
Career Considerations & Mentorship
While these assignments offer unparalleled operational experience and joint exposure, they often fall outside the traditional bounds of Primary Military Occupational Specialty (PMOS) progression.
- Career Risk Assessment: Many of these roles do not carry the formal designation of a PMOS "key developmental billet" based on grade. It is imperative that every applicant critically evaluates the potential career implications associated with a non-standard assignment prior to applying.
- Mandatory Consultation: Before submitting an application, officers are highly advised to consult directly with their respective PMOS Assignment Monitor and Career Counselor. This dialogue ensures that a potential assignment to the Select Billet Program aligns with the officer's individual career trajectory and long-term 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 service and agency eligibility requirements.
1.
Administrative Screening: Upon receipt of your Initial Screening Questionnaire (ISQ), the program managers verify basic eligibility (completeness, rank/MOS match to open vacancies, and timing for orders). Applicants will receive an email confirmation within
30 days of receipt.
2.
Monitor Concurrence: Program managers will contact your PMOS monitor to verify assignment availability.
Your monitor has final authority regarding your eligibility to receive orders to a select billet. If you already have orders, or if you have been selected for command, resident school, or another program, you will not be considered.
3.
Agency Review & Assessment: If your monitor concurs, your sanitized application is forwarded to the select organizations. If an agency is interested in your candidacy, they will contact you directly to initiate their specific vetting process. This may include a more detailed security application and a formal assessment or selection period lasting from
1 to 6 weeks.
4.
Final Selection: Selected officers will be notified formally and will receive PCS/PCA orders. Non-selected officers will be notified accordingly. Applications are valid for
one hiring cycle only. Applications are not archived; you must submit a new ISQ to be considered in future fiscal years.
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. Because billets are filled on a rolling basis as qualified applications are received, it is in your best interest to apply as soon after 01 June as possible.
- The Deadlines: Billets for the following summer are typically fully slated and filled by 31 December.
- Off-Cycle Opportunities: On rare occasions, "off-cycle" vacancies occur during the winter or spring. These targeted openings will be actively solicited through the appropriate occupational field sponsors and PMOS monitors.
Instructions: How to Apply
To apply for a select billet, officers must complete the Initial Screening Questionnaire (ISQ) and submit it via secure email.
1. Download the Form:
Download the External Billet Initial Screening Questionnaire (ISQ)
2. Draft Your Application: You may apply to the program without knowing the specific details of the sensitive organizations or billets; your application will automatically be screened against all vacancies for which you are a viable candidate.
a.
Strict Security Directive: Do not use specific unit names, nor identify specific installations or sensitive locations in your application. Ensure the content of your email and ISQ remains entirely
UNCLASSIFIED.
b.
Expressing Preferences: To indicate geographic or occupational preferences, refer only to general regions or skill sets.
Permissible Examples: "I wish to be considered for a select billet in the National Capital Region." or "I do not wish to be considered for select billets in the Tidewater area of VA." or "I wish to advertise my background in cyberspace and signals intelligence."
If no preference: Simply 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 Select Billet Applications inbox:
Submission Email: SMB_Select_Billet_Applications@usmc.mil
For general inquiries or to learn more about active opportunities, contact your PMOS assignment monitor.