Direct Affiliation Program (DAP)

Direct Affiliation into the Marine Corps Reserves offers a pathway for individuals to extend their service beyond active duty. There are numerous opportunities in both the Selected Marine Corps Reserve (SMCR) and Individual Mobilization Augmentee (IMA) components throughout the country. The SMCR has an average of 5-7 thousand available enlisted billets and over 500 officer billets. The IMA program offers specialty advertised billets for Marines though the units Operational Sponsor. These reservists often seamlessly integrate into local communities, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie when faced with relocation after transitioning from the active forces. Joining a reserve unit not only ensures continuity and familiarity but also establishes valuable connections to the job market and the local area through fellow Marines. Benefits such as ongoing promotion, affordable medical and dental coverage, and deployment opportunities further underscore the advantages of involvement with a Marine Corps Reserve unit.

Marines who direct affiliate into the Selective Marine Corps Reserves (SMCR) may be eligible for a bonus of:

5

1-Year Obligation

10

2-Year Obligation

15

3-Year Obligation

Marine Corps Reserves Video Playlist

Marine Forces Reserve Rewind

1:47
Marine Corps Reserve: 108 Years Strong

3:07
Archipelago Endeavor 2024

2:30
UNITAS 2024

1:50
Mountain Training Exercise 4-24

2:51
ITX 4-24

2:38

There are 3 types of affiliation into the reserves via the DAP:

Direct Affiliation Only

No contractual time is required.

Marines serving in the SMCR/IMA are eligible for:

Drill Pay

Drill Pay equal to 2 day’s pay per 1 day of work

SGLI

Servicemen’s Group Life Insurance (SGLI)

Base Privileges

Commissary, Tax-Free Exchanges, Gym Access

Space A Flights

Affordable, flexible travel for eligible members & family

Lateral Move

Enhance career, broaden skills, pursue diverse opportunities

Deployments & Training

Gain experience, build skills, fulfill mission, enhance readiness, teamwork

Promotion

Advance career, demonstrate skills, seize leadership roles, achieve goals

Medical & Dental

Click to view comprehensive coverage options for military service members & families

Service Credit for Reserve Retirement

Service that counts towards retirement benefits and eligibility

Transfer of Education Benefits

Share education benefits with family for their educational pursuits

VISIT AND REVIEW ALL ASSOCIATED MARADMINS RELATED TO THE DIRECT AFFILIATION PROGRAM.

MARADMIN 395/23
MARADMIN 470/22
MARADMIN 475/19
MARADMIN 193/22
MARADMIN 559/18
MARADMIN 369/17
DIFOP

FY24 Direct Affiliation Program

• The FY24 Direct Affiliation Program (DAP) enables Active Component (AC) Marines to transition seamlessly into the Selected Marine Corps Reserve (SMCR) or Individual Mobilization Augmentee (IMA) detachments without a break in service. The program supports Force Design 2030 by shifting from a recruit-and-replace model to an invest-and-retain approach, offering benefits such as a six-month TRICARE Prime extension, eligibility for education benefit transfer, mobilization deferments, travel reimbursements, and other reserve service incentives.

Guaranteed SMCR/IMA billet at the unit of choice if approved before EAS.
Lateral move opportunities into select billets.
Incentives:
- $25,000 for a 3-year obligation
- $10,000 for a 2-year obligation
- $5,000 for a 1-year obligation
Eligibility requires honorable or general discharge, with specific timelines for application submission based on officer and enlisted status.
Reserve commission approval is mandatory for officers before EAS.
Marines must check into their SMCR unit/IMA detachment within 30 days of EAS or risk losing benefits and transfer to IRR.

Marines interested in affiliating via DAP should contact their Career Counselor for further details.