The Marine Corps canceled the FY26 SMCR RAB program effective 19 August 2026. No new Statements of Understanding (SOU) will be generated, routed, or approved under the old program. Reserve Affairs says a replacement MARADMIN with updated eligibility criteria and bonus amounts is coming, but no timeline is given.
Heads up: If your SOU was already approved in TFRS before this message dropped, you are still good, and your bonus terms do not change.
Who it affects
All SMCR Marines, plus commanders, career counselors, and prior service recruiters who are actively working retention or affiliation cases. If you or a Marine in your unit had paperwork in routing or was planning to sign an SOU, that process has stopped.
What you need to do
- If your SOU was already approved in TFRS before 19 August 2026: Nothing. You remain eligible under the original terms.
- If your SOU was in routing but not yet approved: It will not be processed. Wait for the updated program MARADMIN.
- Commanders and career counselors: Notify any Marines currently in the routing process that the program is canceled and a new one is coming. Get ahead of the questions now.
- Everyone else: Hold off on starting any RAB paperwork until the new MARADMIN drops.
Key dates
- 19 August 2026: Cancellation effective. No new SOUs processed from this point.
- Updated program MARADMIN: No date given. Watch for it.
The official version
This is MARADMIN 011/26, which cancels MARADMIN 549/25. For questions, contact Reserve Affairs at SMB_RA_RETENTION@USMC.MIL or call 703-784-9671.
This is written by a reservist, for reservists. It is not an official publication of HQMC or MARFORRES. Always verify guidance with your command or unit S-1 before acting on any article or summary.