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FY27 HMX-1 Pilot Selection Panel Opens for Active-Duty Rotary Wing and Tiltrotor Pilots

MARADMIN 020/26·January 22, 2026·1 min read·Official source
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HMX-1, the Presidential helicopter squadron at Quantico, is running its FY27 pilot selection panel starting around 15 May 2026. The application window is open now and closes 15 April 2026. This one is for active-duty pilots only.

Heads up: This MARADMIN explicitly does not apply to the Marine Corps Reserve. No action required for SMCR, IMA, or IRR Marines.

Who it affects

Active-duty Captains, Majors, and Lieutenant Colonels with a rotary wing or tiltrotor MOS. Reserve component commissioned officers are listed by name in the ineligibility criteria. This is not a reservist opportunity.

What you need to do

Nothing. If you are SMCR, IMA, or IRR, this panel is closed to you by policy. No action required.

If you are an active-duty pilot and stumbled here, the short version: email your intent to Major Zachary Behler at Zachary.J.Behler@whmo.mil, contact your monitor for concurrence, and submit your security pre-screen and pilot application package before the deadline. Tour lengths are 36 months for tiltrotor and 48 months for rotary wing. Full details are in the MARADMIN.

Key dates

  • Now: Application window open, recruiting roadshow running through April 2026
  • 15 April 2026: Application deadline (late or incomplete packages will not be considered without prior approval)
  • ~15 May 2026: FY27 selection panel convenes

The official version

Full text at MARADMIN 020/26. The panel is governed by MCO 1326.7F (HMX-1 selection and screening criteria), MCO 1300.8 CH.2 (personnel assignment policy), and MCO 3500.109A (aviation weapons and tactics training program).

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.

Resources & references

The documents this bulletin points to, with a plain-English note on why each matters. Links marked CAC required need a government login.

  • HMX-1 Selection and Screening Criteria order (MCO 1326.7F)Reference

    This is the governing order that defines the specific and stringent criteria mandated by the White House Military Office for Marines seeking assignment to HMX-1. It is the primary authority for eligibility and screening requirements described throughout this MARADMIN.

  • Marine Corps Personnel Assignment Policy (MCO 1300.8 CH.2)Reference

    This order governs personnel assignment policy, including time-on-station requirements, tour length modifications, and the waiver approval process that applicants and commanders must follow when submitting TOS or WTI payback waivers.

  • Marine Corps Aviation Weapons and Tactics Training Program (MCO 3500.109A)Reference

    This order covers the Weapons and Tactics Instructor program. It is relevant to WTI applicants who must meet the 18-month post-graduation service requirement before being eligible to transfer to HMX-1.

  • HMX-1 Recruiting page (Officer Recruiting tab)

    This page covers how officer volunteers apply to HMX-1, the squadron that flies the President, including the annual Pilot Selection Panel process and the required pre-screen and volunteer forms. Reserve officers interested in pursuing orders to HMX-1 can find application instructions, required forms, and the officer recruiter contact here.

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FY27 HMX-1 Pilot Selection Panel Opens for Active-Duty Rotary Wing and Tiltrotor Pilots — Reservable