The Marine Corps has put out coordinating guidance for Modern Day Marine (MDM) 2026, an annual industry expo and professional development event. It runs April 28-30 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in D.C. Reservists can attend for drill points, but unit approval is required first.
Bottom line: Reservists can earn drill points for attending, but you need your unit's sign-off before you go.
Who it affects
Any reservist who wants to attend, particularly those in or near the National Capital Region. Attendance is encouraged but not mandatory. Unit leadership decides whether it counts as an appointed place of duty or drill points.
What you need to do
- Get unit approval to attend and confirm your drill point or duty status before registering.
- Register at
marinemilitaryexpos.com(free for all service members; registration is open now and also available on-site). - Plan your transportation. Parking is limited. Shuttle service runs from Quantico and from Henderson Hall at the Pentagon. Units can request a free bus through the event website.
- Wear Service "C." Speakers wear Service "A."
Key dates
- April 28-30, 2026: MDM 2026 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, D.C.
- Registration: Open now at
marinemilitaryexpos.com
The official version
See MARADMIN 027/26 for full coordinating instructions. Transportation details and unit bus requests are at marinemilitaryexpos.com/travel-information. POC is LtCol N.C. Mannweiler at nicholas.mannweiler@usmc.mil.
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.