The Marine Corps is looking for nominees for five National Security Agency (NSA) cryptologic internship programs slated for FY27. These are competitive, intensive three-year assignments embedded within the NSA enterprise, followed by a mandatory three-year follow-on tour. The programs are for active-duty enlisted Marines in the 26XX occupational field. Nominations are due to HQMC by 13 March 2026.
Heads up: This is active-duty only. Reserve Marines in the SMCR, IMA, or IRR are not eligible, but unit leaders should know this exists for any 26XX Marines on active orders or considering activation.
Who it affects
Active-duty enlisted Marines in MOS fields 2621, 2631, and 2641. Rank requirements vary by program. This does not apply to SMCR, IMA, or IRR Marines in a drill status.
The five programs and who qualifies:
| Program | Full Name | Qualifying MOS | Ranks |
|---|---|---|---|
| MECCAP | Middle Enlisted Cryptologic Career Advancement Program | 2621, 2631, 2641, 2629 | Sgt-SSgt |
| MSAP | Military Signals Analysis Program | 2621 | Cpl-Sgt |
| MINSAP | Military Intern SIGINT Analyst Program | 2621, 2631, 2641 | Cpl-Sgt |
| MOSAP | Military Operational ELINT Signals Analyst Program | 2631 | Cpl-Sgt |
| MLAP | Military Language Analyst Program | 2641 | Cpl-Sgt |
Additional prerequisites apply to some programs:
- MSAP: Must complete course
N2312J1 (451/461)before arrival, or have equivalent intermediate signals analysis experience. - MOSAP: Must complete Operational ELINT (OPELINT) course
N23CWD1before arrival, or have equivalent ELINT experience. Selectees report to Company A, Marine Cryptologic Support Battalion (MCSB), Buckley AFB, Aurora, CO (all other programs report to Headquarters Company, MCSB, Fort Meade, MD). - MLAP: Must have a minimum Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT) score of L2/R2 in their assigned 27XX language.
What you need to do
If you have an eligible Marine, here is the process:
- Notify MSgt Shane Wilkinson (
shane.wilkinson@usmc.mil) and MSgt Matthew Webb (matthew.a.webb@usmc.mil) before submitting anything to HQMC. - Build the nomination package in naval letter format with O-5 level command endorsement. A sample package is on Intelink (log in required; the MARADMIN has the link).
- Submit as a PDF to
matthew.a.webb@usmc.mil(preferred), or by hard copy to:
Headquarters United States Marine Corps
Intelligence Division (RM1A262B)
3000 Marine Corps Pentagon
(ATTN: MSgt Webb)
Washington, DC 20350-3000
The package must include the Marine's basic info, PFT/CFT results, PME history, cryptologic duty history, personal statement of intent, awards, up to three letters of recommendation, and a Page 11 with the obligated service statement. See paragraph 8 of the MARADMIN for the full checklist.
Service obligation: Selectees incur a six-year obligation (three years in the internship, three years follow-on). Marines must have six years of obligated service remaining by 30 June 2026 and must incur that obligation before detaching from their current command.
Service limits: Marines may not have fewer than four years or more than 14 years of total service as of 1 July 2026. Current assignment must be complete by 31 December 2026.
Key dates
- 20 February 2026: Deadline to request an extension if operational commitments prevent meeting the main deadline.
- 13 March 2026: Nomination packages due at HQMC.
- 30 June 2026: Selectees must have six years of obligated service remaining by this date.
- Q4 CY26: Selectees report to MCSB.
The official version
Full guidance is in MARADMIN 047/26. Direct questions to MSgt Matthew Webb, 2600 Occupational Field Specialist, at matthew.a.webb@usmc.mil or 703-614-3918.
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.