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FY26 Officer Interservice Transfer Program Is Open

MARADMIN 120/26·March 24, 2026·3 min read·Official source
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The Marine Corps has published its FY26 guidance for the Officer Interservice Transfer (IST) program. This is the formal pathway for officers from other branches, Active or Reserve, to transfer into the Active Component of the Marine Corps. If you are currently serving in another service and want to become a Marine officer, this is how you do it.

Bottom line: Other-service officers (O1-O5) can apply now to transfer into the Marine Corps AC. The process takes at least 180 days, so don't wait.

Who it affects

Active and Reserve officers from other services in grades O1 through O5 who want to transfer into the Marine Corps Active Component. This MARADMIN does not apply to Marines trying to transfer out to another service (that is covered separately in MCO 1900.16).

You are not eligible if any of the following apply:

  • You have been deferred from promotion or failed to select for promotion at your current grade
  • You have received mandatory retirement notification for any reason
  • You cannot obtain an approved conditional release (DD Form 368) from your current service

What you need to do

If you are interested in applying, here is the sequence:

  1. Confirm you meet eligibility requirements (grade O1-O5, no promotion failures or retirement notification, able to get a conditional release).
  2. Pass a Marine Corps PFT and CFT within six months of your application date and meet Marine Corps body composition standards. Combat Arms MOS applicants must meet the specific PFT standards in MARADMIN 373/23. Non-Combat Arms applicants are assessed under the standard MCO.
  3. Contact a nearby Marine Corps Officer Selection Office to complete the required Interview Report.
  4. Assemble your application package as a single PDF file, named using the format LAST NAME_EDIPI_IST, and include all required enclosures (listed below).
  5. Route the package through your first O6 commander in your chain of command via standard naval letter to MMOA-3.
  6. Submit the final package to: SMB_MANPOWER_OFFICER_PROGRAMS@USMC.MIL

Required enclosures:

  • Performance evaluations from your current service
  • Approved DD Form 368 (Conditional Release)
  • DD Forms 2807-1 and 2808 (completed by a medical provider)
  • Statement of Service (verified by your admin section)
  • All DD-214s, if applicable
  • Certified NAVMC 11622 with current PFT, CFT, and waist-to-height ratio
  • Completed Interview Report conducted by Marine Corps officers
  • One to three letters of recommendation addressing leadership, technical skills, and overall performance
  • Signed statement from your Special Security Officer (SSO) confirming current clearance level, adjudication date, and TS/SCI eligibility
  • Resume of flying experience (if applicable)
  • Any additional information supporting your ability to serve in the requested MOS

An application template is available on the MMOA-3 website at: https://manpower.usmc.afpims.mil/Divisions/Manpower-Management/Officer-Assignments/Plans-and-Programs-MMOA-3/#tab/retention-and-release

A few things to know once you are selected:

  • You will be career designated with an indefinite end of active service date.
  • You must serve a minimum of 48 months on Active Component from your join date.
  • You will be appointed in the same grade you currently hold, with seniority and a Lineal Control Number (LCN) assigned by MMPB-10. Questions on date of rank or LCN go to: officerpromotions@usmc.mil or (703) 784-9304.
  • Company grade officers (O1-O3) will attend the full six-month Basic Officer Course (BOC) at The Basic School (TBS) in Quantico.
  • Field grade officers will complete an abridged BOC. TECOM determines specific training requirements for each officer.
  • All officers will be assigned an MOS upon joining. You will not compete for an MOS while at TBS. If you fail to complete your Primary MOS school, MMOA-3 will redesignate you based on the needs of the Marine Corps.

Key dates

  • Application deadline: No specific deadline stated, but this MARADMIN cancels on 30 September 2026. Apply well before then.
  • PFT/CFT requirement: Must be completed within six months of application.
  • Processing time: Plan for 180 days or more from submission to final decision.

The official version

Full guidance is in MARADMIN 120/26.

Key references include MCO 1001.65A (Active Component Officer Retention and Prior Service Accessions), SECNAVINST 1000.7G (Interservice Transfer of Officers), DODI 1300.04, and MCO 1900.16 (Separation and Retirement Manual).

Direct questions to MMOA-3: SMB_MANPOWER_OFFICER_PROGRAMS@USMC.MIL or (703) 784-9284 (Maj Schulze or K.D. Gill).

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.

  • Active Component Officer Retention and Prior Service Accessions (MCO 1001.65A)Reference

    This Marine Corps Order governs active component officer retention and prior service accessions. It is cited as a foundational reference for the IST program framework.

  • Interservice Transfer of Officers (SECNAVINST 1000.7G)Reference

    This Secretary of the Navy instruction establishes the policy authority for officers from other services to request a transfer to the Marine Corps. It is one of the two primary policy documents underpinning the IST program.

  • Inter-Service and Inter-Component Transfers of Service Members (DODI 1300.04)Reference

    This DoD instruction sets the overarching Department of Defense rules for transferring between services. It is a required policy basis for all IST requests.

  • Title 10, U.S.C.Reference

    This is the federal statute governing armed forces personnel law. The MARADMIN notes that all IST requests must be made within authorized strength limitations in accordance with Title 10.

  • FY2023 Career Designation Panel 2 Announcement (MARADMIN 373/23)MARADMIN

    This MARADMIN previously removed the IST Program from the Officer Retention Board process. It is also referenced for the PFT standards that Combat Arms MOS applicants must meet.

  • Advance Notification of Changes to the Marine Corps PFT and Body Composition Evaluation Process (MARADMIN 613/25)MARADMIN

    This MARADMIN announced upcoming changes to the PFT and body composition standards. IST applicants need to be aware of these changes as they must pass a current PFT and CFT and meet body composition standards.

  • Marine Corps Physical Fitness and Combat Fitness Tests Order (MCO on PFT/CFT)Reference

    This Marine Corps Order governs the PFT and CFT standards. Non-Combat Arms IST applicants' PFT scores are assessed in accordance with this order.

  • Change 1 to Advance Notification of Changes to the Marine Corps PFT and Body Composition Evaluation Process (MARADMIN 066/26)MARADMIN

    This MARADMIN updated the earlier notification about PFT and body composition changes. IST applicants should review it alongside MARADMIN 613/25 to understand the current fitness standards they must meet.

  • Separation and Retirement Manual (MCO 1900.16)Reference

    This Marine Corps Order covers separation and retirement procedures. The MARADMIN directs Marines who want to transfer out of the Marine Corps to another service to consult this order instead of the IST program guidance.

  • MMOA-3 IST Application Template (MMOA-3 website)

    This page on the MMOA-3 website hosts the application template for the IST program. Officers applying to transfer into the Marine Corps should start here to download the required packet format.

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