The Marine Corps is soliciting nominees for the Marine Corps Enlisted Aide Program (MCEAP). Enlisted aides support general officers by handling duties tied to their official and social responsibilities, including work at high-profile facilities like Presidential Food Service and the Chairman's Dining Room. This is an active duty billet, not a reserve program, but reserve commanders with active duty 3381s in their reach should be aware.
Heads up: This program is for active duty MOS 3381 Marines only. If you're SMCR or IMA, this doesn't apply to you directly, but food service leaders should know it exists.
Who it affects
Active duty food service specialists (PMOS 3381), Corporal through Staff Sergeant. All other MOSs and all RC-only Marines are out of scope.
Prerequisites are specific:
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| MOS | 3381 PMOS only |
| Grade | Corporal through Staff Sergeant |
| PFT/CFT | 1st class required |
| Height/waist | Must be within standards |
| PME | Complete in grade |
| Reenlistment | Must be eligible |
| PCS | Must be eligible |
| Clearance | Eligible for Secret |
| Legal/admin | No pending legal matters, no adverse FITREPs or derogatory paperwork in grade |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen, or willing to relinquish dual citizenship |
| Driver's license | Valid, required |
What you need to do
If you are a food service leader or commander, identify qualified volunteers and build a nomination package. Packages require command endorsement from the first Colonel in the chain of command or the MSC Chief of Staff.
Submit packages by email to:
brian.brazil@usmc.mil(MCEAP Program Manager)blanquivett.cuz@usmc.mil(MCEAP SNCOIC)
Packages must arrive within 90 days of the nominee's initial submission. The package must be submitted in this order:
- NAVMC 10274 (Administrative Action Form) with command endorsements
- Professional biography
- Statement of purpose (typed, double-spaced, 12pt font, one page max) including future career plans and culinary experience
- Letter of recommendation from the G-4 Food Technician
- Current promotion photo in Service Charlies
- Current BIR/BTR
- Service Pages 3, 11, and 12 (if applicable)
- Security clearance letter
- Independent Duty Screening Checklist
- Commanding Officer's Financial Worksheet
- PME certificates and culinary certifications (if applicable)
Include the nominating unit's address, POC, and phone number with the package.
Document templates are available at the MCEAP website: https://www.barracks.marines.mil/Units/Marine-Corps-Enlisted-Aide-Program/
Selected nominees will attend a two-week orientation in the National Capital Region before final selection. Travel and lodging are covered by MCEAP, as long as the full package was received beforehand.
Key dates
- Packages must be received within 90 days of the nominee's initial submission
- No hard calendar deadline is stated in this MARADMIN. Subsequent submission windows will be announced separately based on recruitment needs.
The official version
MARADMIN 129/26 is the source. The governing order is MCO 1306.18B (Marine Corps Enlisted Aide Program). Contact the MCEAP team at MCEAP@USMC.MIL or by phone at 202-433-2523.
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.