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FY27 Field Accession Board is open for active duty officers who want to fly

MARADMIN 137/26·March 30, 2026·1 min read·Official source
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The Marine Corps has announced the FY27 Field Accession Board (FAB), which gives active duty officers a shot at transitioning into Marine Aviation. The board convenes on or about 4 May 2026. Two programs are available: MQ-9 pilot (MOS 7318) and Naval Aviator (75XX series).

Heads up: This MARADMIN explicitly states it does not apply to the Marine Corps Reserve. If you are SMCR, IMA, or IRR, this is awareness only.

Who it affects

Active duty Marine officers only. The MARADMIN states directly that it is not applicable to the Marine Corps Reserve. Reserve Marines have no action here.

What you need to do

Nothing, if you are a reservist. This MARADMIN does not apply to SMCR, IMA, or IRR Marines. If you are an active duty officer curious about this program, see the key dates and contact info below.

Key dates

  • 20 April 2026 at 2359 EST: All applications and any exception to policy requests due
  • 4 May 2026 (on or about): FAB convenes
  • 4 June 2026: Applicants must have fewer than five years commissioned service by this date
  • 1 July 2026: Applicants must have 18 months time-on-station by this date

The official version

Full details are in MARADMIN 137/26. The governing order for field accession of Naval Aviators and Naval Flight Officers is MCO 1542.1H. Applications go to SMB_MANPOWER_OFFICER_PROGRAMS@USMC.MIL, labeled as EDIPI_LastName_FAB. Application templates are on the MMOA-3 Manpower Website. Questions on the application process go to Maj Kitasato at MMOA-3; aviation-specific questions go to Capt Moreno at MMOA-2.

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.

  • Transition Conversion Training for Marine Naval Aviators and NFOs (MCO 1331.2K)Reference

    This order governs transition and conversion training for Marine Naval Aviators and Naval Flight Officers. FAB applicants should review it to understand training pathways relevant to their desired aviation program.

  • Marine Corps Aviator Production Processes and Stakeholder Responsibilities (MCO 1520.29)Reference

    This order covers how the Marine Corps manages aviator production and the roles of the various stakeholders involved. It provides context for how a Field Accession selectee fits into the broader aviation pipeline.

  • Marine Corps Personnel Assignment Policy (MCO 1300.8 w/Change 1)Reference

    This order governs how Marine officers are assigned, including PCS order processes. It is relevant to FAB selectees who will receive new orders and a new active duty service contract.

  • Field Accession of Naval Aviators and Naval Flight Officers (MCO 1542.1H)Reference

    This is the primary governing order for the Field Accession Board program. This MARADMIN directs all applicants to review it for additional eligibility requirements.

  • Aviation Training and Readiness Program Manual (NAVMC 3500.14E CH-1)Reference

    This manual defines aviation training and readiness standards for Marine aviation. It is one of the governing references for the FY27 FAB process.

  • Minimum Service Obligation for Pilots (U.S.C. Title 10, Section 653)Reference

    This section of federal law sets the minimum active duty service obligation for military pilots. FAB selectees will incur an ADSO, and this law underpins those requirements.

  • U.S. Navy Aeromedical Reference and Waiver Guide (USARWG)Reference

    This guide defines the medical requirements and waiver processes for aviation candidates. Both MQ-9 and Naval Aviator FAB applicants must meet specific medical requirements outlined in it.

  • MMOA-3 Manpower Website (FAB application templates)

    This document is the MMOA-3 Plans and Programs section of the Marine Corps Manpower website, covering officer resident education boards and programs such as the Top-Level School Board, Commandant's Professional Intermediate Board, Career-Level Education Board, and the Law Education Program. Active duty and reserve officers pursuing graduate education, professional military education, fellowships, or a lateral move to Judge Advocate should review it to understand eligibility, board timelines, and application requirements.

  • Aeromedical Electronic Resource Office (AERO) System

    This system is where applicants can access a copy of their NAMI-endorsed flight physical, which is a required enclosure in the FAB application package.

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