Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARFORSOC) has opened applications for FY27 Air Officer tours. These are 24-month billets supporting MARSOC operations. Eligible applicants are commissioned officers in the 73xx or 75xx MOS, at the rank of captain or major, from either the active or reserve component. Reserve officers who are selected will need to return to active duty.
Heads up: RC officers must submit a return to active duty (RAD) package as part of the application, not after selection.
Who it affects
Active and reserve component captains and majors designated as Naval Aviators, Naval Flight Officers, or Unmanned Aerial Systems Officers, holding a 73xx or 75xx MOS. RC officers must be willing to convert to active component if selected.
Weapons and Tactics Instructors (WTIs) are eligible but must have served at least 18 months with their unit following WTI course graduation by 30 September 2026. Waivers are possible through HQMC (MMOA).
Officers must be worldwide deployable and medically qualified to attend Full Spectrum Level C SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape). If not already SERE Level C complete, a signed letter from a medical provider certifying qualification is required.
What you need to do
- Contact LtCol Richard O'Brien at
richard.k.obrien.mil@socom.milto request the Prospective Air Officer Resume and Information Sheet. - Get approval to apply from your PMOS monitor. Their written approval must be included in your application package.
- If you are an RC officer, submit your RAD package directly to the MMOA-3 Retention and Release Officer (RRO) and obtain written confirmation of package completeness and RAD eligibility.
- Submit all application documents in PDF to LtCol O'Brien's email, CC'ing your PMOS monitor on all correspondence.
MARSOC is looking for officers with strong fires integration backgrounds. Previous Air Officer and Forward Air Controller tours are a plus. FAC(A) and instructor qualifications are described as highly competitive.
Key dates
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Now | Application window open |
| 8 May 2026 | Application deadline |
| 20 May 2026 | Selection panel convenes |
| 30 Sep 2026 | WTI 18-month unit service requirement must be met |
The official version
This is MARADMIN 140/26.
Referenced orders: MCO 1300.8 CH.1 (Personnel Assignment Policy), MCO 3500.109A (Aviation Weapons and Tactics Training), MCO 1001.65A (Officer Retention and Prior Service Accessions).
POCs:
- MARFORSOC Asst Air/Fires Officer: LtCol Richard O'Brien,
(910) 440-0863,richard.k.obrien.mil@socom.mil - MARFORSOC JTAC PM: Mr. Michael Menchio,
(910) 440-0862,michael.j.menchio.civ@socom.mil - Aviation LtCol Monitor: LtCol Eben Buxton,
eben.buxton@usmc.mil - Fixed Wing Majors Monitor: Maj Adam Chase,
adam.l.chase@usmc.mil - Fixed Wing CGO Monitor: Capt Maverick Santamaria,
maverick.santamaria@usmc.mil - Rotary Wing Majors Monitor: Maj Brandon Thompson,
brandon.k.thompson@usmc.mil - Rotary Wing CGO Monitor: Maj Alexander Lee,
alexander.j.lee@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.