The International Affairs Program (IAP) is running a selection board to fill joint USMILGP and Security Cooperation Organization (SCO) billets for FY27 and FY28. There are three positions open: one O-5 billet in Thailand (FY27) and two O-5 billets in Norway and Colombia (FY28). These are strategic-level joint assignments at U.S. diplomatic facilities overseas, working directly with host nation ministries of defense.
Bottom line: Active duty O-5s with a completed T-5/SCI clearance and monitor concurrence have until 26 June 2026 to submit a complete application package to the IAP Office.
Who it affects
Active duty O-5s (or officers selected for O-5) only. Reserve component Marines are not eligible. These are PCS assignments requiring movement in early summer FY27, so you must meet your tour control factor (TCF) or have an approved exception to policy (ETP) before you can be considered.
Specific notes by billet:
| Grade | Country | Language Required | Report Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| O-5 | Thailand | Preferred, not required | May 2027 | TS/SCI required, 36-month tour |
| O-5 | Norway | 2/2/2 mandatory | Jun 2028 | TS/SCI required, 36-month tour, logistics background preferred |
| O-5 | Colombia | 2/2/2 mandatory | Jun 2028 | TS/SCI required, 36-month tour |
You are not eligible if you:
- Have an established separation or retirement date
- Are above zone (O-5 above zone considered case by case)
- Are currently in a Standard Joint Duty Assignment (S-JDA) that won't hit 24 months before July 2027
- Are currently in a program with a designated utilization assignment
What you need to do
- Confirm eligibility with your PMOS monitor and get written concurrence.
- Confirm your T-5 investigation and SCI eligibility are current. Do not submit a T-5 request as part of this application.
- If you need language training, confirm your Defense Language Aptitude Battery (DLAB) score meets the minimum: 95 for Norwegian and Spanish (both Category I languages). Training runs 36 weeks and takes place in Washington, D.C. (Norwegian) or Monterey, CA (Spanish).
- Get a command endorsement through your first O-6. The endorsement must acknowledge that if selected, your unit will support eight weeks of temporary additional duty training in the national capital region before you report to your USMILGP/SCO assignment.
- Collect all required documents: completed application form, command endorsement, at least one letter of recommendation, monitor concurrence, security clearance certification, and overseas suitability certification for yourself and all family members.
- Compile everything into a single PDF titled in this exact format:
1234567890_LAST_FIRST_MI_RANK_SCO - Submit through the IAP website under the IAP Submissions and Registration section, using the USMILGP/SCO Submissions link, no later than 2359 EST on 26 June 2026.
Application templates, the overseas suitability certification, and the current billet list are at:
http://www.ppo.marines.mil/Units/Strategy-and-Plans-Division/International-Affairs-Branch/International-Affairs-Program/Resources/
If your OMPF needs updating before the board, use O-RMA or contact your S-1 or local IPAC. Board members will have access to your OMPF. Incomplete or incorrect packages will not be considered.
Key dates
- 26 June 2026, 2359 EST: Application deadline
- 31 August 2026: Board convenes
- FY27 (early summer 2027): Projected move date for all selectees
The official version
This article is based on MARADMIN 161/26. Referenced orders include MCO 1540.33 (International Affairs Program), MCO 5710.6E (Marine Corps Security Cooperation), MCO 1300.8 CH-1 (Personnel Assignment Policy), CJCSI 1330.05, and DoD Instruction 1300.19. Contact the IAP office POCs directly with questions:
- MAJ Joseph Schulze:
joseph.schulze1@usmc.mil/ 703-784-9284 - MAJ Steven Scher:
steven.scher@usmc.mil/ 703-784-9211 - LTCOL Brett McCormick:
brett.mccormick@usmc.mil/ 703-692-4365
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.