The Marine Corps just announced the FY27 and FY28 Ground and Intelligence Personnel Exchange Program (PEP) selection board. This program places active-duty Marines directly inside the armed forces of allied and partner nations for two to three-year tours. The goal is military-to-military engagement, doctrine sharing, and coalition interoperability. Applications close 26 June 2026, with the board convening 31 August 2026.
Heads up: This program is active-duty only. Reserve Marines in the SMCR, IMA, or IRR are not eligible to apply.
Who it affects
Active-duty officers and SNCOs only. Applicants must currently be on active duty and able to PCS in FY27. The specific billets open are:
FY27 billets:
| Grade | BMOS | Billet | Country | Report Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| O-6 | 804X | Amphibious Plans Officer | Australia | Jul 2027 |
| O-4 | 8006 | Combined Arms Brigade Planner | France | Dec 2026 |
| O-3 | 0202 | J-25 Intel Plans Officer | Australia | Sep 2027 |
| O-3 | 0203 | Intelligence Officer | Australia | Jun 2027 |
| O-3 | 0206 | Electronic Warfare Staff Officer | UK | Jun 2027 |
| O-3 | 0207 | OIC, Lightning Intel Support Course | UK | Jul 2027 |
| E-7 | 0861 | Fires SNCO SME | Chile | Aug 2027 |
FY28 billets:
| Grade | BMOS | Billet | Country | Report Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| O-4 | 8006 | G7 Allied Exercise Planner | Norway | Jun 2028 |
| O-3 | 0302 | Asst Ops Officer | Netherlands | Nov 2027 |
| E-7 | 0321 | Recon SNCO | Netherlands | Aug 2028 |
| E-7 | 0369 | Combat Arms Instructor | Colombia | Jul 2028 |
| E-6 | 0369 | Infantry Instructor | Chile | Nov 2027 |
A few billet-specific notes:
- The France O-4 billet requires at least a 2/2 in French. Captains are eligible to apply for it.
- The Australia O-6 billet prefers post-command officers with MAGTF experience in maritime environments.
- Chile, Colombia, Netherlands, and Norway billets require Spanish, Dutch, or Norwegian language training at DLI if you are not already at a 2/2 level. DLI courses run 36 weeks.
What you need to do
This applies to active-duty Marines only. If that is you, here are the steps:
- Review billet options and confirm eligibility with your PMOS monitor (you need written confirmation from them).
- Get command endorsement through your first O-6 in the chain.
- Pull the application form and overseas suitability certification from the International Affairs Program (IAP) website (see below).
- Build your application package: completed form with billet preferences and relevant experience, command endorsement, at least one letter of recommendation, monitor eligibility confirmation, security clearance certification, and overseas suitability certification for yourself and all dependents.
- Officers: submit the full package as a single PDF titled
1234567890_LAST_FIRST_MI_RANK_PEPthrough the IAP website's PEP Submissions link. - Enlisted: submit through TFRS using the Special Duty Assignment/RELM routing chain to MMEA. Your unit Career Planner has TFRS access.
- Verify your OMPF is accurate before the board convenes. Update it via O-RMA, or contact your S-1 or IPAC.
If you do not meet tour control factor requirements for PCS, you will need an exception to policy (ETP) endorsed by your first O-6, submitted with your application package. MMOA or MMEA must approve the ETP before you are considered.
Marines with EFMP dependents can apply but should be aware that participation may depend on available care at the overseas location. A full medical overseas screening is required within 90 days of selection and acceptance, not at application.
Key dates
- 26 June 2026, 2359 Eastern: Application deadline
- 31 August 2026: Selection board convenes
- Late CY27 / early CY28: Language training begins at DLI (if required)
The official version
This is MARADMIN 162/26. The program is governed by MCO 5710.07 (Marine Corps Military Personnel Exchange Program), MCO 1326.6 CH-1 (screening enlisted Marines for screenable billets), and MCO 1300.8 CH-1 (Personnel Assignment Policy). Application templates and the current billet list are on the IAP website. POC for officer billets is Maj Joseph Schulze at joseph.schulze1@usmc.mil or 703-784-9284. For enlisted, contact GySgt David Hamrick at david.a.hamrick.mil@usmc.mil or 703-784-9276. IAP general inquiries: iapmarine@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.