The Marine Corps published its new capstone operating concept, "First to Fight," approved by the Commandant in January 2026. It lays out how the Marine Corps plans to operate, fight, and win from now through 2035. This is a doctrinal and strategic document, not a policy change that requires action from individual Marines, but it applies to the total force and reflects where the institution is heading.
Heads up: This is awareness-only. No forms, no deadlines, no admin action required.
Who it affects
All Marines, total force. That includes SMCR, IMA, IRR, and active component. There's nothing to file or submit, but this is the Commandant's vision for how the Corps will organize, posture, and fight through 2035.
What you need to do
Nothing administrative. If you want to read it, the unclassified executive summary is available on the USMC SharePoint site below. The full classified concept is in the CDI library on SIPRNet.
- Unclassified executive summary (CAC required):
https://usmc.sharepoint-mil.us/sites/DCCDI/SitePages/Final_Reports.aspx - Classified full concept (SIPRNet):
https://intelshare.intelink.sgov.gov/sites/cdi/SitePages/FinalReportsLibrary.aspx
Key dates
- January 2026: Commandant approved the concept.
- April 2026: Published and announced via MARADMIN.
The official version
See MARADMIN 167/26 for the full text. The concept is governed under MCO 5401.1, Concept Generation and Development. POC is LtCol A.H. Armstrong at andrew.armstrong@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.