HQMC Aviation just updated the rules for awarding the Naval Aircrew Insignia to Marines who aren't aeronautically designated but perform critical airborne duties. The old policy (MARADMIN 230/11) is cancelled. This message replaces it with clearer requirements and a defined submission process.
Heads up: Combat airborne operations can waive the time and flight-hour requirements, but you still need a formal waiver in your request package.
Who it affects
Marines in non-aeronautical designator roles who regularly fly as part of their assigned duties. That includes airborne electronic countermeasures (ECM) operators, airborne radio operators, technical observers, and fixed-wing aircraft flight engineers. You must be assigned to Duty Involving Flight Operations (DIFOP) to be eligible.
This is a niche population. Most reservists won't need this. If you're attached to an aviation squadron in one of these roles, read on.
What you need to do
Your CO can recommend you, but the final approval authority is the Deputy Commandant for Aviation (DC Aviation, office code ASM). Here's what has to be true before your CO submits anything:
- You must be physically qualified for aeronautical duties with a current flight physical on file.
- You must have been assigned to DIFOP for a cumulative minimum of six months.
- You must have logged at least 200 flight hours directly tied to your airborne support duties.
If your hours came from combat airborne operations, the six-month and 200-hour requirements can be waived. The waiver request goes in the same package.
Once you meet the criteria, your CO submits a request package via naval correspondence to DC Aviation (ASM). You can email it to SMB_HQMC_AVN_ASM@usmc.mil.
The package must include:
- Your formal written request
- A CO endorsement from your squadron commanding officer
- Copies of all Naval Aircraft Flight Records (NAVFLIRs) or equivalent flight records
- A current DD Form 2992 (Medical Recommendation for Flying or Special Operational Duty)
- Copies of any Air Medal citations, if you have them
After DC Aviation approves it, a copy of the authorization letter goes to CMC (MMSB) for your OMPF.
Key dates
- MARADMIN 230/11 is cancelled effective immediately (16 April 2026).
- No submission deadline specified. Requests can be submitted on a rolling basis.
The official version
This policy is covered in MARADMIN 176/26. It references MCO 1020.34H (Marine Corps Uniform Regulations) and MCO P1000.6 (the ACTS Manual). Questions go to LtCol Joseph Goodrich at HQMC Aviation (ASM): joseph.goodrich@usmc.mil, (703) 614-3606.
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.