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PolicyAffects all reservists

Most of your annual CMT requirements are now every two years

MARADMIN 199/26·April 29, 2026·2 min read·Official source
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The Marine Corps just updated its Common Military Training (CMT) requirements under a new order, MCO 1500.63A. The big change: most non-core CMT topics no longer need to be done every year. They're now biennial, meaning every two years. This applies to the Total Force, including reservists.

★ Affects all reservists: Non-core CMT requirements are now every two years instead of every year, and if you completed them in 2025, you're not due again until 2027.

Who it affects

Every Marine, Total Force. SMCR, IMA, IRR, active component. All of it. If you track CMT completions, this changes your schedule.

What you need to do

For most individual Marines, this is awareness. Your training schedule and MCTIMS records should reflect the new frequency. Here's what matters:

  • If you completed non-core CMT in 2025, you're current through 2027.
  • If you did NOT complete non-core CMT in 2025, you're due in 2026.
  • Core CMT requirements (MCO 1500.63A, Section I) did not change frequency.
  • Commanders and unit S-3/S-1 staff should verify that training completion dates in MCTIMS align with the revised reporting codes within 30 days of this MARADMIN (by approximately 28 May 2026).
  • Any MCTIMS discrepancies related to the new order should be reported to TECOM Training Support Division (TSD) within 60 days (by approximately 27 June 2026).
  • Commanders cannot add supplemental training materials to CMT without prior approval from DC, T&E or DC, M&RA.

If you're a content owner or run an entry-level school, the MARADMIN has specific taskers with hard deadlines. Check with your chain or contact the POCs below.

Key dates

  • ~28 May 2026 (30 days out): Commands verify MCTIMS training completion dates align with revised reporting codes.
  • ~27 June 2026 (60 days out): Commands report MCTIMS discrepancies to TECOM TSD; content owners submit updated materials to MCTIMS.
  • 30 September 2026: Entry-level schools submit revised POIs to TECOM TSD for review.
  • Calendar year 2027: Next due date for non-core CMT if you completed it in 2025.

The official version

MARADMIN 199/26 is the source. The governing order is MCO 1500.63A (referenced as Ref B; link not provided in the MARADMIN). The Secretary of Defense memorandum directing reduction of mandatory training (30 Sep 25) is the policy driver.

POC for training content: james.hepburn@usmc.mil | (703) 784-3093 POC for M&RA/manpower: tomomi.j.owens@usmc.mil | (703) 432-9087

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.

Resources & references

The documents this bulletin points to, with a plain-English note on why each matters. Links marked CAC required need a government login.

  • SECWAR Memorandum on Reducing Mandatory Training RequirementsReference

    This is the Secretary of War memorandum dated 30 September 2025 that directed a reduction in mandatory training requirements. It is the top-level authority driving the CMT changes announced in this MARADMIN.

  • Marine Corps Common Military Training Requirements (MCO 1500.63A)Reference

    This is the revised Marine Corps Order that governs all CMT requirements, including the shift from annual to biennial training frequency for non-core requirements. Commands and individual Marines must execute CMT in accordance with this order.

  • Common Military Training (DODI 1322.31)Reference

    This is the DoD Instruction that establishes overarching common military training policy across the services. Training content and programs of instruction must comply with it alongside the Marine Corps order.

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