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PolicyAffects all reservists

2026 Critical Days of Summer Safety Message

MARADMIN 205/26·May 5, 2026·2 min read·Official source
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The CMC Safety Division has released the annual 101 Critical Days of Summer (CDS) message. The period runs 22 May to 7 September 2026. This is not a routine reminder. Over the last five summers, 51 Marines died in off-duty mishaps, most of them in private vehicles, on motorcycles, on foot, or in the water. None of those deaths were combat losses. All were preventable.

★ Affects all reservists: Every Marine and Sailor must receive a documented summer safety brief before any extended liberty period this summer, and leaders at every level are responsible for making sure it happens.

Who it affects

All Marines and Sailors, including reservists. If you're taking leave or extended liberty between Memorial Day and Labor Day, this applies to you. If you're a leader, NCO, or SNCO, you have an explicit responsibility to ensure your Marines receive and document this training before they go.

What you need to do

If you're a Marine going on leave or liberty:

  1. Receive a summer safety brief from your chain of command before you go. Confirm it's documented.
  2. Apply risk management to the actual high-risk stuff: driving, motorcycles, water activities, alcohol, and heat.
  3. Look out for your fellow Marines and speak up if you see bad decisions forming.

If you're a leader, NCO, or SNCO:

  1. Deliver a documented summer safety brief to your Marines before any extended liberty period.
  2. Make it real. Get out of the classroom. Use resources from the Naval Safety Command's CDS page: https://navalsafetycommand.navy.mil/Off-Duty/101-CDOS/
  3. Cover the four primary risk areas: private motor vehicle and motorcycle operations, water safety, alcohol use, and environmental hazards.
  4. Stay engaged. If someone in your formation is making a bad call, intervene before it becomes a mishap.

For reservists drilling during this period, work with your unit leadership to determine how and when the brief will be conducted and documented for your formation.

Key dates

  • 22 May 2026: CDS period begins (Memorial Day weekend)
  • 7 September 2026: CDS period ends (Labor Day)
  • Briefs must be completed before extended liberty periods, not after

The official version

This message is MARADMIN 205/26. It references MCO 5100.29C with CH-2, Volumes 1, 2, and 5 (Marine Corps Safety Management System). Additional resources are available through the Naval Safety Command at https://navalsafetycommand.navy.mil/Off-Duty/101-CDOS/. Questions can go to the CMC Safety Division at tami.hinman@usmc.mil or shawn.curtis@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.

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.

  • Marine Corps Safety Management System (MCO 5100.29C w/ CH-2, Volumes 1, 2 and 5)Reference

    This is the governing order that requires all Marines and Sailors to receive documented summer safety briefs before extended liberty periods. Commanders are directed to comply with it when planning and executing 101 Critical Days of Summer training.

  • Naval Safety Command 101 Critical Days of Summer Resources

    This is the official resource hub that commanders and NCOs are directed to use when building relevant, real-world summer safety training. It covers the primary risk areas called out in this MARADMIN: PMV/motorcycle operations, water safety, alcohol, and environmental hazards.

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Take it to drill

A one-page brief you can print or save. Built for SNCOs to brief their Marines.

2026 Critical Days of Summer Safety Message — Reservable