The Marine Corps is retiring the F/A-18 C/D Hornet and moving to an all-fifth-generation TACAIR fleet. As part of that transition, every enlisted Marine in an F/A-18 maintenance MOS will eventually be reclassified into a new MOS, whether they want it or not, based solely on the needs of the Marine Corps.
Heads up: If you hold one of the six F/A-18 maintenance MOSs, a forced reclassification is coming. The only question is when.
Who it affects
This MARADMIN applies to enlisted Marines in these six MOSs:
- 6217 Fixed Wing Aircraft Mechanic F/A-18
- 6227 Fixed-Wing Aircraft Power Plants Mechanic F404 F/A-18
- 6257 Fixed Wing Airframe Mechanic F/A-18
- 6287 Fixed Wing Aircraft Safety Equipment Mechanic F/A-18
- 6317 Aircraft Comm/Nav/Radar Systems Technician F/A-18
- 6337 Aircraft Electrical Systems Technician F/A-18
The MARADMIN states it applies to the Active Component. Reserve Marines at MAG-41/NAS JRB Fort Worth are explicitly named with their own deadline, so RC Marines in these MOSs are in scope. If you're in the IRR or IMA in one of these MOSs, verify your status with your S-1.
What you need to do
The Corps is strongly encouraging a voluntary lateral move to F-35 maintenance MOSs before the forced reclassification kicks in. Here is how the options break down:
If you want to lateral move voluntarily:
- First-term Marines (First Term Alignment Plan, or FTAP) within their reenlistment cohort can pursue a lateral move under normal retention procedures.
- FTAP Marines outside their cohort will be considered for F-35 reclassification first, based on comparable skill sets.
- Subsequent-term Marines (Subsequent Term Alignment Plan, or STAP), regardless of cohort, can submit for a lateral move, with priority going toward F-35 or comparable MOSs.
If you want to stay until your unit deactivates: You can request an EAS extension to align with your unit's official deactivation date, once those dates are published via Marine Corps Bulletin (MCBUL) by the Total Force Structure Division (TFSD). You must meet retention eligibility requirements to extend.
If you are serving outside an F/A-18 unit (for example, on SDA): You will receive an Intended MOS (IMOS) for F-35 and remain eligible for promotion. Contact the F-35 monitor before your next assignment orders, or no later than six months before your unit's deactivation date, whichever comes first.
Important: Marines who complete new MOS schooling as a result of reclassification will not incur additional obligated service.
Key dates
| Region | Location | Reclassification Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern | MAG-31 / MCAS Beaufort | 1 August 2028 |
| Western | MAG-11 / MCAS Miramar | 1 August 2029 |
| Reserve | MAG-41 / NAS JRB Fort Worth | 1 August 2030 |
- Affected Marines will be notified of their new PMOS or IMOS on or about 30 September of the transition year.
- Deadlines may shift earlier or later based on operational requirements. Watch for updates.
- By FY30, no promotion or retention opportunities will exist in F/A-18 MOSs.
The official version
Full text: MARADMIN 207/26
References: 2026 Marine Aviation Plan (CMC DCA, 10 Feb 2026) and MCO 1040.31, Enlisted Retention and Career Development Program.
POCs at MMEA-24:
- Maj Melton:
brandon.melton.mil@usmc.mil/703-432-9330 - MGySgt Crissman:
andrew.c.crissman.mil@usmc.mil/703-784-9949 - GySgt Matthews:
courtney.p.matthews.mil@usmc.mil/703-784-9692
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.