The Marine Corps League (MCL) is soliciting nominations for its CY2025 enlisted awards program. Six awards are on the table, recognizing outstanding performance across the operating forces. One of those six is specifically for reserve enlisted Marines. Nominations are due by 31 July 2026, with no extensions granted.
Reservists: There is an award specifically for you. The Marine Corps Reservist of the Year Award recognizes an enlisted reservist whose contributions to combat readiness stood out during CY2025. Your command needs to submit, so start that conversation now.
Who it affects
All enlisted Marines on active duty and in the reserve component are eligible nominees. The six awards break down by element:
| Award | Who it's for |
|---|---|
| GySgt Carlos N. Hathcock II Award | Any enlisted Marine with outstanding marksmanship training contributions |
| SgtMaj Wilbur Bestwick Award | Enlisted Marine in a Ground Combat Element |
| Sgt Harry D. Myers Award | Enlisted Marine in a Combat Service Support Element |
| SgtMaj Frederick B. Douglass Award | Enlisted Marine in an Aviation Combat Element |
| CHC George William "Doc" Piercy Award | Navy corpsman or dental technician in ground, logistics, or aviation elements |
| Marine Corps Reservist of the Year Award | Enlisted RC Marine with outstanding combat readiness contributions during CY2025 |
For reservists: IMA nominations must go through the operational sponsor. SMCR nominations go up the chain of command to MARFORRES.
What you need to do
If you have a Marine worth nominating, or you are a leader who should be looking at your unit for candidates, here is what the package requires:
- Write a command nomination letter in standard format. It must include the nominee's full name, rank, MOS, duty station, duty address, work email and phone, time in service, unit during the period of contribution, and a POC with contact info.
- Attach a biography for the nominee.
- Attach a recommended citation (250 words maximum).
- Attach a signed Privacy Act consent statement from the nominee authorizing release of their information. The MARADMIN provides sample language: "I, [rank and full name], do hereby authorize the release of all information enclosed in this nomination package to those people involved in the selection process."
- Get the first General Officer in the nominee's chain of command to endorse the nomination. Additional endorsements beyond that are not required.
- Submit the complete package as PDF files via email to
rbrooks@mcleague.orgwith the subject line formatted as:2025 Enlisted Awards Program [name of award category] ICO [rank and name]
A sample nomination package is available at the MCL library website. (The MARADMIN references a specific URL, but confirm it is active before relying on it: https://www.mcleaguelibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Example-MCL-Enlisted-Awards-Package_Redacted.pdf)
If the package does not follow the guidelines or arrives late, it will not be considered. No exceptions.
Key dates
- Contributions period: Calendar Year 2025 (contributions must have occurred during CY2025)
- Nomination deadline: 31 July 2026 (hard deadline, no extensions)
The official version
This guidance comes from MARADMIN 264/26. Direct questions to Rob Brooks, MCL National Director of Events, at rbrooks@mcleague.org or 703-207-9588 ext. 150.
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.