4th MAW just announced the FY26-02 board to fill SMCR pilot billets at two Marine Transport Squadron (VMR) detachments: Belle Chasse, LA and Andrews, MD. This is a competitive selection for qualified Naval Aviators who want to fly in a reserve transport role. If you're a fixed-wing or rotary aviator with the right MOS and hours, this one's for you.
Bottom line: Applications are due 2359 on 2 July 2026. Incomplete or late packages will not be considered, no exceptions.
Who it affects
This board is open to Naval Aviators in the following categories:
- SMCR, IMA, or IRR: Captains, Majors, and Lieutenant Colonels with fewer than 16 satisfactory years of retirement credit as of 31 December 2026.
- Active component: Same year limit. Must establish an end of active service (EAS) date in writing from HQMC (MMOA) after the board and be able to affiliate no later than 31 December 2026.
All applicants must have at least 1,000 total flight hours with a strong instrument background.
Eligible MOSs: 7509, 7518, 7523, 7532, 7543, 7557, 7562, 7563, 7564, 7565, 7566.
Who is NOT eligible:
- SMCR Captains who have been passed for promotion
- Majors or Lieutenant Colonels (active or reserve) who cannot complete 48 months at a VMR before their mandatory removal date
- Post-command Lieutenant Colonels
- Anyone medically disqualified for flight operations (DIFOP) or who has had flight status revoked
What you need to do
This is a 12-item application package. Templates are on the Aviation Selection Board website:
https://www.marforres.marines.mil/Units/4th-Marine-Aircraft-Wing/Join/Aviation-Boards/
Your package must include:
- Cover letter (state intent, date of availability, squadron preference, and whether you'd accept an alternate assignment). Include the Privacy Act sheet from the MCRAMM.
- Reserve Qualification Summary (RC applicants only)
- Flight logbook: accident/violation record pages and most recent flight data page
- Flight training and qualifications: NATOPS jacket sections IIA and IIB cover pages, most recent NATOPS/instrument evaluation reports
- Aviation Qualification Summary
- Current medical clearance
- Last five fitness reports minimum (all breakout FITREPs recommended)
- Career Summary/Biography
- Letters of recommendation (if applicable)
- DD 214 (if applicable)
- Statement of Understanding (this also serves as your waiver of the AC-to-RC mobilization deferment)
- Master Brief Sheet
If you're currently in a flying billet, you also need a commanding officer endorsement.
Submission instructions:
- PDF format only (Adobe Acrobat). No other format accepted.
- Do not include your SSN or other PII. EDIPI is fine.
- Name your files:
lastname.first.preferred detachment(example:Foss.Joe.Belle Chasse). If submitting multiple files, label thempart 1 of X, etc. - Email the complete package to:
omb_4thmaw_g1@usmc.mil - You are responsible for confirming receipt by 4th MAW G-1.
What you're signing up for if selected:
- Minimum four-year commitment with VMR, starting after completion of civilian contractor training and Transport Second Pilot (T2P) designation
- Minimum two 90-day deployments during that four-year window
- Minimum five days of active participation per month (drill, AT, aircraft qualification)
- Up to 60 days of Active-Duty Training (ADT) may be offered within six months of joining VMR to complete the T2P syllabus
- Travel reimbursement of $750 per drill period is available for members not collocated with their squadron
If you previously applied to an OSA board and were not selected, you must submit a new package to be considered.
Key dates
- Application deadline: 2359, 2 July 2026
- Board convenes: On or about 14 July 2026
- RC affiliation deadline (if selected): Within 30 days of selection results message
- AC affiliation deadline (if selected): No later than 31 December 2026
Other 4th MAW flying billets
If OSA isn't for you, 4th MAW also has open DIFOP and DIFDEN billets at tactical squadrons. Contact the units directly:
| Unit | Location | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| HMH-772 | JB McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ | 609-562-8711 |
| HMLA-773 | JB McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ | 609-562-8711 |
| HMLA-773 Det A | JRB New Orleans, LA | 504-940-4905 |
| HMLA-775 | MCAS Camp Pendleton, CA | 682-249-6972 |
| MATSG-42/SAU | Pensacola, FL | 850-240-8578 |
| VMFA-112 | JRB Fort Worth, TX | 817-782-2718 |
| VMFT-401 | MCAS Yuma, AZ | 928-269-2806 |
| VMFT-402 | MCAS Beaufort, SC | 504-697-7784 |
| VMGR-234 | JRB Fort Worth, TX | 817-782-2901 |
| VMM-764 | MCAS Miramar, CA | 682-309-1165 |
| VMM-774 | NAS New River, NC | 757-444-7818 |
The official version
This is MARADMIN 265/26. Referenced documents include MCO 1001R.1L w/CH-1 (MCRAMM), MARADMIN 203/22 (Reserve Aviator Assignment Policy), MARADMIN 475/19 (AC-to-RC mobilization deferment), and WGO 5320.2V (4th MAW Reserve Officer Management Policy).
POCs: LtCol J.J. Bartucco, 4th MAW G-1, john.bartucco@usmc.mil, 504-697-7784. Maj K.R. Spiritus, VMR Belle Chasse XO, kyle.spiritus@usmc.mil, 504-678-7480. LtCol M. Caceres, VMR Andrews XO, michael.caceres.mil@usmc.mil, 201-647-0786.
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.