HQMC Reserve Affairs has kicked off the FY28 Special Duty Assignment (SDA) campaign. This covers three billets: Drill Instructor (DI), Prior Service Recruiter (PSR), and Marine Combat Instructor (MCI). The voluntary window is open now and runs through February 2027. If enough volunteers come forward, an involuntary phase may not be needed. Marines approved through this campaign will report to class between October 2027 and September 2028.
Bottom line: Get your SDA package into TFRS before 12 February 2027 or you lose volunteer priority and could face involuntary assignment later.
Who it affects
This applies specifically to Active Reserve (AR) category Marines in the RC. Corporals through gunnery sergeants are the eligible pool, with one restriction: corporals may only volunteer for MCI or PSR duty, not DI.
What you need to do
A few eligibility checks before you start building a package:
- You must have at least 24 months time on station before your FY28 class report date.
- If you lateral-moved into your current MOS, you need 36 months in that MOS before class starts.
- Corporals through gunnery sergeants must not exceed Enlisted Career Force Controls (ECFC) limits before 30 September 2031.
- Second-tour SDA volunteers are eligible depending on PMOS population, with 24 months in PMOS required before class start.
If you're eligible and want to volunteer:
- Talk to your unit career counselor. They build and submit the package with you.
- Submit an "SDA Reenlistment (RELM)" through TFRS to HQMC RA Retention. Your counselor should note your SDA type preferences, duty location preferences, and preferred class dates in the comments.
- PSR volunteers only: You also need a screening interview with the PSR Career Recruiter closest to you. In-person is preferred; telephonic is authorized. The signed addendum must be attached to your TFRS RELM. PSR District HQ numbers:
| District | Location | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| PSRS-1 | Brooklyn, NY | (516) 824-3091 |
| PSRS-4 | Columbus, OH | (614) 809-2886 |
| PSRS-6 | Parris Island, SC | (423) 802-6539 |
| PSRS-8 | Fort Worth, TX | (817) 738-6260 ext. 23/24 |
| PSRS-9 | Great Lakes, IL | (847) 688-7130 ext. 772 |
| PSRS-12 | Camp Pendleton, CA | (760) 763-6218 |
- Ensure your completed RELM is received at HQMC RA Retention before 12 February 2027. Submission date is what matters, not when your commander signed it.
On the money side: Qualified Marines on SDA receive SDA Pay (SDAP) and Assignment Incentive Pay (AIP) once they complete required training. DI and PSR volunteers may also receive a Voluntary Supplemental Incentive (VSI). Current pay rates are posted on the HQMC Manpower Military Policy Branch compensation page. If you accept a lump sum and leave the SDA early, you'll repay the prorated portion, except for circumstances outside your control.
Corporals going PSR: non-competitive promotion to sergeant. Eligible corporals attending the Basic PSR Course can be promoted non-competitively to sergeant, effective the first of the month after checking in, if they have 12 months time in grade, 30 months active duty time in service (by Armed Forces Active Duty Base Date), and PME complete including Command Sponsored Corporals Course. Promotion rosters go from Recruiting District commanders to Enlisted Promotions (MMPB-11) at smb_manpower_enlisted_promotions@usmc.mil.
Key dates
- 15 June 2026: Voluntary Assignment Period (VAP) opens (already open as of this message)
- 12 February 2027: VAP closes. RELM must be received at HQMC by this date
- 1 March 2027: Involuntary Assignment Period (IVAP) begins if SDA slots remain unfilled
- 31 July 2027: IVAP closes
- 1 October 2027 to 30 September 2028: FY28 class report date window
The official version
Full details are in MARADMIN 272/26. Eligibility and screening criteria are in MCO 1326.6 Change-1 (SCREENMAN). ECFC limits are covered in MARADMIN 117/22. Pay guidance is in the ASN(MRA) Assignment Incentive Pay memorandum and DoD 7000.14R, Vol 7A, Chapter 2.
POCs at HQMC: MGySgt Maley at william.maley@usmc.mil / (703) 432-9411, and MGySgt DeNeve at ra-retention@usmc.mil / (703) 784-0583.
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.