The Marine Corps has opened the application window for the FY27 Test Pilot School (TPS) selection panel. The panel convenes on or about 17 September 2026 and will select aviators for seats at the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School (USNTPS) and U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School (USAFTPS) starting in mid-2027 and early 2028. Applications are due before the panel sits.
Heads up: This program is explicitly not open to Reserve Component officers. If that's you, nothing to do here.
Who it affects
This MARADMIN does not apply to Reserve Marines. Paragraph 14 states plainly: "This MARADMIN is not applicable to the Marine Corps Reserve."
For awareness: eligible applicants are active-component commissioned officers (1stLt and above) who are designated Naval Aviators or Naval Flight Officers with at least 750 military flight hours (or 500 UAS hours for UAS officers). RC commissioned officers are specifically listed as ineligible.
What you need to do
Nothing. This bulletin does not apply to the Reserve Component. Pass it along if you know an active-duty aviator who should see it.
Key dates
- Now: Online questionnaire is open
- 3 September 2026 at 2359 EST: Completed questionnaire due
- On or about 17 September 2026: FY27 TPS panel convenes
The official version
Full details are in MARADMIN 286/26. The governing orders are MCO 1542.3E (U.S. Navy/U.S. Air Force Test Pilot Schools) and MCO 1300.8 w/Admin Change 2 (Marine Corps Personnel Assignment Policy). For questions, contact MAD Patuxent River XO Maj Matthew Reith at matthew.d.reith.mil@us.navy.mil or (301) 342-1421.
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.