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Applications Open for the 2027-2029 Marine Corps Reserve Policy Board

MARADMIN 306/26·July 2, 2026·2 min read·Official source
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The Marine Corps is accepting applications for five seats on the Marine Corps Reserve Policy Board (MCRPB) for the CY2027-2029 term. The MCRPB advises the Secretary of the Navy on reserve policy. If selected, your term runs 1 January 2027 through 31 December 2029. Applications close 14 August 2026, and late submissions will not be accepted.

Heads up: The online application is the only accepted method, and you need a CAC and a valid usmc.mil email to submit.

Who it affects

Any Marine in the grades of GySgt through Colonel serving in the SMCR, IMA program, AR, or AC who has experience with reserve policy matters and can commit to regular participation. Five seats are open.

What you need to do

  1. Confirm your availability. The board meets quarterly. Summer and winter meetings are virtual (one day each). Spring and fall meetings are in person (three days plus travel), held in Quantico and at the Pentagon respectively.
  2. Build your package. You need all three of the following:
    • A letter to the Board Chairman describing your policy experience and background
    • A signed Reserve Qualification Summary (RQS), NAVMC 10476
    • A command endorsement at the O-6 level (SMCR, AR, and AC members) or an IMA Operational Sponsor endorsement (IMA members)
    • Optionally, one letter of recommendation (not required, and limited to one)
  3. Format your files. All documents must be PDF, 10MB or less, named in this format:
    EDIPI_FileDescription.PDF
    Example: 1234567890_LtrToBoard.PDF, 1234567890_RQS.PDF
    
  4. Submit through the Microsoft Forms survey at the link in the MARADMIN before the deadline. No other submission method will be accepted.

A note on pay and orders: SMCR and IMA members will receive ADOS orders funded by HQMC to cover in-person meetings. AC and AR members attend in TAD status. Members can also request Additional Training Periods (ATPs) for board work outside of scheduled meetings, coordinated through their local unit and approved by the MCRPB Chief of Staff.

Key dates

  • 14 August 2026, 2359 EDT: Application deadline. No exceptions.
  • September 2026: CY2026 fall meeting, where votes on new members will be held (National Capital Region)
  • 1 January 2027: Term begins if selected
  • 31 December 2029: Term ends

The official version

This guidance comes from MARADMIN 306/26. The board is governed by Title 10 U.S.C. Section 10304, SECNAVINST 5420.170N, and MCO 5420R.8H.

POC for membership: Col Stephen Sarnecky, MCRPB Membership Chair, stephen.m.sarnecky@usmc.mil POC for admin/OMB: OMB_RAP@USMC.MIL

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.

Resources & references

The documents this bulletin points to, with a plain-English note on why each matters. Links marked CAC required need a government login.

  • Marine Corps Reserve Policy Board statute (Title 10 U.S.C. Section 10304)Reference

    This is the federal law that mandates the existence of the Marine Corps Reserve Policy Board. It establishes the legal basis for the board's authority and mission.

  • National Navy and Marine Corps Reserve Policy Boards instruction (SECNAVINST 5420.170N)Reference

    This Secretary of the Navy instruction governs how the reserve policy boards are structured and operated, including the approval process for new members by the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs.

  • Marine Corps Reserve Policy Board order (MCO 5420R.8H)Reference

    This Marine Corps Order provides the specific rules and procedures governing the MCRPB. It is the primary regulatory document for how the board functions.

  • This is the Microsoft Forms sign-in page for the Marine Corps Reserve Policy Board membership application. If you are interested in applying for an MCRPB membership position, you will need to log in with your account credentials to access and complete the application.

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Applications Open for the 2027-2029 Marine Corps Reserve Policy Board — Reservable