MCU's Krulak Center just announced the 4th Annual Commandant's Cup Wargaming Tournament. The competition runs in two parts: four virtual qualifier rounds from September 2026 through March 2027, followed by an in-person finals at the Modern Day Marine Expo in Washington, D.C., April 12-15, 2027. It's open to active and reserve Marines, joint, and allied players. Registration closes August 21, 2026.
Bottom line: Register by August 21, 2026, at the MCU wargaming site or you're locked out. No late registrations.
Who it affects
Any SMCR, IMA, or IRR Marine who wants to participate. The tournament is open to all reserve components. PME students get priority entry, and CDET students in AY-27 seminars can earn extra credit toward their course grade by competing. One catch: O-5-level commands are capped at eight participants, and MCU may limit entries per unit to keep representation balanced across the force. Total field is capped at 1,000 players.
What you need to do
- Register individually at
https://www.usmcu.edu/Academic-Programs/Wargaming/before 21 August 2026 at 2359 Eastern. Late registrations will not be accepted. - If you're a CDET student this AY, notify your adjunct faculty of your participation so they can validate it for extra credit.
- If you advance to the finals, your unit will need to place you on ADOS orders during Modern Day Marine for MCU to fund your travel.
Gameplay is asynchronous and turn-based, done on a personal computer outside the MCEN. Each qualifier match takes roughly 3-4 hours spread across 10-20 turns over five weeks. The expected pace is one turn every 24-48 hours. Miss too many turns and you forfeit or get removed.
Key dates
| Event | Dates |
|---|---|
| Registration closes | 21 August 2026, 2359 ET |
| Qualifier 1: Napoleon at War | 14 September - 19 October 2026 |
| Qualifier 2: Company Commander WWII | 26 October - 30 November 2026 |
| Qualifier 3: Company Commander Modern | 7 January - 4 February 2027 |
| Qualifier 4: Littoral Commander | 8 February - 8 March 2027 |
| Finals at Modern Day Marine | 12-15 April 2027, Washington D.C. |
The official version
Full details are in MARADMIN 308/26. Questions go to the MCU Wargaming Director at wargaming@usmcu.edu.
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.