The Marine Corps is accepting applications for the FY27 Reserve Senior Staff Course (RSSC) enlisted selection panel. The panel sits 21-23 September 2026 and will fill eight enlisted seats for the course itself, which runs 2-15 June 2027 at Marine Corps Base Quantico. This is the senior-level PME course for RC senior enlisted, and the application window is short.
Do this: Applications are due by 2359 EDT on 4 September 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Who it affects
RC senior enlisted in the Ready Reserve: MSgt, 1stSgt (sel), SgtMaj, and MGySgt (sel) across SMCR, IMA, and IRR.
You are not eligible if any of these apply:
- You are above-zone on the next scheduled promotion board
- You have already completed RSSC
- You have an approved retirement, resignation, conditional release, or have been approved for continuation beyond your mandatory removal/retirement date
- You are in the Active Reserve Program
- Your mandatory removal date is on or before 1 August 2028 (you must have a removal date after that date to be eligible)
What you need to do
- Confirm you meet the eligibility requirements above, including the mandatory removal date threshold.
- Log in to the RPME application portal at
https://www2.manpower.usmc.mil/application_cac/using your CAC. The system will validate your basic eligibility automatically. - If you do not have a portal account, you will get a 404 error with registration instructions. Follow them, or contact the POCs below.
- Prepare and upload two documents in PDF format. File names must follow this format:
EDIPI_LNAME_RSSC.pdf- Reserve Qualification Summary (RQS): Use NAVMC 10476 (September 2016). Template is on the M&RA RAM-3 webpage under "Reserve Programs and Boards (RAM-3)" then "Support Documentation."
- Letter to the Panel President: A signed Naval Letter explaining why you want to attend and what you bring to the course. The "From" line format is: rank, first name, last name, EDIPI/MOS, USMCR. The "To" line is "President, FY27 Reserve Senior Staff Course Enlisted Selection Panel." Use this subject line verbatim:
LETTER TO PANEL PRESIDENT OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2027 RESERVE SENIOR STAFF COURSE ENLISTED SELECTION PANEL
- If you cannot access the portal, email your application package to the POCs listed below.
- Verify your OMPF is current before the panel convenes. Use the OMPF Records Management Application (ORMA) at
www.manpower.marines.mil(Divisions > Manpower Management > Performance Branch > Records and Performance > Records Management > OMPF Records Management Application). - Ensure fitness reports are submitted to CMC (MMPB-23) through A-PES, not mailed to the panel. Reports sent directly to the panel will not go into your OMPF.
- Confirm your photo is current per MARADMIN 582/25.
If you cannot apply online, contact the POCs:
- LtCol M.J. Jones:
marshall.j.jones@usmc.mil/ 703-784-3676 - GySgt K.A. Boateng:
kofi.boateng@usmc.mil/ 703-784-9011 - Maj D.B. Kraft:
david.kraft@usmc.mil/ 703-784-1275 - MSgt G.A. Tisnado:
george.tisnado@usmc.mil/ 703-432-9767 - Civ B. Ford:
brennett.ford@usmc.mil/ 703-432-9410
For career counseling, contact the Career Management Team (CMT) at smb_cmt@usmc.mil or 703-784-0583.
Key dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application deadline | 2359 EDT, 4 September 2026 |
| Selection panel convenes | 21-23 September 2026 |
| Course dates | 2-15 June 2027 |
| Mandatory removal date must be after | 1 August 2028 |
The official version
This article is based on MARADMIN 355/26. Application templates are on the M&RA RAM-3 webpage. Fitness report requirements are governed by MCO 1610.7B. Photo requirements are in MARADMIN 582/25.
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.