MCU just released FY27 dates for Cornerstone, the mandatory commandership course held at MCB Quantico. If you were board-selected as an O5 or O6 commander, or you're a CSEL for one of those billets, attendance is required either before or shortly after you take command. There are two iterations in FY27, one in January and one in April.
Bottom line: If you're a board-selected O5/O6 commander or CSEL, you must attend Cornerstone, and you need to register at least 45 days before your desired course date.
Who it affects
- O5 and O6 board-selected commanding officers (including acquisition commanders)
- CSELs and CSEL selects from the FY27 promotion board: Sergeants Major serving under an O5 or O6 board-selected and slated commander
- U.S. Navy equivalents identified by Manpower Management Officer Assignments Branch
- Spouses of all eligible attendees (Spouses Workshop runs concurrently in week two)
- SMCR, IMA, and Active Reserve Marines who fall into the categories above
Note for Recruiting Station COs: you may attend before assuming command if your parent command approves. Attending after assuming command is not authorized.
What you need to do
- Register at the MCU online form:
https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/rMzjqmHLaU - Register no later than 45 days before your desired course report date. LLI will confirm your registration in MCTIMS and send follow-on instructions.
- Ensure your minimum SECRET clearance is current. Send clearance info through your local security manager via DISS to SMO code
MS3302. POC: Mr. Chip Spicer atcarlton.spicer@usmcu.eduor (703) 784-0252. - Bring a personal electronic device (laptop, tablet, or similar).
- Arrange lodging. Government lodging at MCB Quantico (Liversedge Hall or Inns of the Corps) is recommended. Call (703) 630-4444 to check availability before booking commercial.
Reserve-specific orders and funding:
For SMCR and IMA Marines, give a copy of your MCU registration letter to your unit admin section. They will generate orders in the Marine Reserve Order Writing System (MROWS) using:
- Order type: Schools
- Sub-type:
(K3) PME - School/Training Selected: Other.
FY 2027 Cornerstone: Commandant's Combined Commandership Course - Command: Force
- PID code:
CDT
The G3/MR BEA/BESA sub-allocation is required on all CDT MROWS orders.
For Active Reserve Marines, provide your MCU registration letter to your unit admin, who must submit the cross-organizational worksheet for DTS Line of Accounting (LOA) to: MFR_G-3/5_FORMAL_SCHOOLS@usmc.mil
MARFORRES G-3/5 Formal Schools funds all RC attendees and all spouses of SMCR attendees. Travel or DTS questions for RC attendees or their spouses: MFR_G-3/5_FORMAL_SCHOOLS@usmc.mil or (504) 697-7323.
Spouses attending: Spouses of active-duty Marines must complete a DD Form 2793 (Volunteer Agreement for Appropriated Fund Activities) no later than 45 days before travel. This form comes via email after registration. Reserve component spouse travel is handled through DTS/DTSR using the MARFORRES G-3 Training Line of Accounting. Childcare is not provided.
Key dates
| Event | Level | Report Date | Convene | Grad |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cornerstone 2027001 | O5 Cdrs / SgtMajs | 19 Jan 27 | 20 Jan 27 | 29 Jan 27 |
| Cornerstone 2027001 | O6 Cdrs / SgtMajs | 24 Jan 27 | 25 Jan 27 | 29 Jan 27 |
| Spouses Workshop 2027001 | Spouses | 24 Jan 27 | 25 Jan 27 | 29 Jan 27 |
| Cornerstone 2027002 | O5 Cdrs / SgtMajs | 20 Apr 27 | 21 Apr 27 | 30 Apr 27 |
| Cornerstone 2027002 | O6 Cdrs / SgtMajs | 25 Apr 27 | 26 Apr 27 | 30 Apr 27 |
| Spouses Workshop 2027002 | Spouses | 25 Apr 27 | 26 Apr 27 | 30 Apr 27 |
Registration deadline for each iteration: 45 days before your desired report date.
Check-in for Cornerstone attendees: Gray Research Center, MCU, 0700-0800 on convene date. Departure: no earlier than 1630 on graduation date.
The official version
Full details are in MARADMIN 360/26.
General Cornerstone questions: Dr. David Walker, Lejeune Leadership Institute (LLI), at LLI_MLD@USMCU.EDU or (703) 432-4684. Questions specific to E-9 attendance: SgtMaj Jacqueline Townsel at Jacqueline.Townsel@usmcu.edu or (703) 432-3224.
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.