The Marine Corps is soliciting applications for the FY27 FAS Study Track Selection Panel. The FAS Program takes exceptional SNCOs, puts them through graduate or professional international affairs education, language training, and regional immersion, then places them in strategic advisory assignments across the Marine Corps, Joint Force, and multinational environments. The deadline to apply is 4 December 2026.
Heads up: Reserve SNCOs are not eligible for the Study Track. If you're RC and interested in the FAS Program, look at the Experience Track in MCO 1540.33.
Who it affects
Active component Staff Sergeants (including SSgt selectees) through Master Sergeants. First Sergeants, MGySgts, and SgtsMaj are not eligible for this track but may apply through the Experience Track. RC SNCOs are explicitly excluded from the Study Track.
What you need to do
If you are an eligible active component SNCO who wants to apply:
- Read Chapter 5 of MCO 1540.33 before you build your package.
- Download the FY27 FAS Study Track application template from the IAP website:
http://www.ppo.marines.mil/Units/Strategy-and-Plans-Division/International-Affairs-Branch/International-Affairs-Program/Resources/ - Complete the online FY27 FAS Study Track Registration Form (also on the IAP website under IAP Submissions and Registrations). This is required and separate from submitting your package.
- Assemble your application package in this exact order:
- Command endorsement (signed by first O-5 in your chain)
- Completed FY27 FAS Study Track application
- Personal statement, Standard Naval Correspondence Format, 600-800 words
- Conditional NPS acceptance letter (if you have a bachelor's degree)
- Unofficial college transcripts
- Current security clearance verification
- Adverse material (if applicable)
- Up to two letters of recommendation (optional)
- PMOS monitor concurrence email
- Scan everything into a single PDF and name the file using this format:
Rank.LastName.FirstName.Region(example:GySgt.Smith.John.PACOM) - Submit to PPO-PLU no later than 4 December 2026.
Late, incomplete, or improperly formatted packages will not be considered. Both the PDF package and the online registration form must be submitted before the deadline.
Key dates
- 4 December 2026: Hard deadline for application package and online registration form
- 1 June 2027: Date as of which applicants must meet the minimum time-on-station requirement
Eligibility at a glance
Rank: SSgt (including selectees) through MSgt, active component only
Security clearance: Current Secret required; worldwide assignable
Language: Must meet one of these:
- Minimum Defense Language Aptitude Battery (DLAB) score for your target language category, OR
- Current Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT) score of 1+/1+ in at least two modalities
DLAB minimums by language category:
| Category | Minimum DLAB Score |
|---|---|
| I | 95 |
| II | 100 |
| III | 105 |
| IV | 110 |
Education: Bachelor's degree holders apply for NPS and include a conditional acceptance letter. No degree? You're still eligible. If selected, you'll complete professional education through the Foreign Service Institute (FSI).
Service obligation: Two years of active duty following completion of all FAS training. You may not voluntarily separate or retire while in the program.
The official version
Referenced orders: MCO 1540.33 (International Affairs Program), NAVMC 1200.1M (MOS Manual), MCO 1326.6 CH-1 (Special Duty Assignments), MARADMIN 408/19 (Enlisted Active-Duty Service Limits and HYT).
POC: MSgt Ivan Livia, PPO PL, ivan.a.livia.mil@usmc.mil, 703-692-4366. LtCol Brett McCormick, brett.mccormick@usmc.mil, 703-692-4365.
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.