The Marine Corps released its FY27 Enlistment Option Program (EOP) and Enlistment Bonus Program (EBP) guidance effective 1 October 2026. This MARADMIN sets the available enlistment programs and bonus amounts for both active component and SMCR accessions, and it updates the administrative procedures for paying and tracking those bonuses.
Heads up: The SMCR enlistment bonus is $10,000 this year, paid as a lump sum after the Marine completes all of IADT and joins their unit.
Who it affects
This primarily affects:
- MCRC recruiters working active and reserve accessions
- SMCR unit administrators, Reserve Training Liaisons (RTLs), and S-1 shops processing new joins
- New applicants enlisting into the SMCR or active component in FY27
IRR and current SELRES Marines already serving are not directly affected unless they are involved in processing new accessions.
What you need to do
If you're a recruiter or administrator supporting SMCR accessions:
- Submit bonus requests through MCRC G-3 to RAM-1 via the Marine Corps Recruiting Information Support System (MCRISS). MCRC G-3 is the only organization authorized to issue Bonus Control Numbers (BCNs).
- Use bonus program code
Z7for the SMCR enlistment bonus. - Ensure the applicant completes the approved Statement of Understanding (SOU), form
7220R Z7 Selected Reserve Incentive Program, attached to the Reserve Optional Enlistment Program (ROEP) Annex before the applicant ships. - Have the Marine Corps Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) liaison validate the SOU and submit a PDF copy to MCRC G-3.
- MCRC G-3 forwards the SOU to RA (RAM), who tracks accession status and reports the obligation remark to MCTFS. Payment posts after the Marine completes IADT and the unit joins them to the appropriate RUC.
If you're an RTL handling a reclassification after a BCN is issued:
- Process the MOS reclassification per current procedures.
- Submit the original and new unit/MOS, reason for reclassification, and the Marine's request to retain the bonus to RA (RAP).
- Update the Marine's record upon RA (RAP) approval.
- Notify RA (RAM) by organizational email and provide a copy of the RA (RAP) approval letter as source documentation for the corrected obligation remark in MCTFS.
For active component bonuses, the system largely handles payment automatically: QY and QQ bonuses trigger on the first permanent duty station join; QE, QF, QV, and QW bonuses trigger on the first SOI join after the TTC 245 000 obligation is posted. If the auto-generated transaction fails, the RUC/IPAC can manually report TTC 392 SEQ 000 per the Personnel Reporting Instructions and Users Manual (PRIUM), chapter 9, section 91201.
Key dates
- 1 October 2026: FY27 guidance takes effect. All new SMCR and active component enlistments from this date fall under these rules.
- Bonuses may be adjusted during the FY as recruiting conditions change. Watch for follow-on MARADMINs.
FY27 Active Component Enlistment Bonuses
| PEF | BPEF | Description | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| BY | QY | Electronics Maintenance | $15,000 |
| DG | Cyber and Crypto Operations | $15,000 | |
| Any | QE | Shipping Bonus | $5,000 |
| Any | QF | Shipping Bonus | $10,000 |
| Any | QV | Targeted Investment Plus 1 Year | $7,000 |
| Any | QW | Targeted Investment Plus 2 Years | $15,000 |
A recruit may receive only one enlistment bonus. QV and QW require the applicant to add one or two years to their term of enlistment before shipping.
SMCR Enlistment Bonus at a Glance
- Amount: $10,000 lump sum (all validated QSNs eligible)
- Obligation: 6-year SMCR service obligation
- Eligibility: Must enlist under ROEP with a 6x2 obligation and complete all required training (Recruit Training, Marine Combat Training, and MOS school) for the contracted MOS and SMCR unit
- Ineligible: Applicants enlisting under the Incremental IADT (IIADT) program
- Reclassification: Marines reclassified to an eligible MOS during IADT retain eligibility. Marines who fail MOS prerequisites or wash out academically forfeit the bonus.
The MGIB-SR Kicker is also available for SMCR enlistees, up to $350/month for up to 36 months. The MARADMIN does not detail the administrative process for the kicker separately. Coordinate with your S-1 or RA (RAM) for specifics.
The official version
Full guidance is in MARADMIN 405/26. Key references: MCO 1130.53S (Enlistment Options and Incentive Programs), MCTFS PRIUM chapter 9, Title 37 U.S.C., and DoD 7000.14-R Vol. 7A Ch. 2.
POCs:
- Active component bonuses and EOP: Maj M.W. Young, MPP-20,
mark.w.young.mil@usmc.mil, 703-784-9497 - Reserve accessions: Maj S.A. Steele,
scott.a.steele@usmc.mil, 703-784-9143 - RAM/SMCR EB administration: GySgt L. Reilly,
ram-1@usmc.mil, 703-432-9077 - MCRC G-3: CWO4 D.L. McGlothlin,
douglas.mcglothlin@marines.usmc.mil, 667-893-0853
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.