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Religious Accommodation Request Process Has Been Updated

MARADMIN 418/26·September 16, 2026·3 min read·Official source
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CMC published interim guidance on religious accommodation requests following a new Secretary of the Navy instruction. The core process stays the same, but the guidance clarifies two separate tracks with different approval authorities depending on what you're asking for. This affects all Marines, Navy personnel attached to Marine Corps commands, and qualified applicants.

★ Affects all reservists: RC Marines not on active duty have 60 days (not 30) to submit a complete religious accommodation package to the appropriate authority.

Who it affects

All Marines, Navy service members assigned to Marine Corps commands who follow Marine Corps standards, and pre-accession applicants. Both SMCR and IMA fall under the RC carve-out for submission timelines.

What you need to do

If you have an existing approved accommodation, nothing changes. It stays in effect. You are responsible for carrying a copy of that approval and giving it to any new commander.

If you are submitting a new request, the process now has two clear tracks:

Track 1: Dietary practices and religious observances

These can be approved within existing policy. Your chain of command handles it.

  1. Submit a completed NAVMC 10274 AA to the first Special Court-Martial Convening Authority (SPCMCA) in your chain of command.
  2. Include: a written description of your religious belief, how it conflicts with the policy, evidence the belief is sincerely held (personal statement, participation in observances, statements from religious leaders), and a signed, sworn statement witnessed by a commissioned officer.
  3. RC Marines not on active duty: submit the complete package within 60 days of the request date.
  4. If denied, your appeal goes to the first General Court-Martial Convening Authority (GCMCA).

Track 2: Uniform, grooming, body art, and vaccinations

These require waiving an existing policy. DC M&RA makes the call.

  1. Submit the same NAVMC 10274 AA with the same documentation, but address it to DC M&RA.
  2. Your entire chain of command, including the first GCMCA, must endorse the package.
  3. The final endorser submits the complete, signed, dated, and scanned package to the DC M&RA SharePoint (see the official version below for the link).
  4. RC Marines not on active duty: submit the complete package within 60 days.
  5. Appeals go to the Director, Marine Corps Staff, except vaccine requests. Vaccine appeals go to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Manpower and Reserve Affairs).

Key requirement for all requests: You must keep following the existing policy or standard until you receive written approval. An approval is not assumed. Nothing changes for you until you have it in writing.

Command endorsements must include a sincerity assessment (first-line supervisor input, chaplain input, and a review of context and consistency) and an operational assessment (how the accommodation affects mission readiness, protective equipment, deployments, and safety).

Key dates

  • 30 days: Deadline to submit a complete package if you are in the U.S. and on active duty.
  • 60 days: Deadline for RC Marines not on active duty, or any Marine initiating a request from outside the U.S.

The official version

MARADMIN 418/26

Referenced orders: SECNAVINST 1730.13, MCO 1730.9, MCO 1020.34H, DODI 1300.17, DODI 6205.02.

DC M&RA SharePoint for Track 2 submissions: the MARADMIN references a SharePoint address at https://usmc.sharepoint-mil.us/sites/DCMRA_MRA_MP_MPO (CAC required). Confirm the current address with your unit S-1 before submitting.

POC: MPO at (703) 784-9632.

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.

Resources & references

The documents this bulletin points to, with a plain-English note on why each matters. Links marked CAC required need a government login.

  • Religious Liberty in the Department of the Navy (SECNAVINST 1730.13)Reference

    This is the Secretary of the Navy instruction on religious liberty that prompted this interim guidance. Its recent publication is the direct reason this MARADMIN was issued.

  • Religious Liberty in the Military Services (DODI 1300.17)Reference

    This DoD instruction establishes department-wide policy on religious liberty in the military services and is a governing reference for this MARADMIN's guidance.

  • Accommodation of Religious Practices in the Marine Corps (MCO 1730.9)Reference

    This is the current Marine Corps service policy on religious accommodation requests. This MARADMIN provides interim guidance that supplements it until the order is formally updated.

  • Marine Corps Uniform Regulations (MCO 1020.34H)Reference

    This order governs Marine Corps uniform standards, which are directly relevant to religious accommodation requests involving uniform and grooming.

  • DoD Immunization Program (DODI 6205.02, Change 2)Reference

    This DoD instruction governs the military immunization program and is a key reference for religious accommodation requests related to vaccine requirements.

  • DC M&RA MPO SharePoint (submission portal for religious accommodation packages)CAC required

    This is where final endorsers must submit complete, signed, dated, and scanned staffing packages for religious accommodation requests requiring DC M&RA adjudication, such as those involving uniform, grooming, or vaccination standards.

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