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PolicyPolicy change

EFMP OCONUS assignment review eliminated, screening process simplified

MARADMIN 459/26·October 1, 2026·2 min read·Official source

The Marine Corps has eliminated a separate pre-screening step for EFMP-enrolled Marines heading to OCONUS or designated remote CONUS assignments. Previously, EFMP families had to complete an EFMP-specific review before they could even start Overseas Suitability Screening (OSS), putting them behind their non-enrolled peers in the assignment timeline. That extra step is gone. Everyone now starts OSS at the same point.

Bottom line: If you or a family member is EFMP-enrolled and you get an OCONUS or designated remote CONUS assignment, you no longer wait for a separate EFMP review before starting OSS.

Who it affects

Any SELRES or Active Component Marine, including those on Active-Duty Operational Support orders, who:

  • Is enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP), and
  • Receives an OCONUS assignment or an assignment to a designated remote CONUS location

The designated remote CONUS locations covered by this change are: Bridgeport, CA; San Clemente Island, CA; San Nicolas Island, CA; Key West, FL; Fallon, NV; Sugar Grove, WV; Kodiak, AK; Barking Sands, HI; and all of Hawaii and Alaska (for medically enrolled EFMP family members).

Family members of affected Marines are also covered.

What you need to do

If you receive an OCONUS or designated remote CONUS assignment, start OSS right away, just like any other Marine. Do not wait for a separate EFMP clearance. That step no longer exists.

If you need help navigating OSS, contact the HQMC Family Member Travel Screening (FMTS) Cell. They serve as the main liaison between Marines and BUMED, the authority that still makes final medical, dental, and educational suitability determinations.

FMTS Cell email: SMB_HQMC_FMTS@usmc.mil POC: Brittney Whalan, brittney.whalan@usmc.mil, 703-784-0298

Key dates

  • Effective immediately upon release of this MARADMIN (28 September 2026)

The official version

Full text: MARADMIN 459/26

This MARADMIN remains in effect until incorporated into MCO 1754.4C, Exceptional Family Member Program.

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.

  • DoD Instruction 6000.20, Family Member Travel Screening (DODI 6000.20)Reference

    This is the DoD-level instruction governing overseas suitability screening for all service members and their families. This MARADMIN cites it as the authority requiring all Marines to initiate OSS upon receipt of an OCONUS or designated remote CONUS assignment, regardless of EFMP enrollment status.

  • Bureau of Medicine and Surgery Instruction 1300.2B, Suitability and EFMP Screening (BUMEDINST 1300.2B)Reference

    This BUMED instruction defines the medical assignment screening and EFMP identification process, including which CONUS locations are designated as remote. This MARADMIN uses it to list the specific remote CONUS duty stations where the new screening rules apply.

  • Secretary of the Navy Instruction 5300.39B, DON Overseas Screening Program (SECNAVINST 5300.39B)Reference

    This instruction establishes the Department of the Navy's overseas screening program. This MARADMIN cites it as the authority governing medical EFMP enrollment requirements for Hawaii and Alaska family members.

  • MARADMIN 633/25, Establishment of the USMC Family Member Travel Screening CellMARADMIN

    This earlier MARADMIN established the HQMC Family Member Travel Screening Cell, which this message identifies as the primary point of contact for Marines and commands needing help navigating the overseas suitability screening process.

  • Exceptional Family Member Program order (MCO 1754.4C)Reference

    This is the Marine Corps order governing the EFMP. This MARADMIN will be cancelled once its changes are incorporated into this order, so reservists should watch for an updated version.

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