The Marine Corps is soliciting nominations for the 2027 Marine Corps Aviation Association (MCAA) John Glenn Squadron Marine Aviation Acquisition Awards. These awards recognize Marines and civilians who did standout work in Marine aviation acquisition during calendar year 2026. Nominations are due by early December.
Heads up: This is a narrow-audience award. If you or someone you know works in aviation acquisition or test and evaluation, this is worth a look.
Who it affects
This is a specific call for a specific community. The five award categories and who's eligible:
| Award | Eligible Nominees |
|---|---|
| Senator John H. Glenn Test Pilot/NFO of the Year | Marine aviators and NFOs performing test pilot or NFO duties |
| J.J. McCue Civilian Tester of the Year | Government civilians and contractors in test and evaluation supporting Marine aviation acquisition |
| Lt Gen Michael A. Hough Acquisition Officer of the Year | Marine officers contributing to or supporting Marine aviation acquisition |
| Thomas E. Laux Acquisition Civilian of the Year | Government civilians and contractors supporting Marine aviation acquisition |
| GySgt Sean Joyce/MGySgt Gary Leader Acquisition SNCO of the Year | Marine SNCOs contributing to or supporting Marine aviation acquisition |
Each program office or test squadron may submit only one package per award category.
What you need to do
If you are nominating someone (or are a program office or test squadron submitting a package), follow these steps in order:
- Prepare a nomination letter with a signed endorsement from the unit's Program Manager or Commanding Officer. One page maximum.
- Write a Comprehensive Summary of Action. Two pages maximum.
- Format both documents in Courier New 12-point font, standard sentence capitalization (not all caps).
- Name your files exactly like this:
Award_Rank_LName_Unit_Nomination.pdfandAward_Rank_LName_Unit_SOA.pdf - Email the complete package to the POC before the deadline.
Package templates are available from the POC. Contact MAJ M.D. Reith at matthew.d.reith.mil@us.navy.mil or (301) 342-7776.
Note: Transportation and lodging for awardees (and spouses if applicable) who live outside the NAS Patuxent River area will be provided by the Marine Aviation Detachment (MAD) Patuxent River.
Key dates
- Award period covered: 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2026
- Nomination deadline: 7 December 2026, by 2359
The official version
Full details are in MARADMIN 538/26. The governing order is MCO 1650.29H (Aviation Awards Order).
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.