Lateral Move and Career Progression MOS Program

What Lateral Move Is

Per MCO 1300.51MCO 1300.51 and MCRAMM Chapter 2, lateral move is the process by which Marines change their primary MOS. Lateral moves support force structure needs by reallocating personnel from over-strength MOSs to critical and undermanned MOSs.

For Reserve component members, lateral moves have unique considerations because of unit-specific staffing.

Why Lateral Moves Matter

The Marine Corps adjusts its force structure based on operational needs. Lateral moves serve.

Force Balancing

• Members in over-strength MOSs might have limited career opportunities
• Critical MOSs need additional manpower
• Lateral moves redistribute personnel

Career Opportunity

• Members might pursue MOSs with better career prospects
• Promotion opportunities differ by MOS
• Specific bonuses or programs might incentivize moves

Operational Requirements

• New mission requirements drive demand for specific MOSs
• Force restructuring requires personnel reallocation
• Critical operational needs prioritize lateral moves

Eligibility for Reserve Component Lateral Moves

Per MCRAMM, Reserve member lateral moves require.

• Active SMCR drilling status
• Sufficient time remaining in current obligation
• Meeting standards for the new MOS (testing, prerequisites)
• Available billet in the new MOS at qualifying location
• Command endorsement

Specific eligibility per current MARADMIN.

Two Lateral Move Categories

Career Progression MOS (CPM)

Lateral moves into MOSs designated for career progression.

• Critical MOSs needing manpower
• Specific bonuses might apply
• Active SMCR retention required
• Commitment to additional service

Standard Lateral Move

Lateral moves outside CPM designation.

• Member-initiated MOS change
• Specific qualification requirements
• Might or might not have incentive

Performance Steps for Lateral Move Processing

Step 1 - Verify Eligibility

When member requests lateral move.

• Verify SMCR drilling status
• Verify sufficient remaining obligation
• Verify member meets new MOS prerequisites
• Verify available billet in new MOS

Step 2 - Submit Application

Member submits formal application.

• Specific request package
• Member's current qualifications
• Justification for the move
• Command endorsement

Step 3 - Coordinate with HQMC

The application routes through HQMC for approval.

• HQMC Manpower review
• MOS Sponsor coordination
• Decision on application

Step 4 - Schedule Training

If approved.

• Member attends required school for new MOS
• IADT or specific training periods
• Specific training duration based on MOS

Step 5 - Update MOS in MCTFS

After training completion.

• New MOS becomes primary
• Previous MOS might continue as additional
• UD/MIPS transaction updating MOS data

Step 6 - Coordinate Unit Reassignment

If unit reassignment is needed.

• Member transfers to unit with new MOS billet
• Drilling location might change
• New unit administrative processing

Drilling Requirements During Move

A Marine in process of lateral move continues normal drilling.

• Continues drilling with current unit during application
• Schools and training might modify drilling temporarily
• Returns to drilling at new MOS unit after training

Pay Implications

Lateral moves might affect pay.

CPM Bonuses

• Specific bonuses for designated CPMs
• Paid as part of incentive structure
• Coordinated with HQMC

Special Duty Assignment Pay

• Some lateral moves into SDA-designated MOSs
• SDAP starts when member reports to SDA billet

Reserve Bonuses

• Specific reserve component bonuses for lateral moves
• Per current SRIP MARADMIN

Common Lateral Move Errors

These hit during processing.

1. Application without prerequisites. Member applies without meeting new MOS standards. Counsel and verify.
2. No available billet. Member approved without billet at qualifying location. Coordinate billet before approval.
3. MOS update missed. Training completed but MCTFS still shows old MOS. Process UD/MIPS update.
4. Bonus eligibility not verified. Member assumes bonus but does not qualify. Verify against SRIP.

Lateral Move Documentation

For lateral move actions, admin needs.

• Application package
• Command endorsement
• HQMC approval
• Training completion documentation
• New unit assignment documentation

Coordination Touchpoints

Lateral move processing touches.

• HQMC Manpower: Application processing
• MOS Sponsor: New MOS standards verification
• Member's current unit: For drilling continuity
• Member's gaining unit: For new MOS billet
• Training School: For required training

Related Roles

Lateral moves affect Reserve members pursuing career changes.

• Marines apply for lateral move and complete training.
• Leaders counsel members and process applications.
• Commanders endorse applications and support member career development.