Non-Prior Service (NPS) Enlisted Accessions

Who Is NPS

Per MCRAMM Chapter 2, Non-Prior Service (NPS) Marines have no previous military service before enlistment. NPS reservists join the Reserve directly without prior active duty.

NPS is the largest accession category for the Reserve component.

NPS Path to SMCR

A typical NPS path.

Step 1 - Recruitment

Member enlists through Marine Corps Recruiting Command.

• Marine Corps Recruiter contacts qualified candidates
• DEPS (Delayed Entry Program) or direct ship to Boot Camp
• Six-year SMCR contract typical

Step 2 - Initial Active Duty for Training (IADT)

NPS member completes initial training on active duty.

• Marine Corps Recruit Training (Boot Camp): 13 weeks
• Marine Combat Training (MCT): 4 weeks
• MOS school: Varies by MOS (4 weeks to 1 year+)

During IADT, member is on active duty status with active duty pay and benefits.

Step 3 - Join SMCR Unit

After IADT completion.

• Member transfers to assigned SMCR unit
• Begins drilling status
• Reserve drill pay begins
• Active duty status ends

Step 4 - Drilling Period

Member fulfills SMCR obligation.

• 6-year SMCR contract typical
• Monthly drill weekend
• Annual training (AT) of 12-14 days
• Maintain participation per MCRAMM Chapter 4

Performance Steps for I&I Admin Receiving NPS Member

Step 1 - Coordinate Initial Receipt

When NPS member arrives at I&I.

• Receive member's records from MCT/MOS school
• Establish ESR locally
• Verify all initial documents in MCTFS
• Brief member on unit expectations

Step 2 - Coordinate Initial Counseling

Initial counseling per IRAM.

• Brief member on SMCR participation requirements
• Brief on MSO and obligation
• Brief on drill schedule
• Document counseling on Page 11

Step 3 - Process Active to Reserve Transition

Member's status changes from active duty to drilling reserve.

• UD/MIPS active duty end transaction
• UD/MIPS drilling SMCR start transaction
• BAH and BAS deactivate (member returns to civilian residence)
• Drill pay system activated

Step 4 - Verify Documents in OMPF

Per MCO P1070.12MCO P1070.12.

• Boot camp completion certificate
• MCT completion certificate
• MOS school certificate
• Initial enlistment contract
• Initial physical fitness records
• All in OMPF per MARADMIN 015/20MARADMIN 015/20

Step 5 - Establish Drill Schedule

Member begins drilling.

• First drill weekend at unit
• Family briefed on schedule
• Member's civilian employer notified per USERRA

Initial Active Duty for Training (IADT) Specifics

IADT is the active duty training period before SMCR drilling.

IADT Duration

Total IADT varies by MOS.

• Short MOS schools: 6-9 months total IADT
• Standard MOS schools: 9-12 months total IADT
• Long MOS schools (technical, language): 12-18 months total IADT

IADT Pay and Benefits

During IADT.

• Active duty base pay
• Active duty BAH (member typically without dependents at boot camp)
• Active duty BAS or meal card
• TRICARE Prime active duty
• Travel reimbursement

After IADT

Member transitions to SMCR drilling.

• Active duty pay and benefits stop
• Drill pay begins
• Civilian residence
• Civilian employment resumes

Six-Year SMCR Contract

Standard NPS contract is 6-year SMCR followed by 2-year IRR for 8-year MSO total.

• 6 years drilling SMCR
• 2 years IRR (or longer if member separates from SMCR earlier)
• Total 8-year MSO

Some contracts have alternate structures.

Common NPS Issues

School Performance Issues

If member has issues during IADT.

• Might result in MOS reclassification
• Might result in administrative separation
• Specific procedures during IADT

Failure to Complete IADT

Per MCRAMM, members failing to complete IADT.

• Specific separation processing
• Possible recoupment of training costs
• Coordination with HQMC

Successful IADT and Joining SMCR

When member arrives at SMCR unit successfully.

• Welcome and integration into unit
• First drill weekend critical for member retention
• Establish unit support relationships

I&I Admin Initial Tasks for NPS Joins

When NPS member arrives.

Documentation Verification

• All IADT certificates in OMPF
• MCTFS data accurate
• DEERS enrollment confirmed
• Initial physical complete

Pay System Setup

• Active duty to drill pay transition
• Drill Manager setup
• BAH adjustment if applicable
• TRS enrollment offered

Family Coordination

• Spouse and family briefing
• Family Readiness Officer introduction
• Resources for family during drill weekends

Career Counseling

• Initial career counseling
• Education benefits brief (MGIB-SR eligibility)
• TRS overview
• Reserve advancement opportunities

NPS Documentation Required

For NPS join processing, admin needs.

• Original DD Form 4DD Form 4 enlistment contract
• Boot camp graduation certificate
• MCT graduation certificate
• MOS school certificate
• Initial physical (PHA) results
• DEERS verification
• SGLI election

All filed in OMPF via UD/MIPS document storage.

Quality Control on NPS Joins

Common errors during NPS receipt.

1. Documents not received from MOS school. Coordinate with MOS school for transfer.
2. MCTFS data incomplete. Verify and complete during initial processing.
3. Drill pay setup delayed. Process promptly to avoid pay gap.
4. Family briefing skipped. Family integration important for retention.

Coordination Touchpoints

NPS joins touch.

• Marine Corps Recruiting Command: Initial accession
• MCRD Parris Island or San Diego: Boot camp
• MCT Battalion: Marine Combat Training
• MOS School: Initial MOS qualification
• HQMC: For complex cases

Related Roles

NPS accessions affect new SMCR Marines.

• Marines complete IADT and join SMCR unit.
• Leaders at SMCR units welcome and integrate new NPS members.
• Commanders at I&I oversee successful NPS integration.