MARADMIN 326/23 - Enlisted Active Duty Service Limits

Scope

MARADMIN 326/23 publishes the Marine Corps Enlisted Active Duty Service Limits, replacing the prior High Year Tenure framework from MARADMIN 408/19. The MARADMIN sets maximum years of active service by grade, the maximum enlisted age limit, and the retention waiver framework for Marines who reach service limits. Effective 1 July 2023. Applicability is the Active Component, not the Marine Corps Reserve. Release authorized by Lieutenant General James F. Glynn, Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs.

Background

The modern battlefield is characterized by all-domain, distributed operations. The Marine Corps retains experienced Marines with critical warfighting skills to succeed in a technology-saturated environment. The Enlisted Career Force Controls (ECFC) program supports the desired by-grade distribution of Marines. Force Design-2030 technical skillsets, plus recent retention and promotion behavior, drive increased flexibility in the traditional up-or-out policy. Service limits represent the maximum time in a grade without a waiver. They do not guarantee continued service. Eligibility depends on warfighting requirements, individual performance, and personal conduct as the primary determinants of HQMC reenlistment adjudication.

Updated Service Limits

Effective 1 July 2023, HQMC is authorized to approve reenlistments and extensions of Marines who were eligible but not promoted to the next grade two or more times. Service limits require Marines at the listed years of service either to separate at EAS or transfer to the Fleet Marine Corps Reserve (FMCR).

• Cpl: 8 years active Marine Corps service.
• Sgt: 12 years active Marine Corps service.
• SSgt: 20 years active military service.
• GySgt: 22 years active military service.
• 1stSgt or MSgt: 27 years active military service.
• SgtMaj or MGySgt: 30 years active military service.

Marines on their first enlistment may receive up to a 6-year reenlistment without regard to service limits.

Maximum Age Limit

Effective 1 July 2023, the maximum age limit for enlisted Marines' service is 58 years old. The age limit adheres to Marine Corps Recruiting Command's 28-year-old enlistment age guideline, allowing Marines to serve a complete 30-year career subject to warfighting demands, individual performance, and personal conduct.

Retention Waivers

• Corporals may receive a waiver for active Marine Corps service up to 10 years if favorably endorsed at the O-6 level and approved by CMC (MMEA).
• Sergeants may receive a waiver for active Marine Corps service up to 14 years if favorably endorsed at the O-6 level and approved by CMC (MMEA).
• E-6 through E-8 waivers in extraordinary circumstances, when clearly in the interest of the Marine Corps for critical skills, may be approved by CMC (MMEA). Endorsement at the Marine's first general officer in the chain of command.
• E-9 slating exceptions to existing slating processes are considered case by case. If selected, continued service is automatically authorized via slating message.
• Marines who have received Blended Retirement System (BRS) continuation pay may fulfill all remaining service obligation related to their acceptance of continuation pay.

Transfer to the FMCR

The FMCR consists of enlisted Marines who have completed 20, but less than 30, years of active service and receive retainer pay. Marines eligible for retirement who reach service limits transfer to FMCR per MCO 1900.16 with Change 1. Marines request retirement between 6 and 18 months of their Planned Retirement Resignation (PRR) date after satisfying incurred service obligations. Marines who meet FMCR eligibility but request a service limit waiver submit an AA Form or standard naval letter with justification via the chain of command to CMC (MMSR-2). Waivers are not considered for extensions greater than 1 year.

Reentry from Prior High-Year-Tenure Approvals

Marines currently approved for retirement under previous high-year tenure guidance who now wish to continue service may request to change the retirement date. Changes of 18 months or more require a reenlistment or extension request per MCO 1040.31. Changes under 18 months require a modification per MCO 1900.16 CH-1. The O-5 commander is the endorsement authority in all cases.

Command guidance

Command teams identify seasoned, experienced Marines with high-demand skills and encourage their reenlistment per this policy.

Connection to Marine Corps doctrine

• MARADMIN 408/19. Enlisted Active-Duty Service Limits and High Year Tenure. Reference (a). Superseded by this message.
• MCO 1040.31. Enlisted Retention and Career Development Manual. Reference (b).
• MCO 1900.16 W/CH 1. Marine Corps Separation and Retirement Manual. Reference (c).
• MCO P1400.32D W/CH 2. Enlisted Promotions Manual. Reference (d).
• Marine Corps Recruiting Command Order 1100.1A. Reference (e).
• MCBul 1300. Sergeants Major Slating Process. Reference (f).
• MARADMIN 076/25 and MARADMIN 190/26. Enlisted Career Designation Program (ECDP) for senior enlisted Marines.
• MCBul 5314. Annual Enlisted Career Force Controls publication.

Points of contact

• L. Beindorf, Civ, MPP-20, Enlisted Promotion Plans, 703-784-9361.
• D. Queen, Maj, MMSR, Separations and Retirements, 703-784-9314.
• B. Lodge, MGySgt, MMEA-1, Enlisted Retention, 703-432-9125.

Status

Released 2023-06-08, DTG R 081300Z JUN 23. Originator CMC Washington DC MRA MP. Effective 1 July 2023. Active. Not applicable to the Marine Corps Reserve.