MCO 1040.31 - Enlisted Retention and Career Development Program

Scope

MCO 1040.31 sets the framework for maintaining the career force of the Marine Corps. The order is the primary means for managing retention of highly qualified enlisted Marines to meet career force MOS requirements, and the foundation of the Career Planning Program. Attainment of the annual First Term and Subsequent Term Alignment Plans is a critical leadership responsibility.

Audience

Commanders set retention targets and own the integrity of the force. Senior Enlisted Advisors mentor career planning at the unit. Career Planners execute the program daily. The order applies to every command with enlisted Marines.

Key chapters and appendices

• Chapter 6. Administrative Procedures. Reorganized in the J revision.
• Chapter 7. Retention and Advertising Material.
• Chapter 8. Special programs.
• Appendix A. Definitions for the program.
• Appendix B. Commanding Officer and Career Planning Screening checklist.
• Appendix C. Career Enhancement Tools.
• Appendix D. Reenlistment Eligibility Codes.
• Appendix E. Commanding Officer Separation Pay Checklist.
• Appendix F. Target Enlisted Career Progression Pattern.

Connection to higher policy

• 10 U.S.C. 1176. Career-status protections.
• 10 U.S.C. 509. Recruiting waivers.
• 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(9). Amendment to the Gun Control Act of 1968 (Lautenberg).
• H.R. 6580. Hubbard Act, 2008-08-29.
• DODFMR Vol 7B. Military Pay Policy and Procedures, Retired Pay.
• Manual for Courts-Martial United States, 2008 Edition.
• NAVMED P-117. Manual of the Medical Department.
• NAVMED 1606. Medical disqualification.

Connection to Marine Corps doctrine and lower policy

• MCO 3500.40. T&R framework.
• MCO 7220.12P. Special pays.
• MCO P10120.28G. Uniform regulations.
• MCO P1070.12K. IRAM.
• MARADMIN 436/03. Career planning guidance.
• MCO 1001.39K. Reserve manpower management.
• MCO P1900.16F. Predecessor MARCORSEPMAN.
• MCO 1130.53P. Recruiting and retention.
• MCO 1130.80A. Procurement programs.
• MCO P1300.8R. Personnel assignment.
• MARADMIN 228/06. Lautenberg amendment guidance.
• MCO 6100.13. Physical readiness.
• MCO P1700.24B. Marine Corps Personal Services Program.
• MCO 6110.3. Body composition program.
• MCO 1740.13A. Family advocacy.
• MCO 1200.17A. MOS management.
• MCO P1610.7F. Predecessor PES manual.
• MCO P1400.32D. Enlisted Promotion Manual.
• MCTFS Users Manual.
• Portal admin outbound-management counseling pages pair this order with MCO 1700.31 for the outbound split between Marines continuing service and Marines separating. The SELRES career counseling page and the commander oversight matrix also cite this order.

Status

Active. Submit recommended changes to CMC (MMEA-6) via the chain of command.