Career Reenlistments (STAP)

Start Here If You Are New to STAP

SUBSEQUENT TERM ALIGNMENT PLAN (STAP) applies to CAREERIST Marines at their second and subsequent contract endings. Within STAP, two specialized programs apply. SENIOR ENLISTED ALIGNMENT PLAN (SEAP) for senior leaders aligning with leadership requirements. ENLISTED CAREER DESIGNATION PROGRAM (ECDP) Pilot per MARADMIN 076/25MARADMIN 076/25 for E-8 and E-9 SNCOs. ECDP allows continued service to Enlisted Career Force Controls (ECFC) WITHOUT repeated reenlistment requests. E-8 may serve up to 27 years of active service. E-9 may serve up to 30 years. 24-month initial obligation upon entering ECDP. The FY27 STAP submission window is 1 June 2026 to 31 October 2026. Streamlined processing for E-6 through E-8 board selectees. Geolocation preferences (East Coast, West Coast, Overseas, SLIP). Marines should consider Transfer of Education Benefits during STAP reenlistment. Per MCO 1040.31MCO 1040.31, MARADMIN 590/25MARADMIN 590/25, and MARADMIN 076/25MARADMIN 076/25.

This page walks you through STAP from your seat as a careerist Marine. By the end you will know.

• The STAP framework
• Senior Enlisted Alignment Plan (SEAP)
• Enlisted Career Designation Program (ECDP) Pilot
• ECDP eligibility and benefits
• ECDP service obligations and recoupment
• Streamlined processing for board selectees
• FY27 STAP timelines per MARADMIN 590/25MARADMIN 590/25
• Geolocation preferences (SLIP)
• Transfer of Education Benefits considerations

Every fact on this page comes from MCO 1040.31MCO 1040.31, MARADMIN 590/25MARADMIN 590/25, MARADMIN 076/25MARADMIN 076/25 (ECDP), MARADMIN 326/23MARADMIN 326/23 (Active Duty Service Limits), and MMEA-1 published guidance.

What STAP Is

STAP is the framework for CAREERIST Marines at their second and subsequent contract endings.

Who Is STAP Eligible

Marines who have completed a first contract and are now in a subsequent reenlistment cycle.

How STAP Differs from FTAP

• FTAP. First-term Marines (highly competitive, boatspace controlled).
• STAP. Careerists (focused on career progression, MOS requirements, performance).

Why STAP Marines Are Important

• They have established performance records.
• They are the SNCO pipeline.
• They lead, train, and develop junior Marines.

Senior Enlisted Alignment Plan (SEAP)

Per MARADMIN 590/25MARADMIN 590/25.

What SEAP Is

A specialized program within STAP for senior enlisted Marines. Aligns senior enlisted retention with leadership development priorities.

When SEAP Submission Opens (FY27)

1 April 2026.

Who Submits Under SEAP

Senior enlisted Marines specifically aligned with the SEAP framework. Coordinate with Career Counselor.

Enlisted Career Designation Program (ECDP) Pilot

Per MARADMIN 076/25MARADMIN 076/25 effective 1 June 2025. The ECDP is a major shift in the senior enlisted reenlistment framework.

Why ECDP Was Created

The Commandant's guidance on Talent Management directed a paradigm shift from the legacy "recruit and replace" personnel model toward greater emphasis on investment in and retention of the Marine Corps' most capable Marines. Currently, enlisted Marines must submit retention requests at regular intervals that may not align with their duty assignments or career aspirations. This requirement creates uncertainty for our most experienced Marines and adds administrative burden.

ECDP Eligibility

Per MARADMIN 076/25MARADMIN 076/25 paragraph 3.a effective 1 June 2025.

• Marines in the grades of E-8 and E-9.
• End of Current Contract (ECC) date BEFORE 30 September 2026.
• At least 15 years of service OR over 2 years time in grade.

Submission Window

Eligible Marines may submit final reenlistment package to CMC (MMEA) to enter ECDP at their next reenlistment.

What ECDP Allows

Marines on ECDP may serve up to current Enlisted Career Force Controls (ECFC).

• E-8. Up to 27 years of active service.
• E-9. Up to 30 years of active service.

Why This Matters

Once a Marine enters ECDP, their End of Active Service automatically becomes the service limitation for that grade. NO repeated reenlistment requests required.

Initial Obligated Service

Initial reenlistment into ECDP incurs a 24-MONTH service obligation starting at the end of their current contract.

Additional Obligations

Marines incur ADDITIONAL service obligations for, but not limited to.

• Promotion.
• Assignment.
• Selective Retention Bonus (SRB) payment.
• Transfer of Education Benefits.

Choosing Not to Enter ECDP

Marines electing NOT to enter ECDP will be required to submit for reenlistment upon future ECC dates to continue their service.

Standard Path Without ECDP

• Standard reenlistment.
• Submit for FMCR (if Reserve).
• Submit for retirement (if eligible).
• EAS.

ECDP Assignments

Per MARADMIN 076/25MARADMIN 076/25 paragraph 3.c.

Joint Travel Regulations Compliance

Marines are required to obligate service in accordance with Joint Travel Regulations when executing a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) or Permanent Change of Assignment (PCA) orders.

Refusing Assignment

Marines who choose NOT to fulfill this obligation must.

• Submit a resignation per MCO 1900.16MCO 1900.16 Ch 2 (Separations and Retirement Manual).
• OR submit a request for retirement to MMEA and MMSR.

Retirement and Resignation Timing

Per paragraph 4.a. Individuals on the ECDP must request separation or retirement BETWEEN 6 AND 18 MONTHS of their Planned Retirement/Resignation (PRR) date.

The requested PRR date will be no earlier than the date from which all obligations are satisfactorily fulfilled.

Refusing Orders Path

Per paragraph 4.b. ECDP Marines who desire to resign INSTEAD OF complying with assignment instructions must request separation within 30 DAYS OF RECEIPT OF ORDERS.

Retirement Eligible Marine Refusing Orders

Upon CMC (MMSR) approval, Marines who are retirement-eligible will receive a PRR date NO LATER than the last day of the month following the estimated arrival date to the new duty station.

Non-Retirement-Eligible Marine Refusing Orders

Marines who are not retirement-eligible will receive a reenlistment code (RE) of RE-3O with a separation date 6 months from the Marine's RE-3O acknowledgement.

ECDP and Selective Retention Bonus (SRB)

Per MARADMIN 076/25MARADMIN 076/25 paragraph 5.

SRB Eligibility

Marines entering ECDP and those already career designated may be eligible for an SRB based on MOS requirements.

Initial Entry SRB

To receive an SRB once in ECDP, the Marine must complete a Statement of Understanding in coordination with the Career Counselor.

SRB Service Obligation

Marines receiving an SRB must commit to the requisite additional service outlined in the SRB MARADMIN. This obligation does NOT run concurrently with the initial entry into ECDP.

Subsequent SRBs and Kickers

Subsequent SRBs or Kickers may be applied for through the unit Career Counselor via TFRS UPON FULFILLMENT of any current obligated service from receiving a previous bonus or kicker. These subsequent SRBP and/or Kickers are ADDED to the Marine's current Incurred Obligated Service (IOS) date.

Recoupment

Failure to meet service obligations will result in recoupment of the unearned SRB or Kicker amounts.

ECDP and Reduction in Rank

Per MARADMIN 076/25MARADMIN 076/25 paragraph 6.

Marines Reduced Below ECFC

Marines serving on ECDP who are reduced in grade may exceed the applicable retention control point. If a Marine's reduction in rank exceeds their ECFC for that grade.

• The Marine will subsequently have an EAS modified not earlier than 4 months or later than 6 months after the effective date of the reduction in rank or removal of select grade as determined by CMC (MM).

Between 18 and 20 Years

Marines between 18 and 20 years of active service will be permitted to retire on the last day of the month following the month they reach 20 years of active service, unless administratively separated.

Marines With 20+ Years Reduced

Marines with at least 20 years of active service who exceed the service limitation for their current rank because of a reduction in rank or revocation of promotion selection must retire within 6 months after the effective date of the reduction in grade or revocation of promotion selection.

Involuntary Removal From ECDP

Marines can be involuntarily removed from ECDP through administrative separation per MCO 1900.16MCO 1900.16 Ch 2. Career Marines who enter ECDP must still maintain all Marine Corps standards.

ECDP Leave Sell-Back

Per MARADMIN 076/25MARADMIN 076/25 paragraph 7.c.

One-Time Sell-Back at Entry

A Marine entering ECDP will have their FINAL OPPORTUNITY to sell back lump sum leave in conjunction with their reenlistment, per MCO 1040.31MCO 1040.31.

After Entry

Once in ECDP, Marines are UNABLE to sell back leave UNLESS they are executing separation or retirement.

Streamlined Processing for E-6 through E-8 Board Selectees

Per MARADMIN 590/25MARADMIN 590/25 paragraph 8.

What Streamlined Processing Provides

STAP Marines with an ECC between 1 October 2026 and 30 September 2027 that are SELECTED for E-6 through E-8 are afforded a streamlined submission process.

Additional Guidelines

Released via TFRS.

Cross-FY Extension Selectees

STAP Marines with an ECC between 1 October 2026 and 30 September 2027 who executed a cross-FY EXTENSION are afforded a streamlined submission process for reenlistment. The reenlistment must take place BEFORE the extension goes into effect, OR before the Marine's original ECC.

Geolocation Preferences

Per MARADMIN 590/25MARADMIN 590/25 paragraph 8.c.

Marine's Preferences

STAP Marines may list their geolocation preferences when submitting for reenlistment.

How Assignments Are Made

Assignments are issued based on.

• Billet vacancies.
• Needs of the Service.
• Marine preference.
• Opportunities to maximize individual potential.

Common Geolocation Categories

• East Coast.
• West Coast.
• Overseas.
• SLIP options (specific location-based preferences).

Additional Guidelines

Released via TFRS.

FY27 STAP Submission Timeline Summary

Per MARADMIN 590/25MARADMIN 590/25.

ECDP Status for FY27

Per FY27 retention guidance. ECDP is currently NOT available for FY27 Marines. Updates will be provided if the Pilot becomes available to FY27.

Transfer of Education Benefits Considerations

Per MARADMIN 590/25MARADMIN 590/25.

Why TEB Matters at STAP

It is highly encouraged to research and request Transfer of Education Benefits during STAP reenlistment.

What TEB Is

Active duty Marines may transfer GI Bill benefits to dependents (spouse, children) per specific eligibility criteria. The transfer must be requested while still on active duty.

Why STAP Reenlistment Is the Window

STAP reenlistment may be one of the last opportunities to make TEB elections before approaching retirement. Marines should coordinate with Career Counselor and education officer.

The Transition Requirements leaf in Separations and Retirement covers TEB.

Common STAP Scenarios

Scenario 1. Career Marine Reenlisting at Second EAS

Career Marine completing second contract.

• Path. Standard STAP.
• Window. 1 June 2026 to 31 October 2026.
• Action. Submit through Career Counselor with package.
• Result. Reenlistment with applicable assignment.

Scenario 2. E-8 Marine Considering ECDP

E-8 Marine eligible for ECDP per MARADMIN 076/25MARADMIN 076/25.

• Eligibility. E-8 with at least 15 years OR 2+ years TIG, ECC before 30 September 2026.
• Decision. Enter ECDP for service to ECFC OR continue with standard reenlistments.
• ECDP Benefits. No repeated reenlistment requests, service to 27 years.
• Initial Obligation. 24 months from ECC.

Scenario 3. Marine Selected for E-7 Board

STAP Marine selected for E-7 in upcoming board.

• Streamlined Processing. Available per MARADMIN 590/25MARADMIN 590/25.
• Action. Submit per the streamlined process via TFRS.
• Result. Reenlistment aligned with promotion.

Scenario 4. Marine Wants Specific Geolocation

STAP Marine wants assignment to specific area (e.g., West Coast).

• Action. List geolocation preferences when submitting for reenlistment.
• Result. Assignment based on billet vacancies, needs of Service, Marine preference, individual potential.

Scenario 5. ECDP Marine Refuses PCS Orders

ECDP Marine receives PCS orders to assignment they do not want.

• Action. Submit separation request within 30 days of receipt of orders.
• Retirement Eligible. PRR no later than last day of month following estimated arrival.
• Non-Retirement Eligible. RE-3O with separation 6 months from acknowledgement.

Scenario 6. STAP Marine Reenlisting With TEB Election

Career Marine wants to transfer GI Bill to spouse or children.

• Window. STAP reenlistment may be a key opportunity.
• Action. Coordinate with Career Counselor and education officer for TEB election.
• Service Obligation. Specific TEB obligation incurred.

Common Mistakes

Mistake 1. Not Engaging With ECDP When Eligible

E-8 and E-9 Marines may benefit significantly from ECDP. Coordinate with Career Counselor.

Mistake 2. Misunderstanding ECDP Refusal of Orders Implications

Refusing orders on ECDP triggers specific separation framework. Coordinate carefully.

Mistake 3. Missing Streamlined Processing for Board Selectees

E-6 through E-8 board selectees have a streamlined STAP process. Engage early.

Mistake 4. Not Considering Geolocation Preferences

Marines may list geolocation preferences. Failure to use this opportunity may result in suboptimal assignment.

Mistake 5. Missing TEB Window

TEB elections may have constraints. Coordinate during STAP reenlistment if applicable.

Mistake 6. Not Tracking ECDP Service Obligations

ECDP Marines must track multiple obligations (initial 24 months, promotion, assignment, SRB, TEB). Coordinate with Career Counselor on Incurred Obligated Service (IOS) tracking.

Common Questions Marines Ask

What is STAP?

Subsequent Term Alignment Plan. Framework for careerist Marines at second and subsequent contract endings.

What is SEAP?

Senior Enlisted Alignment Plan. A specialized program within STAP for senior leaders.

What is ECDP?

Enlisted Career Designation Program Pilot per MARADMIN 076/25MARADMIN 076/25. For E-8 and E-9. Allows service to ECFC without repeated reenlistments.

Who is eligible for ECDP?

E-8 and E-9 with at least 15 years OR 2+ years TIG, ECC before 30 September 2026 per MARADMIN 076/25MARADMIN 076/25.

When can I enter ECDP?

Effective 1 June 2025. At your next reenlistment if eligible.

What is ECFC?

Enlisted Career Force Controls. The service limitations by grade. E-8 up to 27 years. E-9 up to 30 years.

What is the initial ECDP obligation?

24 months from end of current contract.

What if I refuse PCS orders on ECDP?

Submit separation request within 30 days. Retirement eligible. PRR by last day of month following estimated arrival. Non-retirement eligible. RE-3O with 6-month separation.

When does standard STAP submission open for FY27?

1 June 2026 to 31 October 2026 per MARADMIN 590/25MARADMIN 590/25.

What is streamlined processing for E-6 through E-8 board selectees?

A streamlined STAP submission process for STAP Marines selected for E-6 through E-8 in upcoming boards. Additional guidelines via TFRS.

Can I list my geolocation preference?

Yes. STAP Marines may list geolocation preferences. Assignment based on billet vacancies, needs of Service, Marine preference, and individual potential.

What about Transfer of Education Benefits?

Highly encouraged to research and request during STAP reenlistment. Coordinate with Career Counselor.

What if I receive an SRB on ECDP?

Service obligation runs concurrent with initial 24-month obligation upon entry. Subsequent SRBs are ADDED to current IOS. Failure to meet obligation results in recoupment.

Can I sell back leave on ECDP?

Final opportunity at entry into ECDP. Once in ECDP, no leave sell-back unless executing separation or retirement.

Is ECDP available for FY27?

Currently no. Updates if Pilot becomes available to FY27.

What if I am reduced in rank on ECDP?

EAS modified not earlier than 4 months or later than 6 months after the effective date of reduction. Specific framework per MARADMIN 076/25MARADMIN 076/25 paragraph 6.

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• All STAP retention questions. Unit Career Counselor.
• ECDP eligibility and submission. Career Counselor and review MARADMIN 076/25MARADMIN 076/25.
• ECDP refusal of orders. Career Counselor, MMSR for separation/retirement coordination.
• Streamlined processing for board selectees. Career Counselor with TFRS guidance.
• Geolocation preferences. Career Counselor lists preferences in TFRS submission.
• TEB during STAP. Career Counselor and education officer.
• MMEA-1 escalation. (703) 432-9019 or (703) 432-9120.
• ECDP-specific questions. MMSR-2 and MMEA-1 per MARADMIN 076/25MARADMIN 076/25 POCs.

Where to Go Next on This Site

• Reenlistments and Extensions landing page lists all topics.
• Reenlistments and Extensions Overview and Authorities covers the framework.
• Reenlistment Eligibility and Process covers the 4-step process.
• First-Term Reenlistments (FTAP) covers FTAP-specific framework.
• Boatspaces and Allocations covers the control mechanism.
• Selective Retention Bonus (SRB) and Targeted MOS Bonuses covers bonuses.
• Lateral Moves (LATMOVE) Program covers PMOS change.
• Direct Affiliation Program (DAP) covers Active-to-Reserve.
• Extensions covers short-term retention.
• Promotion Delays and Revocations in Promotions covers delays and revocations.
• Retirement Types and Eligibility in Separations and Retirement covers retirement framework.
• Transition Requirements in Separations and Retirement covers TEB framework.

Related Roles

• Leaders coach STAP and ECDP-eligible Marines on long-term career planning.
• Admin at S-1 supports STAP submissions and ECDP coordination.
• Commanders endorse STAP packages and engage in CRM (Command Retention Mission).

STAP applies to careerist Marines at second and subsequent contract endings. SEAP for senior leaders. ECDP Pilot per MARADMIN 076/25MARADMIN 076/25 for E-8/E-9 with 15+ years OR 2+ years TIG. ECDP allows service to ECFC. E-8 up to 27 years. E-9 up to 30 years. 24-month initial obligation. SRB and other obligations stack via Incurred Obligated Service (IOS). FY27 STAP submission 1 June-31 October 2026. SEAP 1 April 2026. ECDP currently not available for FY27. Streamlined processing for E-6 through E-8 board selectees. Geolocation preferences (East Coast, West Coast, Overseas, SLIP). TEB highly encouraged. Per MCO 1040.31MCO 1040.31, MARADMIN 590/25MARADMIN 590/25, MARADMIN 076/25MARADMIN 076/25.