Duty Station Incentive (DSI)

Start Here If You Are New to DSI

The DUTY STATION INCENTIVE (DSI) allows First-Term Marines reenlisting to influence their next assignment. Eligibility requires (1) being on-station for AT LEAST 18 MONTHS, AND (2) requesting a 36-MONTH OR GREATER reenlistment in their PMOS. Eligible Marines may submit UP TO THREE DSI preferences with their request. Common DSI choices include CONUS east coast (Lejeune, Cherry Point, New River, Beaufort, Parris Island, East Coast generic), CONUS west coast (Pendleton, Miramar, MCRD San Diego, 29 Palms, Yuma, West Coast generic), I&I Stations, Quantico, Hawaii, Okinawa, Iwakuni, and Overseas. DSI eligibility may be ELIMINATED after specific dates per published FY retention guidelines (force shaping driven). Assignments are based on Marine preference, billet vacancies, needs of the Marine Corps, and opportunities to maximize potential. ENHANCED DSI (EDSI) is an upgrade for CRP selectees allowing up to FIVE Monitored Command Code (MCC) preferences. Per MCO 1040.31MCO 1040.31.

This page walks you through DSI from your seat as a First-Term Marine considering reenlistment. By the end you will know.

• DSI eligibility (18 months on-station, 36-month reenlistment, PMOS-specific)
• Up to 3 DSI preferences allowed
• Common DSI choices
• How assignments are made
• DSI elimination dates
• Enhanced DSI (EDSI) for CRP selectees (5 MCC preferences)
• Cross-reference to FTAP framework

Every fact on this page comes from MCO 1040.31MCO 1040.31, MARADMIN 590/25MARADMIN 590/25, MARADMIN 585/24MARADMIN 585/24, MARADMIN 527/25MARADMIN 527/25, and MMEA-1 published guidance.

What DSI Is

DSI allows First-Term Marines to influence their next duty station assignment as part of their reenlistment.

Why DSI Exists

Recognizes that duty station preference is a significant factor in retention decisions. Marines who can influence their assignment are more likely to reenlist.

Trade-Off

By accepting DSI assignment, the Marine commits to that location and the obligated service required. The Marine cannot decline the assignment after accepting reenlistment.

DSI Eligibility

Criterion 1. First-Term Marine

DSI applies only to FIRST-TERM (FTAP) Marines. Career (STAP) Marines do not have DSI but may submit geolocation preferences (covered in Career Reenlistments leaf).

Criterion 2. On-Station 18+ Months

The Marine must have been at the current duty station for AT LEAST 18 MONTHS at the time of submission.

Criterion 3. 36+ Month Reenlistment

The Marine must request a reenlistment of 36 MONTHS OR GREATER in their PMOS.

Criterion 4. PMOS Continuation

DSI applies to reenlistment in the Marine's CURRENT PMOS. LATMOV-related assignments follow different framework.

Up to Three DSI Preferences

The Marine may submit up to THREE DSI preferences in priority order.

How to Submit

Through the Career Counselor as part of the reenlistment package via TFRS.

Priority Order

The Marine lists preferences from most to least preferred. Assignment authority considers in priority order based on availability.

Common DSI Choices

CONUS West Coast

• Camp Pendleton.
• MCAS Miramar.
• MCRD San Diego.
• 29 Palms (MCAGCC).
• MCAS Yuma.
• West Coast generic.

CONUS East Coast

• Camp Lejeune.
• MCAS Cherry Point.
• MCAS New River.
• MCAS Beaufort.
• MCRD Parris Island.
• East Coast generic.

I&I Stations

Inspector-Instructor stations supporting Reserve units across CONUS.

Quantico

Marine Corps Base Quantico (and various tenant commands).

OCONUS

• Hawaii (MCB Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay).
• Okinawa (Camp Foster, Camp Hansen, Camp Schwab, Camp Kinser, Camp Courtney, Camp McTureous, MCAS Iwakuni Detachment).
• Iwakuni (MCAS Iwakuni).
• Overseas generic.

How Assignments Are Made

Per MMEA-1 published guidance. Assignments are issued based on the following factors.

Factor 1. Marine Preference

The Marine's listed DSI preferences (up to 3).

Factor 2. Billet Vacancies

Available billets in the Marine's PMOS at preferred locations.

Factor 3. Needs of the Marine Corps

The Service's manpower requirements.

Factor 4. Opportunities to Maximize Marine Potential

Career-developmental considerations including PME, special duties, and assignment rotation.

Why Not All Preferences Are Granted

The Marine's first choice may not always be available due to billet vacancies or service needs. The Marine should consider all three preferences carefully.

DSI Elimination Dates

DSI eligibility may be ELIMINATED after specific dates in accordance with published FY retention guidelines.

Why Elimination

Force shaping needs may close DSI for specific PMOSs or general windows.

How to Track

Through the Career Counselor and the annual Retention Campaign MARADMIN.

Strategic Implication

Marines should submit early during their cohort window to maximize DSI eligibility.

Enhanced Duty Station Incentive (EDSI)

Per MARADMIN 590/25MARADMIN 590/25. EDSI is an upgraded version of DSI available to CRP selectees.

Who Receives EDSI

Marines selected for the Commandant's Retention Program (CRP) for FY27 (per MARADMIN 590/25MARADMIN 590/25).

What EDSI Provides

Per paragraph 5.c. EDSI allows CRP selectees to select an assignment to a Monitored Command Code (MCC) AHEAD OF THEIR PEERS prior to the FTAP window opening 1 April.

Up to Five MCC Preferences

CRP selectees may select up to FIVE MCCs from the CRP vacancy list when submitting their request.

Caveat. Late CRP Submissions Lose EDSI

CRP requests submitted to HQMC on or AFTER 1 APRIL 2026 will NOT be considered for EDSI.

Cross-Reference

The First-Term Reenlistments (FTAP) leaf covers the CRP framework in detail.

DSI vs EDSI Comparison

Common DSI Scenarios

Scenario 1. First-Term Marine With 24 Months On-Station

First-term Marine has been at Camp Lejeune 24 months. Wants West Coast for next contract.

• Eligibility. Yes (18+ months on-station).
• Preferences. (1) Camp Pendleton, (2) MCAS Miramar, (3) 29 Palms.
• Result. Assigned per preference, vacancy, needs of Service.

Scenario 2. First-Term Marine Wants OCONUS

First-term Marine wants Okinawa for cultural and travel experience.

• Preferences. (1) Okinawa, (2) Iwakuni, (3) Hawaii.
• Result. OCONUS billet vacancy and screening determine outcome.

Scenario 3. CRP Selectee With EDSI

Marine selected for CRP. Wants top-tier West Coast assignment.

• EDSI Preferences. (1) Pendleton MCC, (2) Miramar MCC, (3) MCRD San Diego MCC, (4) 29 Palms MCC, (5) Yuma MCC.
• Result. Assignment ahead of peers based on CRP vacancy list.

Scenario 4. First-Term Marine With Less Than 18 Months On-Station

First-term Marine has been on-station only 12 months. Wants to reenlist with DSI.

• Eligibility. NO (less than 18 months on-station).
• Action. Wait until 18-month threshold OR submit without DSI.

Scenario 5. First-Term Marine Wants 24-Month Reenlistment

First-term Marine wants only 24 months obligated service.

• Eligibility. NO (less than 36 months reenlistment).
• Action. Submit for 36+ months OR submit without DSI.

Scenario 6. CRP Selectee Submitting After 1 April 2026

CRP selectee misses 1 April 2026 cutoff for FY27 EDSI.

• Result. CRP reenlistment still possible but NO EDSI.
• Action. Submit standard CRP request through Career Counselor.

Common Mistakes

Mistake 1. Missing the 18-Month On-Station Threshold

Marines with less than 18 months on-station are not eligible.

Mistake 2. Less Than 36-Month Reenlistment

DSI requires at least 36 months reenlistment.

Mistake 3. Submitting Only One Preference

Marines should submit up to 3 preferences to maximize options.

Mistake 4. Choosing All High-Demand Locations

If all 3 preferences are high-demand (e.g., Hawaii, Okinawa, Pendleton), and none are available, the Marine may be assigned without preference.

Mistake 5. Missing CRP EDSI Window

CRP selectees must submit by 31 March 2026 for FY27 EDSI.

Mistake 6. Not Coordinating With Career Counselor

The Career Counselor knows current vacancy patterns. Engage early for realistic preference setting.

Common Questions Marines Ask

What is DSI?

Duty Station Incentive. Allows First-Term Marines to influence their next duty station as part of reenlistment.

Who is eligible for DSI?

First-Term Marines on-station 18+ months requesting 36+ months reenlistment in their PMOS.

How many DSI preferences can I submit?

Up to 3 in priority order.

What are common DSI choices?

CONUS east coast (Lejeune, Cherry Point, New River, Beaufort, Parris Island), CONUS west coast (Pendleton, Miramar, MCRD San Diego, 29 Palms, Yuma), I&I Stations, Quantico, Hawaii, Okinawa, Iwakuni, Overseas.

How are assignments made?

Based on Marine preference, billet vacancies, needs of the Marine Corps, and opportunities to maximize potential.

What is EDSI?

Enhanced Duty Station Incentive. For CRP selectees only. Allows up to 5 MCC preferences from the CRP vacancy list. Selection ahead of peers.

Can I get EDSI without being CRP-selected?

No. EDSI is only for CRP selectees.

What if my CRP submission is after 1 April?

CRP requests submitted on or after 1 April 2026 will NOT be considered for EDSI for FY27.

What if I want OCONUS but don't want to specify which?

You can list "Overseas" as a generic preference but specific OCONUS billet vacancies still drive assignment.

Will I get my first preference?

Not always. Service needs, vacancies, and competition for popular locations affect outcomes. Submit thoughtful preferences in priority order.

What if I'm not eligible for DSI?

Reenlist without DSI. Assignment based on standard MMEA process.

When does DSI eligibility end?

May be eliminated after specific dates per the FY retention guidelines. Coordinate with Career Counselor for current windows.

Does Career (STAP) Marine have DSI?

No. Career Marines may submit geolocation preferences (East Coast, West Coast, Overseas, SLIP) under STAP framework. Different framework. The Career Reenlistments (STAP) leaf covers.

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• DSI eligibility verification. Unit Career Counselor.
• DSI preference submission. Career Counselor in TFRS submission.
• EDSI for CRP selectees. Career Counselor with CRP submission.
• Common DSI choices and current vacancies. Career Counselor and PMOS Monitor.
• DSI elimination updates. Annual Retention Campaign MARADMIN and Career Counselor.
• MMEA-1 escalation. (703) 432-9019 or (703) 432-9120.

Where to Go Next on This Site

• Reenlistments and Extensions landing page lists all topics.
• Reenlistments and Extensions Overview and Authorities covers the framework.
• First-Term Reenlistments (FTAP) covers FTAP, CRP, CGRP, and EDSI in context.
• Reenlistment Eligibility and Process covers the 4-step process.
• Career Reenlistments (STAP) covers careerist geolocation framework.
• Boatspaces and Allocations covers boatspace control.
• Lateral Moves (LATMOVE) Program covers LATMOV-related assignments.
• Selective Retention Bonus (SRB) and Targeted MOS Bonuses covers bonuses.

Related Roles

• Leaders coach First-Term Marines on DSI eligibility and strategic preference selection.
• Admin at S-1 supports DSI submission through TFRS.
• Commanders verify Marines meet DSI eligibility before package submission.

DSI allows First-Term Marines to influence next assignment. Eligibility requires 18+ months on-station and 36+ months reenlistment in PMOS. Up to 3 preferences. Common choices include CONUS east/west, OCONUS, I&I, Quantico. Assignment based on preference, vacancies, needs, potential. DSI eligibility may be eliminated by FY guidelines. EDSI is enhanced version for CRP selectees with up to 5 MCC preferences and selection ahead of peers. CRP submissions after 1 April 2026 do NOT receive EDSI for FY27. Per MCO 1040.31MCO 1040.31 and MARADMIN 590/25MARADMIN 590/25.