First-Term Reenlistments (FTAP)

Start Here If You Are New to FTAP

FIRST-TERM ALIGNMENT PLAN (FTAP) applies to FIRST-TERM Marines reaching their first End of Active Service (EAS). FTAP is highly competitive. Boatspace controlled. Driven by retention mission. Two streamlined programs apply. The COMMANDANT'S RETENTION PROGRAM (CRP) selects up to 20 PERCENT of FTAP per PMOS based on JEPES retention scores. CRP selectees receive ENHANCED DUTY STATION INCENTIVE (EDSI) allowing assignment to a Monitored Command Code (MCC) ahead of peers. The COMMANDING GENERAL'S RETENTION PROGRAM (CGRP) opens PMOS-specific when boatspace caps are reached, allowing CG-level reenlistment beyond established caps. The FY27 Retention Campaign per MARADMIN 590/25MARADMIN 590/25 establishes timelines. CRP submission 1 January 2026 to 31 March 2026. Standard FTAP submission window 1 April 2026 to 31 August 2026. SDA volunteers and orders-bound Marines may submit starting 1 January 2026. Per MCO 1040.31MCO 1040.31 and MARADMIN 590/25MARADMIN 590/25.

This page walks you through FTAP from your seat as a first-term Marine considering reenlistment. By the end you will know.

• The FTAP framework
• Commandant's Retention Program (CRP) framework
• Enhanced Duty Station Incentive (EDSI) for CRP selectees
• Commanding General's Retention Program (CGRP)
• FY27 timelines per MARADMIN 590/25MARADMIN 590/25
• SDA volunteer and orders-bound submission window
• Submission process specifics for FTAP
• Cross-reference to Targeted Lateral Moves for FTAP

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 FTAP Is

FTAP is the framework for FIRST-TERM Marines reaching their first EAS.

Who Is FTAP Eligible

Marines completing their first contract.

Why FTAP Is Highly Competitive

• Limited boatspaces.
• High-quality candidate pool.
• Force shaping needs drive retention priorities.
• The Marine Corps invests heavily in first-term Marines and seeks to retain top performers.

Why First-Term Retention Matters

First-term Marines have completed initial training and developed initial skills. Retaining them.

• Returns the Marine Corps' training investment.
• Builds the SNCO pipeline.
• Sustains MOS-level expertise.

The Commandant's Retention Program (CRP)

Per MARADMIN 590/25MARADMIN 590/25 (FY27).

What CRP Is

A streamlined pathway for the Marine Corps' most highly qualified FTAP Marines.

Selection

Up to 20 PERCENT of a PMOS population based on.

• Historical retention performance.
• Needs of the Service.

Selection Criteria

JEPES retention scores. Marines with the highest JEPES retention scores in their PMOS are selected.

When Selectees Are Announced

Per MARADMIN 590/25MARADMIN 590/25 paragraph 5.b. Selectees announced via MARADMIN BEFORE 1 January 2026 (for FY27).

What CRP Selectees Receive

Enhanced Duty Station Incentive (EDSI)

The most significant CRP benefit. CRP selectees may 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 Choices

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

Career Counselor Documents Preferences

Unit Career Counselors document MCC choices in TFRS in priority order (1 to 5).

Marine's Preferred Method of Contact

Marines should provide their preferred method of contact (Teams, email, phone) for direct communication with PMOS Monitors regarding assignments.

Streamlined Submission

CRP submissions go through a streamlined process. Career Counselor and Commanding Officer screen and acknowledge.

CRP Submission Window (FY27)

1 January 2026 to 31 March 2026.

CRP Submission Process

Pre-Submission Screening

All FY27 CRP submissions must be thoroughly screened by the unit Career Counselor and Commanding Officer before submission. This screening process ensures.

• The Marine meets all qualifications.
• The Marine is fully recommended for participation in the CRP.

TFRS Submission

Submitting an FY27 CRP request through TFRS serves as the Command's formal acknowledgment of the Marine's qualifications and recommendation for the program.

CRP Acceptance Window

Selectees can accept reenlistment up until their ECC, so long as boatspaces are still available.

Caveat on Late CRP Submissions

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

The Commanding General's Retention Program (CGRP)

Per MARADMIN 590/25MARADMIN 590/25 paragraph 9.

What CGRP Is

Designed to give Commanding Generals a venue to reenlist deserving FTAP and STAP Marines BEYOND established boatspace caps.

When CGRP Opens

CGRP opens on a PMOS-specific basis as boatspace caps are reached.

How Career Counselors Are Informed

Career Counselors are informed via TFRS as to which PMOSs are open and subsequently closed to CGRP.

Why CGRP Matters

Provides a path for high-quality Marines who would otherwise be turned away because of full boatspaces.

SDA Volunteer and Orders-Bound Window (1 January 2026)

Per MARADMIN 590/25MARADMIN 590/25 paragraph 7.

SDA Volunteers

All FTAP Marines volunteering for SDA may submit for reenlistment starting 1 January 2026.

Orders or Deployment Obligation

Marines obligating service for orders with a detach date prior to 31 December 2026 OR stabilized for deployment may submit for reenlistment starting 1 January 2026.

Why Earlier Submission

Allows orders processing and deployment alignment without missing reenlistment windows.

Standard FTAP Submission Window (FY27)

Per MARADMIN 590/25MARADMIN 590/25 paragraph 4.

Window

1 April 2026 to 31 August 2026.

Targeted LATMOV (FTAP Only) Window

LATMOV (First Term only, targeted MOSs) opens 1 January 2026. This is earlier than standard FTAP because targeted MOSs need to be filled.

Standard FTAP and Select FTAP LATMOVs

1 April 2026 to 31 August 2026.

FY27 FTAP Submission Timeline Summary

Per MARADMIN 590/25MARADMIN 590/25.

Cross-Reference to FY26

FY26 Retention Campaign per MARADMIN 585/24MARADMIN 585/24 with Change 1 per MARADMIN 527/25MARADMIN 527/25.

FY26 Submission Windows

• FY26 FTAP CRP / Targeted LATMOV. Opened 1 January 2025.
• FY26 FTAP with PCSO and SDA Orders. Opened 1 January 2025.
• FY26 Standard FTAP / Lateral Move. Began 1 April 2025.
• FY26 FTAP CGRP. PMOS-specific as caps reached.

Considerations for First-Term Marines

Duty Station Incentive (DSI)

First-Term Marines on-station 18+ months requesting 36+ months reenlistment may submit up to 3 DSI preferences. CRP selectees receive Enhanced DSI (EDSI).

The Duty Station Incentive (DSI) leaf covers DSI in detail.

Selective Retention Bonus (SRB)

Available for FTAP Marines reenlisting at 36+ months. Bonus depends on Zone, MOS, and rank.

The Selective Retention Bonus (SRB) and Targeted MOS Bonuses leaf covers SRB.

Targeted Lateral Move MOSs

Per MARADMIN 590/25MARADMIN 590/25 paragraph 6.a. All FTAP Marines (CRP-selected or not) may apply for LATMOV into the following PMOSs beginning 1 January 2026.

• 0211 Counterintelligence/Human Intelligence (CI/HUMINT) Specialist.
• 0321 Reconnaissance Marine.
• 0372 Critical Skills Operator.
• 1751 Influence Specialist.
• 2336 Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician.
• 3044 Operational Contract Support Specialist.
• 4133 MCCS Marine.
• 4821 Career Counselor.
• 5821 Criminal Investigator Agent.
• 7316 Small Unmanned Aircraft System (SUAS) Operator.

The Lateral Moves (LATMOVE) Program leaf and the Selective Retention Bonus (SRB) and Targeted MOS Bonuses leaf cover the targeted MOSs in detail.

SRB and CRP Interaction

Per MARADMIN 590/25MARADMIN 590/25 paragraph 3.

SRB Not Awarded Retroactively

The SRB is NOT awarded retroactively for Marines who reenlist BEFORE the FY27 SRB MARADMIN is published.

Submission Strategy

• Marines prioritizing duty station or securing a boatspace in a competitive PMOS may submit for reenlistment at the earliest opportunity.
• Marines prioritizing financial incentive may choose to submit AFTER the publication of the FY27 SRB MARADMIN (which was MARADMIN 023/26MARADMIN 023/26 released 22 January 2026).

Common FTAP Scenarios

Scenario 1. CRP-Selected Marine

Marine selected for CRP based on JEPES retention scores.

• Action. Career Counselor identifies CRP selection. Marine submits CRP package via TFRS.
• EDSI. Marine selects up to 5 MCC preferences in priority order.
• Result. Approved CRP reenlistment with EDSI assignment.

Scenario 2. FTAP Marine in Closed PMOS

FTAP Marine in PMOS that has reached boatspace cap.

• Path 1. CGRP. If commander recommends, may reenlist beyond cap.
• Path 2. LATMOV. Move to another PMOS with available boatspace.
• Action. Career Counselor advises on best path.

Scenario 3. FTAP Marine Volunteering for SDA

FTAP Marine wants to reenlist for SDA.

• Action. May submit for reenlistment starting 1 January 2026 per FY27.
• Result. SDA-aligned reenlistment with appropriate assignment.

Scenario 4. FTAP Marine With Pending PCS Orders

FTAP Marine has orders with detach date before 31 December 2026.

• Action. May submit for reenlistment starting 1 January 2026 to obligate service for orders.
• Result. Reenlistment aligned with PCS execution.

Scenario 5. FTAP Marine Targeting High-Bonus LATMOV

FTAP Marine with eligible scores wants to lateral move to 0211 (CI/HUMINT) for the bonus.

• Action. Submit LATMOV package starting 1 January 2026.
• Bonus. Up to $105,000 per current SRB framework.
• Result. Approved LATMOV with screening and school assignment.

Scenario 6. FTAP Marine Decides Not to Reenlist

Marine completes first contract but does not reenlist.

• Result. EAS at end of contract.
• Cross-reference. Voluntary Separations leaf covers EAS framework.

Common Mistakes

Mistake 1. Not Knowing Cohort Window

Marines should know whether they are FY26 or FY27 cohort and the applicable submission windows.

Mistake 2. Late CRP Submission

CRP submitted on or after 1 April loses EDSI eligibility. Submit during the 1 January to 31 March window.

Mistake 3. Not Engaging Career Counselor for CRP Selection

CRP selectees are announced before the FY begins. Engage Career Counselor early to know your status.

Mistake 4. Missing the Targeted LATMOV Opportunity

Targeted MOS LATMOVs open 1 January 2026. Submission early secures the opportunity before boatspaces fill.

Mistake 5. Not Considering CGRP When PMOS Closes

When your PMOS closes to standard FTAP, CGRP may still be available. Coordinate with Career Counselor.

Mistake 6. Reenlisting Before SRB MARADMIN Without Considering Trade-Off

If financial incentive is priority, wait for SRB publication. If duty station or boatspace is priority, submit early.

Common Questions Marines Ask

What is FTAP?

First-Term Alignment Plan. The framework for first-term Marines reaching their first EAS.

What is CRP?

Commandant's Retention Program. Selects up to 20% of FTAP per PMOS based on JEPES retention scores. Provides Enhanced DSI.

What is EDSI?

Enhanced Duty Station Incentive. CRP selectees may select up to 5 MCC preferences from the CRP vacancy list. Selected ahead of peers.

How am I selected for CRP?

Based on JEPES retention scores. Selectees announced via MARADMIN before 1 January for the upcoming FY.

What is CGRP?

Commanding General's Retention Program. PMOS-specific. Opens when boatspace caps are reached. Allows CG-level reenlistment beyond established caps.

When can I submit for CRP?

FY27. 1 January 2026 to 31 March 2026.

When can I submit for standard FTAP?

FY27. 1 April 2026 to 31 August 2026.

When can SDA volunteers submit?

Starting 1 January 2026 for FY27.

When can I submit if I have orders with a detach date before 31 December 2026?

Starting 1 January 2026 for FY27.

What targeted LATMOVs are available?

Per MARADMIN 590/25MARADMIN 590/25 paragraph 6.a. 0211, 0321, 0372, 1751, 2336, 3044, 4133, 4821, 5821, 7316. Open 1 January 2026.

How does the SRB interact?

Bonus available for FTAP. NOT awarded retroactively. Marines prioritizing financial incentive should submit after SRB MARADMIN publication. Marines prioritizing duty station or boatspace should submit early.

What if I have CRP late submission?

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

How does CRP submission work?

Career Counselor and CO screen. Submitted via TFRS. CRP request submission through TFRS serves as the Command's formal acknowledgment.

How many MCCs can I list with CRP/EDSI?

Up to FIVE in priority order.

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• All FTAP retention questions. Unit Career Counselor.
• CRP eligibility. Career Counselor (CRP selectees announced before FY).
• CGRP availability. Career Counselor checks TFRS for PMOS-specific status.
• LATMOV options. Career Counselor and LATMOV MOS Matcher.
• SDA volunteering. Career Counselor.
• Targeted LATMOV submissions. Career Counselor starting 1 January 2026 for FY27.
• MMEA-1 escalation. (703) 432-9019 or (703) 432-9120.
• M&RA website. https://www.manpower.marines.mil/Divisions/Manpower-Management/Enlisted-Assignments/Retention-MMEA-1/.

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.
• Career Reenlistments (STAP) covers careerist framework (including ECDP for E-8/E-9).
• Boatspaces and Allocations covers the control mechanism.
• Selective Retention Bonus (SRB) and Targeted MOS Bonuses covers bonuses including FY27 framework.
• Duty Station Incentive (DSI) covers DSI for first-term Marines.
• Lateral Moves (LATMOVE) Program covers targeted MOSs.
• Direct Affiliation Program (DAP) covers Active-to-Reserve.
• Extensions covers short-term retention.

Related Roles

• Leaders coach FTAP Marines on cohort windows, CRP/CGRP awareness, and early Career Counselor engagement.
• Admin at S-1 supports the Career Counselor and TFRS coordination for FTAP submissions.
• Commanders endorse CRP and standard FTAP packages and engage in CRM (Command Retention Mission).

FTAP applies to first-term Marines at first EAS. Highly competitive, boatspace controlled. CRP (Commandant's Retention Program) selects 20% of PMOS based on JEPES retention scores with Enhanced DSI (EDSI) to top 5 MCCs. CGRP (Commanding General's Retention Program) opens PMOS-specific when caps reached. FY27 timelines per MARADMIN 590/25MARADMIN 590/25. CRP 1 January-31 March 2026. SDA/Orders 1 January 2026. Targeted LATMOV 1 January 2026. Standard FTAP/Select LATMOV 1 April-31 August 2026. Per MCO 1040.31MCO 1040.31 and MARADMIN 590/25MARADMIN 590/25.