Lateral Moves (LATMOVE) Program
Plain-language walkthrough of the Marine Corps Lateral Moves (LATMOVE) Program. LATMOV allows Marines to change their Primary Military Occupational Specialty (PMOS) tied to a reenlistment. Two categories. Voluntary (Marine-initiated, broaden skillset) and Directed (force shaping driven). Requirements include ASVAB line scores, medical qualifications, school seat availability, and command recommendation. FY26 LATMOV opportunities per MARADMIN 365/25 cover 12 MOSs (FTAP and STAP eligible) plus FTAP-only and STAP-only options. FY27 LATMOV opportunities per MARADMIN 590/25 paragraph 6.a include 10 specific MOSs for FTAP starting 1 January 2026. Talent Management 2030 emphasis. Per MCO 1040.31 and annual LATMOV MARADMINs.
Start Here If You Are New to LATMOV
The LATERAL MOVE (LATMOV) PROGRAM allows Marines to change their Primary Military Occupational Specialty (PMOS) tied to a reenlistment. LATMOV broadens the Marine's skillset, contributes to the Corps' mission in new ways, and addresses force shaping needs. TWO CATEGORIES. VOLUNTARY (Marine-initiated, often pursued for career growth or to avoid closed PMOS) and DIRECTED (force shaping driven, when overstrength PMOSs are reduced). REQUIREMENTS vary by target MOS but generally include ASVAB line scores, medical qualifications, school seat availability, and command recommendation. FY26 LATMOV opportunities per MARADMIN 365/25MARADMIN 365/25 cover 12 MOSs eligible for both FTAP and STAP, plus FTAP-only and STAP-only options. FY27 LATMOV opportunities per MARADMIN 590/25MARADMIN 590/25 paragraph 6.a include 10 specific MOSs for FTAP starting 1 January 2026. The Talent Management 2030 framework emphasizes adaptability through lateral moves. Career Counselors and the LATMOV MOS Matcher tool support the process. Per MCO 1040.31MCO 1040.31 and annual LATMOV MARADMINs.
This page walks you through the LATMOV Program from your seat as a Marine considering a PMOS change. By the end you will know.
- What LATMOV is and the two categories (Voluntary, Directed)
- General requirements (ASVAB, medical, school seat, command recommendation)
- FY26 LATMOV opportunities per MARADMIN 365/25MARADMIN 365/25
- FY27 LATMOV opportunities per MARADMIN 590/25MARADMIN 590/25
- Targeted LATMOV MOSs (cross-reference to SRB leaf)
- Talent Management 2030 context
- Promotion competitiveness and career path impact
- LATMOV MOS Matcher tool
Every fact on this page comes from MCO 1040.31MCO 1040.31, MARADMIN 365/25MARADMIN 365/25, MARADMIN 590/25MARADMIN 590/25, MARADMIN 023/26MARADMIN 023/26, NAVMC 1200NAVMC 1200.1K, and Talent Management 2030 guidance.
What LATMOV Is
A Lateral Move allows a Marine to stay Marine while changing career tracks and exploring new career opportunities in a high demand PMOS.
Why LATMOV Exists
- Address force shaping needs (overstrength MOSs to undermanned MOSs).
- Allow Marines to broaden skillsets.
- Open opportunities when current PMOS is closed (boatspace cap reached).
- Support Talent Management 2030 emphasis on adaptability.
How LATMOV Works
- Marine identifies target PMOS.
- Marine verifies eligibility per MOS requirements (NAVMC 1200NAVMC 1200.1K).
- Marine submits LATMOV request through Career Counselor with reenlistment.
- HQMC reviews and approves.
- Marine attends school for new PMOS.
- Upon completion, PMOS is reclassified.
Two LATMOV Categories
Category 1. Voluntary
The Marine initiates the LATMOV.
- Pursue new opportunities.
- Seek career growth in different PMOS.
- Avoid PMOS closures.
- Increase competitiveness.
Category 2. Directed (Force Shaping)
The Marine Corps directs the LATMOV.
- Overstrength PMOSs are reduced.
- Marines may be directed to LATMOV to undermanned PMOSs.
- Specific MOSs may be subject to directed LATMOVs.
General Requirements
Per MCO 1040.31MCO 1040.31 and target MOS-specific requirements per NAVMC 1200NAVMC 1200.1K.
ASVAB Line Scores
Each MOS has minimum line score requirements (GT, EL, MM, CL, etc.).
Medical Qualifications
PMOS-specific medical requirements.
- Some MOSs require specific physical capabilities (parachute, dive, normal color vision, height minimums).
- Sea duty MOSs require sea duty screening.
- Aviation MOSs may require specific medical clearance.
School Seat Availability
The Marine must have a confirmed school seat in the new PMOS-producing school.
Command Recommendation
Chain of command must recommend the LATMOV.
Other PMOS-Specific Requirements
May include security clearance, language, screening assessments, etc.
FY26 LATMOV Opportunities (Per MARADMIN 365/25)
Per MARADMIN 365/25MARADMIN 365/25 effective 6 August 2025.
Eligible for Both FTAP and STAP
- 0211 Counterintelligence/Human Intelligence (CI/HUMINT) Specialist.
- 0321 Reconnaissance Marine.
- 0372 Critical Skills Operator.
- 1751 Influence Specialist.
- 1834 Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) Crewmember.
- 2143 ACV Repairer/Technician.
- 2336 Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician.
- 5955 Ground Control Station Technician.
- 5974 Tactical Data Systems Technician.
- 5979 Tactical Air Operations/Air Defense Systems Technician.
- 6214 Unmanned Aircraft Mechanic, MQ-9.
- 6314 Avionics/Maintenance Technician, Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS).
FTAP Only
- 3044 Operational Contract Support Specialist.
- 4133 Marine Corps Community Services Marine.
- 4821 Career Counselor.
- 5821 Criminal Investigator Agent.
- 7212 Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) Gunner.
STAP Only
- 0681 Information Security Technician.
- 1721 Cyberspace Warfare Operator.
- 8412 Career Recruiter.
STAP TIG Considerations
STAP Marines applying for a lateral move should ensure they have requisite time in grade to be competitive for promotion to the next grade in the new PMOS per MARADMIN 326/23MARADMIN 326/23.
FY27 LATMOV Opportunities (Per MARADMIN 590/25)
Per MARADMIN 590/25MARADMIN 590/25 paragraph 6.
FTAP LATMOV Targeted MOSs (Open 1 January 2026)
All FTAP Marines, whether selected for CRP 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 Marine Corps Community Services Marine.
- 4821 Career Counselor.
- 5821 Criminal Investigator Agent.
- 7316 Small Unmanned Aircraft System Operator.
Other LATMOVs (SEPCOR Announcement)
Available LATMOV MOSs not offered in January 2026 will be announced SEPCOR and will open to the FTAP and STAP populations at the start of their respective submission periods.
Boatspace Caps
Marines are strongly encouraged to submit for LATMOV as their PMOSs close upon reaching boatspace caps.
LATMOV Bonus Eligibility
Per MARADMIN 023/26MARADMIN 023/26 (FY27 SRB).
LATMOV PMOS Bonus
Marines who execute LATMOV reenlistments may be eligible to receive bonus payments per the SRB MARADMIN.
LM PMOS Designation
Per paragraph 5. LM PMOSs are listed under SRB zones with the LM designation. These PMOSs are authorized bonus payments to Marines who execute a LATMOV in conjunction with reenlistment.
Bonus Payment Timing
Bonus payment for LM PMOSs will not be made at the time of reenlistment but UPON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION of PMOS training and subsequent award of the PMOS.
Failure to Complete LATMOV Training
Per MARADMIN 023/26MARADMIN 023/26 paragraph 6.c. Marines who fail to complete required LM PMOS training will be re-designated or administratively separated according to the needs of the Marine Corps and will receive NO BONUS, even if the PMOS the Marine is reclassified into is eligible to receive one.
Special LATMOV Kickers
Per MARADMIN 023/26MARADMIN 023/26 paragraph 4.
84-Month LM Kicker ($50,000)
Zone A Marines E-5 and below electing to LATMOV in FY27 into specific PMOSs (0211, 0321, 0372, 1721, 1751, 2336, 3044, 5821, 5974, 5979, 6214, 6314, 7212, 7257) for 84 months obligated service.
72-Month Mid-Career LM Kicker ($35,000)
Zone B Marines E-7 and below electing to LATMOV into 0211, 0372, 1751, 2336, or 5821 for 72 months obligated service.
The Selective Retention Bonus (SRB) and Targeted MOS Bonuses leaf covers detailed bonus framework and the targeted MOSs.
Talent Management 2030 Context
The Marine Corps Talent Management 2030 framework emphasizes adaptability and pursuit of excellence through lateral moves.
Why Embrace LATMOV
- Broadens skillsets.
- Contributes to mission in new ways.
- Leverages diverse talents within ranks.
- Builds a more agile, versatile, resilient force.
- "Right Marine in the right place at the right time."
Strategic Mindset
The Marine Corps sees LATMOV not as a backup plan but as an active career development tool.
Impact Areas
Promotion Competitiveness
LATMOV Marines start fresh in the new PMOS. Considerations.
Time in Grade Reset
Time in grade does NOT reset. The Marine retains their grade and TIG.
Promotion Boards Consider New MOS
Promotion boards consider the Marine in the new MOS competitive cohort. Marines should prepare to demonstrate proficiency.
NCO and SNCO Boards Adjust
Per MARADMIN 590/25MARADMIN 590/25 STAP guidance and MCO P1400.32DMCO P1400.32D. Marines must have requisite time in grade to be competitive for promotion to the next grade in the new PMOS.
Career Path Shift
LATMOV is a significant career shift.
- New skills and experiences.
- Different operational environments.
- Potentially different deployment patterns.
- New PME requirements.
Bonus Eligibility
LATMOV bonuses available per the SRB MARADMIN. Often substantial for high-demand MOSs.
LATMOV MOS Matcher
A tool referenced through the Career Counselor showing available LATMOV opportunities.
What the Matcher Provides
- List of currently available LATMOV PMOSs.
- Specific eligibility requirements by MOS.
- Boatspace status.
- School seat availability.
How to Access
Through the unit Career Counselor.
Common LATMOV Scenarios
Scenario 1. Marine in Closed PMOS Pursues LATMOV
Marine in PMOS that has reached boatspace cap.
- Path. LATMOV to PMOS with available boatspace.
- Action. Coordinate with Career Counselor and LATMOV MOS Matcher.
- Result. Approved LATMOV with school assignment.
Scenario 2. FTAP Marine Pursues High-Bonus EOD LATMOV
FTAP Marine wants to LATMOV to 2336 (EOD).
- Action. Submit LATMOV starting 1 January 2026 for FY27.
- Bonus. Up to $137,750 (highest among targeted MOSs).
- Requirements. 1st Class PFT/CFT, GT 110, TS-SCI, normal color vision, no claustrophobia, screening checklist, 36 months OS after graduation.
- Result. Approved LATMOV with significant bonus and school assignment.
Scenario 3. STAP Marine Pursues Cyber LATMOV
STAP Marine wants to LATMOV to 1721 (Cyberspace Warfare Operator).
- Eligible. STAP-only per MARADMIN 365/25MARADMIN 365/25.
- Considerations. TIG for promotion in new PMOS per MARADMIN 326/23MARADMIN 326/23.
- Result. Approved LATMOV with school assignment.
Scenario 4. Directed LATMOV From Overstrength PMOS
Marine in overstrength PMOS subject to directed LATMOV.
- Path. Directed.
- Action. Marine works with Career Counselor for selected LATMOV options.
- Result. Marine LATMOVs to undermanned PMOS.
Scenario 5. Marine Considers Voluntary LATMOV for Career Growth
Career-track Marine considering LATMOV to expand skills.
- Action. Discuss with Career Counselor and PMOS Monitor.
- Considerations. Promotion impact, career path, family considerations.
- Result. Voluntary LATMOV with associated reenlistment.
Scenario 6. Marine Fails to Complete LATMOV School
Marine LATMOVs to new PMOS but fails the school.
- Result per MARADMIN 023/26MARADMIN 023/26 paragraph 6.c. Re-designated or administratively separated. NO bonus, even if reclassified into bonus-eligible PMOS.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1. Submitting LATMOV Without Verifying Requirements
Each MOS has specific requirements (ASVAB, medical, screening). Verify before submission.
Mistake 2. Misunderstanding LATMOV Bonus Timing
LATMOV bonuses are paid UPON SCHOOL COMPLETION, not at reenlistment.
Mistake 3. Not Considering Promotion Impact
LATMOV places Marines in a new MOS competitive cohort. Promotion may be delayed or accelerated based on the new MOS dynamics.
Mistake 4. Ignoring Talent Management 2030 Opportunity
LATMOV is a strategic career tool, not just a fallback for closed PMOSs.
Mistake 5. Submitting Late After PMOS Closes
Targeted LATMOV MOSs may close as boatspace caps are reached. Submit early.
Mistake 6. Not Engaging With LATMOV MOS Matcher
The matcher shows current opportunities. Use it through Career Counselor.
Common Questions Marines Ask
What is LATMOV?
Lateral Move. Allows Marines to change their PMOS tied to a reenlistment.
What are the two categories?
Voluntary (Marine-initiated) and Directed (force shaping driven).
What are the general requirements?
ASVAB line scores, medical qualifications, school seat availability, command recommendation. Plus PMOS-specific requirements.
What FY26 LATMOV opportunities are available?
Per MARADMIN 365/25MARADMIN 365/25. 12 MOSs for both FTAP and STAP. Plus FTAP-only and STAP-only options.
What FY27 LATMOV opportunities are available?
Per MARADMIN 590/25MARADMIN 590/25 paragraph 6.a. 10 specific MOSs for FTAP starting 1 January 2026. Other LATMOVs SEPCOR.
What are the highest-bonus LATMOVs?
Per FY27 SRB framework. EOD (2336) up to $137,750. CI/HUMINT (0211) up to $105K. Influence Specialist (1751) up to $105K. Critical Skills Operator (0372) up to $100K.
When are LATMOV bonuses paid?
Upon successful completion of PMOS training and subsequent award of PMOS, NOT at reenlistment.
What if I fail the LATMOV school?
Per MARADMIN 023/26MARADMIN 023/26 paragraph 6.c. Re-designated or administratively separated. NO bonus.
What is the LATMOV MOS Matcher?
A tool through Career Counselor showing available LATMOV opportunities.
Does LATMOV reset my time in grade?
No. You retain your grade and TIG. But you start in a new MOS competitive cohort for promotion.
Does LATMOV affect promotion?
Yes potentially. New MOS competitive cohort considerations. STAP Marines should ensure TIG to be competitive for next grade per MCO P1400.32DMCO P1400.32D.
What is Talent Management 2030?
The Marine Corps framework emphasizing adaptability through lateral moves and other talent management initiatives.
Can I LATMOV to multiple new PMOSs over my career?
Yes if eligibility and authorities permit. Most Marines LATMOV at most a few times.
How do I find available LATMOVs?
Through the LATMOV MOS Matcher and Career Counselor.
When should I submit LATMOV?
Early in the cohort window. Targeted MOSs close as boatspace caps are reached.
Where to Go for Help
Routing by Issue
- LATMOV opportunities. Career Counselor and LATMOV MOS Matcher.
- PMOS-specific requirements. NAVMC 1200NAVMC 1200.1K and target MOS specialist/screening.
- ASVAB line scores. Career Counselor verifies current scores in MCTFS.
- Medical qualifications. Unit medical and target MOS-specific requirements.
- School seat availability. Career Counselor coordinates with PMOS Monitor.
- LATMOV bonus calculation. Career Counselor with current FY SRB MARADMIN.
- MMEA-1 escalation. (703) 432-9019 or (703) 432-9120.
- MPP-20 LATMOV opportunities (FY26). MAJ McGee or CAPT McCoy at (703) 784-9361.
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 framework including FTAP LATMOVs.
- Career Reenlistments (STAP) covers STAP framework including STAP LATMOVs.
- Boatspaces and Allocations covers the control mechanism that drives LATMOV opportunities.
- Selective Retention Bonus (SRB) and Targeted MOS Bonuses covers detailed LATMOV bonuses and targeted MOSs.
- Duty Station Incentive (DSI) covers DSI for non-LATMOV reenlistments.
- Direct Affiliation Program (DAP) covers Active-to-Reserve transition.
- Extensions covers short-term retention tool.
- Non-Competitive Cpl-to-Sgt Promotions in Promotions covers MARADMIN 515/25MARADMIN 515/25 IMOS list.
Related Roles
- Leaders coach Marines on LATMOV strategic value and the Talent Management 2030 emphasis.
- Admin at S-1 supports Career Counselor and LATMOV submissions through TFRS.
- Commanders endorse LATMOV recommendations for unit Marines.
LATMOV allows Marines to change PMOS tied to reenlistment. Two categories. Voluntary (Marine-initiated) and Directed (force shaping driven). Requirements include ASVAB, medical, school seat, command recommendation. FY26 LATMOV per MARADMIN 365/25MARADMIN 365/25 covers 12 MOSs for both FTAP and STAP plus FTAP-only and STAP-only. FY27 LATMOV per MARADMIN 590/25MARADMIN 590/25 paragraph 6.a includes 10 MOSs for FTAP starting 1 January 2026. Bonuses paid upon school completion. Failure to complete results in re-designation or admin separation with NO bonus. Talent Management 2030 framework. LATMOV MOS Matcher tool through Career Counselor. Per MCO 1040.31MCO 1040.31, MARADMIN 365/25MARADMIN 365/25, MARADMIN 590/25MARADMIN 590/25, MARADMIN 023/26MARADMIN 023/26.
How other roles handle this
- Admin view - the processing side
- Leader view - your NCO and SNCO oversight
- Commander view - command authority and decisions
References
- MCO 1040.31 (Enlisted Retention and Career Development Program)
- MARADMIN 365/25 (FY26 Active Component LATMOV Opportunities)
- MARADMIN 590/25 (FY27 Enlisted Retention Campaign)
- MARADMIN 023/26 (FY27 SRB Program with LATMOV bonuses)
- NAVMC 1200.1K (Military Occupational Specialties Manual)
- Talent Management 2030
- Total Force Retention System (TFRS)
- LATMOV MOS Matcher
Related Pages
- Marines
Boatspaces and Allocations
MCO 1040.31 - 3 shared references
- Marines
Duty Station Incentive (DSI)
MCO 1040.31 - 3 shared references
- Marines
Reenlistments and Extensions Overview and Authorities
MCO 1040.31 - 3 shared references
- Marines
Career Reenlistments (STAP)
MCO 1040.31 - 2 shared references
- Marines
Direct Affiliation Program (DAP)
MCO 1040.31 - 2 shared references