Reenlistments and Extensions Overview and Authorities

Start Here If You Are New to Reenlistments and Extensions

The Marine Corps reenlistment and extension framework is governed by MCO 1040.31MCO 1040.31 (Enlisted Retention and Career Development Program). The CAREER COUNSELOR is the central figure for every Marine considering reenlistment, extension, or lateral move. Career Counselors are at unit level and they guide Marines through the process. The TOTAL FORCE RETENTION SYSTEM (TFRS) is the digital backbone for all retention actions. Annual MARADMINs drive execution. The FY27 Retention Campaign per MARADMIN 590/25MARADMIN 590/25 outlines submission timelines (CRP starting 1 January 2026, FTAP April 2026, STAP June 2026). The FY27 SRB per MARADMIN 023/26MARADMIN 023/26 sets bonus amounts by zone, MOS, and rank. Common avenues for retention. STANDARD reenlistment, COMMANDANT'S RETENTION PROGRAM (CRP), COMMANDING GENERAL'S RETENTION PROGRAM (CGRP), LATERAL MOVES (LATMOV), DIRECT AFFILIATION PROGRAM (DAP), and EXTENSIONS. The "Stay Marine" philosophy emphasizes the comprehensive benefits of continued service (medical, housing, leave, retirement). Per MCO 1040.31MCO 1040.31 and MMEA-1 published guidance.

This page walks you through the framework from your seat as a Marine considering reenlistment or extension. By the end you will know.

• The governing manual (MCO 1040.31MCO 1040.31)
• The Career Counselor as central figure
• Total Force Retention System (TFRS)
• The MARADMIN ecosystem (annual retention campaign, SRB, LATMOV)
• Common retention avenues (CRP, CGRP, LATMOV, DAP, extensions)
• The Stay Marine philosophy
• Common failure points
• How each leaf in this group fits

Every fact on this page comes from MCO 1040.31MCO 1040.31, MARADMIN 590/25MARADMIN 590/25, MARADMIN 023/26MARADMIN 023/26, MARADMIN 365/25MARADMIN 365/25, MARADMIN 076/25MARADMIN 076/25, MARADMIN 527/25MARADMIN 527/25, MCO 7220.24PMCO 7220.24P, and MMEA-1 published guidance.

The Governing Manual

MCO 1040.31 (Enlisted Retention and Career Development Program)

The primary reference for every reenlistment, extension, or lateral move question. Covers.

• Reenlistment eligibility and processing.
• Extension framework.
• Lateral Move (LATMOV) procedures.
• Career planner roles.
• Retention administration.
• Force shaping initiatives.

The Career Counselor

Why the Career Counselor Matters

The Career Counselor is your first point of contact for any retention action. They.

• Guide you through the reenlistment, extension, or LATMOV process.
• Help complete the NAVMC 11537NAVMC 11537 (RELM) and supporting documents.
• Coordinate with your Commanding Officer for endorsement.
• Submit packages to HQMC (MMEA) electronically through TFRS.
• Provide updates throughout your action.

Your First Step

Contact your Career Counselor. They are your retention partner.

The Reenlistment Eligibility and Process leaf covers the 4-step process in detail.

Total Force Retention System (TFRS)

The digital backbone for all Marine Corps retention actions.

What TFRS Does

• Submission portal for all reenlistment and LATMOV requests.
• Tracks package status from submission through HQMC decision.
• Provides Career Counselors with retention dashboards.
• Documents official retention decisions.

Who Has Access

• Career Counselors.
• Commanding Officers (with appropriate roles).
• HQMC (MMEA) processors.

Marine Access

Marines do not directly use TFRS but their package flows through it. They communicate with their Career Counselor who manages the TFRS submissions.

The MARADMIN Ecosystem

Every fiscal year cycles through specific MARADMINs.

Annual Retention Campaign MARADMIN

Released approximately 10 months before the fiscal year. Outlines.

• Submission timelines for CRP, FTAP, STAP, LATMOV, DAP, etc.
• Cohort definition (Marines with ECC in the FY).
• Special programs (CRP allocations, ECDP if active, etc.).
• Local Command Authority (LCA) extension limits.

Recent Examples

• MARADMIN 585/24MARADMIN 585/24 (FY26 Enlisted Retention Campaign).
• MARADMIN 527/25MARADMIN 527/25 (FY26 Change 1).
• MARADMIN 590/25MARADMIN 590/25 (FY27 Enlisted Retention Campaign, 10 December 2025).

Annual SRB MARADMIN

Released after the Annual Retention Campaign MARADMIN. Outlines.

• Bonus amounts by zone, MOS, and rank.
• Kicker programs and requirements.
• Eligibility criteria.
• Recoupment policies.

Recent Examples

• MARADMIN 191/25MARADMIN 191/25 (FY26 SRB).
• MARADMIN 023/26MARADMIN 023/26 (FY27 SRB, 22 January 2026).

LATMOV Opportunities MARADMIN

Released annually outlining specific LATMOV opportunities by MOS. May be SEPCOR throughout the FY.

Recent Examples

• MARADMIN 014/25MARADMIN 014/25 (FY25 LATMOV).
• MARADMIN 365/25MARADMIN 365/25 (FY26 LATMOV).

Force Shaping MARADMINs

Released when force shaping needs warrant. Cover.

• Overstrength MOS reductions.
• Directed LATMOVES.
• Early release options.
• TERA (when authorized).

Common Retention Avenues

Standard Reenlistment

The default path. Marines reenlist within their PMOS for additional years.

Commandant's Retention Program (CRP)

Per MARADMIN 590/25MARADMIN 590/25 (FY27). Up to 20 percent of FTAP per PMOS based on JEPES retention scores. Selectees announced before the FY begins. Enhanced DSI (EDSI) for selectees. The First-Term Reenlistments (FTAP) leaf covers CRP in detail.

Commanding General's Retention Program (CGRP)

PMOS-specific. Opens when boatspace caps are reached. Allows CG-level reenlistment of deserving FTAP and STAP Marines beyond established caps. Career Counselors informed via TFRS.

Lateral Moves (LATMOV)

For Marines whose PMOS is closed or who seek new opportunities. Per MARADMIN 365/25MARADMIN 365/25 (FY26) and MARADMIN 590/25MARADMIN 590/25 (FY27). Covered in the Lateral Moves Program leaf.

Direct Affiliation Program (DAP)

Year-round. Active-to-Reserve transition. NET 365 days before EAS, NLT 30 days from EAS. Affiliate with SMCR, IMA, AR, or IRR. The Direct Affiliation Program leaf covers DAP.

Extensions

Short-term retention tool. Convenience of Government, Personal Convenience, Operational. Local Command Authority (LCA) extensions. The Extensions leaf covers.

ECDP (Enlisted Career Designation Program)

Pilot program per MARADMIN 076/25MARADMIN 076/25 for E-8 and E-9 SNCOs. Allows continued service to ECFC limits without repeated reenlistment requests. The Career Reenlistments (STAP) leaf covers ECDP in detail.

The Stay Marine Philosophy

The "Stay Marine" framework emphasizes the comprehensive benefits of continued service.

Medical Benefits

• Average monthly civilian medical cost (family). $1,580.
• Average monthly Marine Corps medical cost (family). $76.
• Comprehensive TRICARE coverage at a fraction of civilian costs.

Housing Allowance

Significant BAH varies by location and grade. Examples per current rates.

• Camp Pendleton BAH (E-4 with Family). $3,627.
• Camp Lejeune BAH (E-5 with Family). $1,560.
• MCB Hawaii BAH (E-3 with Family). $3,204.
• MCAS Yuma BAH (E-5 with Family). $1,698.

Leave Days

• Annual paid days off (civilian PTO). 11-15 typically.
• Annual leave days (Marine, 2.5 days per month). 30 days.

Career Advancement

• Continued promotion opportunities.
• Advanced training and PME.
• Leadership development.
• Specialty assignments.

Retirement Path

• BRS contributions building TSP.
• Path to length of service retirement.
• Medical and other benefits in retirement.

Family Stability

• DEERS enrollment for dependents.
• Continued access to base programs and services.
• Educational benefits for spouse and children.

Common Failure Points

Missing the Reenlistment Window

EAS planning should begin 12-18 months out. The Marine should know their cohort and submission window.

Incorrect Obligated Service Calculation

Reenlistments must align with applicable obligations. Career Counselor verifies.

SRB Eligibility Miscalculated

Zones, MOS, kickers all interact. Misunderstanding leads to lost bonus.

RELM Submitted Late

Late submissions miss boatspace, kicker windows, or favorable assignment options.

Boatspace Filled Before Submission

PMOSs reach caps. Marines must submit before caps are reached or pursue LATMOV.

Medical Readiness Not Current

Reenlistment requires medical and dental readiness. Address before submission.

Extension Used Incorrectly Instead of Reenlistment

Extensions are short-term tools. Long-term retention requires reenlistment.

How Each Leaf in This Group Fits

Universal Topics

• Reenlistments and Extensions Overview and Authorities. The framework you are reading now.
• Reenlistment Eligibility and Process. The 4-step process and package components.
• Boatspaces and Allocations. The control mechanism.

Reenlistment Type Leaves

• First-Term Reenlistments (FTAP). For first-term Marines. Includes CRP and CGRP.
• Career Reenlistments (STAP). For careerist Marines. Includes SEAP and ECDP.

Incentive Leaves

• Selective Retention Bonus (SRB) and Targeted MOS Bonuses. The bonus framework with zones, kickers, and targeted MOSs.
• Duty Station Incentive (DSI). First-term assignment incentive.

Alternative Path Leaves

• Lateral Moves (LATMOVE) Program. PMOS change framework.
• Extensions. Short-term retention tool.
• Direct Affiliation Program (DAP). Active-to-Reserve transition.

MMEA Contact and Resources

MMEA-1 (Enlisted Assignments)

The HQMC section processing reenlistment requests.

POCs

• LtCol Koselak. (703) 432-9019. ERIC.KOSELAK@USMC.MIL.
• MGySgt Foster. (703) 432-9120. CLIFFORD.FOSTER@USMC.MIL.

Manpower and Reserve Affairs Website

https://www.manpower.marines.mil/Divisions/Manpower-Management/Enlisted-Assignments/Retention-MMEA-1/.

Total Force Retention System (TFRS)

Accessed by Career Counselors and Commanders. Marines submit through their Career Counselor.

Common Questions Marines Ask

What governs reenlistments and extensions?

MCO 1040.31MCO 1040.31 (Enlisted Retention and Career Development Program).

Who is my first point of contact?

Your Career Counselor.

What is TFRS?

Total Force Retention System. The digital backbone for retention actions.

What annual MARADMINs should I track?

The Annual Retention Campaign MARADMIN (e.g., 590/25 for FY27) and the Annual SRB MARADMIN (e.g., 023/26 for FY27).

What are the common retention avenues?

Standard reenlistment, CRP, CGRP, LATMOV, DAP, Extensions, ECDP (E-8/E-9 pilot).

What is CRP?

Commandant's Retention Program. Up to 20 percent of FTAP per PMOS based on JEPES retention scores. Enhanced DSI for selectees.

What is CGRP?

Commanding General's Retention Program. PMOS-specific. Opens when boatspace caps are reached. Beyond cap retention.

What is DAP?

Direct Affiliation Program. Year-round. Active-to-Reserve transition.

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.

When should I start planning?

12-18 months before EAS for standard reenlistment. Earlier if pursuing CRP or specific assignments.

Why "Stay Marine"?

Comprehensive benefits. Medical (96% cheaper than civilian for family), housing (significant BAH), leave (30 days vs 11-15 civilian), career advancement, retirement path.

What if my PMOS is closed?

Pursue LATMOV. The Lateral Moves Program leaf covers.

What if I want to leave but explore reserve service?

DAP (Direct Affiliation Program). Year-round submission.

How does the SRB work?

Per MCO 7220.24PMCO 7220.24P and the annual SRB MARADMIN. Bonuses by zone (A-F), MOS, and rank. Plus kickers for specific situations. The SRB and Targeted MOS Bonuses leaf covers in detail.

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• General reenlistment questions. Unit Career Counselor.
• TFRS submission. Through Career Counselor.
• MMEA-1 escalation. (703) 432-9019 or (703) 432-9120.
• PMOS Monitor for career options. Through Career Counselor for monitor contact.
• SRB calculation. Career Counselor with current FY SRB MARADMIN.
• LATMOV opportunities. LATMOV MOS Matcher (through Career Counselor).
• DAP affiliation. Career Counselor and gaining reserve unit.
• ECDP submission (E-8/E-9). Career Counselor per MARADMIN 076/25MARADMIN 076/25.

Where to Go Next on This Site

• Reenlistments and Extensions landing page lists all topics.
• Reenlistment Eligibility and Process covers the 4-step process.
• First-Term Reenlistments (FTAP) covers CRP and CGRP for first-term.
• Career Reenlistments (STAP) covers SEAP and ECDP.
• Boatspaces and Allocations covers the control mechanism.
• Selective Retention Bonus (SRB) and Targeted MOS Bonuses covers the bonus framework.
• Duty Station Incentive (DSI) covers DSI for first-term Marines.
• Lateral Moves (LATMOVE) Program covers PMOS change framework.
• Extensions covers short-term retention tool.
• Direct Affiliation Program (DAP) covers Active-to-Reserve transition.
• Promotions Overview in Promotions parent group covers the broader promotion system.
• Obligated Service (OBS) and Reenlistment for Promotion in Promotions covers OBS for SNCO selectees.

Related Roles

• Leaders coach Marines on tracking their EAS, identifying their cohort, and engaging the Career Counselor early.
• Admin at S-1 supports the unit Career Counselor and TFRS coordination.
• Commanders endorse retention packages and engage in CRP, CGRP, and CRM (Command Retention Mission).

The reenlistment and extension framework is governed by MCO 1040.31MCO 1040.31. The Career Counselor is the central figure. TFRS is the digital backbone. Annual MARADMINs (Retention Campaign, SRB, LATMOV) drive execution. Common avenues. Standard reenlistment, CRP, CGRP, LATMOV, DAP, Extensions, ECDP. Stay Marine philosophy emphasizes comprehensive benefits. Common failure points include missing the window, incorrect OS calculation, late RELM, filled boatspaces, and medical readiness gaps.