R 261508Z NOV 25 MARADMIN 570/25 MSGID/GENADMIN/CG TECOM QUANTICO VA// SUBJ/FY26 FORMAL SCHOOLS TRAINING SUPPORT FUNDING// REF/A/NAVMC 1553.3// NARR/REF A IS THE MARINE CORPS TRAINING INPUT PLAN PROGRAM GUIDANCE THAT INCLUDES CHAPTER 5 WHICH OUTLINES THE FORMAL SCHOOLS TRAINING SUPPORT PROGRAM// POC #1/LTCOL/S.L. DRAPER/TECOM G3/[email protected]/ 703-432-0340// POC #2/CIV/T.L. LUNDBERG/TECOM G8 FSTS/[email protected]/ 703-432-1999// POC #3/CIV/J.A. COUTU/TECOM TRAINING AND STANDARDS DIVISION/ [email protected]/703-784-3252// GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  The purpose of this MARADMIN is to notify the Marine Corps of updates to the Formal Schools Training Support (FSTS) Program for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26). 1.a.  FSTS is a centrally managed program within the TECOM G8 which provides travel funding support to over 600 formal schools courses across the Service. The total estimated program cost for FY26 is approximately $75M. Currently, there is a $21M funding shortfall for FY26, which necessitates the prioritization of courses to be funded by TECOM. 1.b.  The funding shortfall has been influenced by several factors, including travel inflation significantly outpacing the allotted program growth, the reduction of no- or low-cost lodging options on military installations, programmatic reductions, and increased demand. 1.c.  In response to the fiscal deficit, an Operational Planning Team (OPT) was established to prioritize the FSTS program based primarily on Occupational Field priorities. The OPT has assigned each course within the program to one of three funding tiers. 1.d.  The following are the definitions of the funding tiers: 1.d.1.  Tier One: Courses primarily focused on initial Primary Military Occupational Specialty (PMOS) producing training, courses required for special duty assignments (SDA), and formal school instructor courses. 1.d.2.  Tier Two: Courses primarily for non-PMOS training that support Billet MOS (BMOS) requirements, pilot recertification /refresher courses, and courses identified as essential for mission readiness. 1.d.3.  Tier Three: Intermediate and advanced courses, Free-MOS and non-PMOS courses supporting Additional Skills Designator billets, most functional billet-based courses, and Warrant Officer Basic Course follow-on courses. 1.e.  Funding is sufficient to support Tiers One and Two. However, Tier Three is expected to be unit-funded for FY26. No courses will be canceled due to the current funding deficiency. 1.f. A complete list of courses within each tier can be accessed via the following link: https://usmc.sharepoint-mil.us/sites/TECOM_G3_ITB/SitePages/ITB.aspx 2.  Requests to modify tiers:  2.a.  The tier system is adjustable and will continue to be updated on a regular basis. This three-tier framework serves as a starting point to allocate limited funding. The TECOM G3/G8 team has the authority to move funded allocations between Tiers Two and Three, ensuring a zero-net sum, based on input and priorities received from Occupational Field Managers. 2.b.  Occupational Field Managers are encouraged to contact the points of contact listed above to request reallocation of funding, ensuring alignment with training priorities throughout FY26. 3.  Release authorized by Lieutenant General Benjamin. T. Watson, Commanding General, Deputy Commandant, Training and Education.//