R 031417Z NOV 25 MARADMIN 526/25 MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA// SUBJ/FY26 TOTAL FORCE ENLISTMENT INCENTIVE PROGRAMS AND ENLISTMENT BONUSES// REF/A/MSGID: DOC/CMC/YMD: 20120320// REF/B/MSGID: DOC/MCTFS PRIUM// REF/C/TITLE 37, U.S.C.// REF/D/DOC/DoD 7000.14-R// NARR/REF A IS MCO 1130.53R, ENLISTMENT INCENTIVE PROGRAMS. REF B IS THE PERSONNEL REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS AND USERS MANUAL. REF C IS TITLE 37, U.S. CODE, PAY AND ALLOWANCES OF THE UNIFORMED SERVICES. REF D IS DOD 7000.14-R, DOD FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REGULATION, VOLUME 7A, CHAPTER 2// POC/M. W. YOUNG/MAJ/MPP-20/TEL: 703-784-9497/ EMAIL: [email protected]// POC/S. A. STEELE/MAJ/RA, RAP/TEL: 703-784-9143/ EMAIL: [email protected]// POC/L. REILLY/GYSGT/RA, RAM/TEL: 703-432-9077/ EMAIL: [email protected]// POC/A. A. LAZELLE/CWO5/MCRC, G-3/TEL: 571-559-4610/  EMAIL: [email protected]// POC/A. L. NELSON/CAPT/MCRC, NPS/TEL: 571-599-4534/ EMAIL: [email protected]// POC/MILITARY COMPENSATION CHIEF/M&RA MPO/TEL: 703-784-9371/9372// GENTEXT/REMARKS/1. Purpose. Effective as of 1 October 2025, this MARADMIN provides guidance to support Marine Corps Recruiting Command’s (MCRC) Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 accession mission. This MARADMIN updates reference (a) and announces the FY26 Enlistment Option Programs (EOP) and the Enlistment Bonus Program (EBP). It also provides guidance for the FY26 Selected Marine Corps Reserve (SMCR) Enlistment Bonus (EB) and Montgomery G.I. Bill – Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) Kicker. The SMCR EB is authorized for either 10,000 or 6,000 dollars.  The MGIB-SR Kicker amount varies up to 350 dollars a month for no more than 36 months. 2. Background 2a. The Marine Corps’ objective is to maximize the number of fully trained, qualified, experienced, and deployable Marines in the Fleet Marine Force (FMF) over time and within any given personnel budget. As we progress towards an “invest and retain” model, it is critical to channel applicants into the right occupational fields to maximize our return on investment and increase Marines’ propensity to serve beyond their initial contract. 2b. The Enlistment Incentive Program (EIP) provides recruiters with different options of enlistment programs available to entry-level applicants. The EIP supports the recruiting effort in acquiring the talent necessary to support the Force Design and FMF. These various programs ensure qualified applicants are aligned to a program that best fits their desires and talents. 2c. This EIP plan establishes the Program Enlisted For (PEF) and various Bonus PEF (BPEF) options available for MCRC to meet the annual accession requirement for the active component. 3.  Active Component Enlistment Incentives 3a. Enlistment Option Program. The EOP offers applicants specific skill-group guarantees via PEFs. A PEF groups Primary Military Occupational Specialties (PMOS) by prerequisites. Every active component Marine Corps’ applicant enlists within a PEF, not a specific PMOS.  An applicant’s Statement of Understanding (SOU) outlines the specific PEF enlistment requirements. The PEF and PMOS distributions for FY26 are listed below. 3.a.(1). AE (Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting):  7051 3.a.(2). AF (Aviation Mechanic):  6062, 6073, 6074, 6092, 6113, 6114, 6116, 6123, 6124, 6132, 6153, 6154, 6156, 6214, 6216, 6217, 6218, 6227, 6256, 6257, 6258 3.a.(3). AG (Aircrew):  6173, 6174, 6176, 6276 3.a.(4). AJ (Aviation Support Systems and Ordnance):  6048, 6286, 6287, 6288, 6531, 6541, 7240 3.a.(5). AN (Air Control/Navigation and UAS):  7257, 7316 3.a.(6). AP (Open Contract):  Any MOS 3.a.(7). AZ (4x2x2 Open Contract): Any MOS 3.a.(8). BA (Aviation Electronics Tech):  5951, 5952, 5953, 5954, 6314, 6316, 6317, 6323, 6324, 6326, 6336, 6337, 6338, 6423, 6432, 6469, 6483, 6492, 6499, 6694 3.a.(9). BY (Electronics Maintenance):  2171, 2831, 2841, 2847, 2871, 2887, 5939, 5948, 5955, 5974, 5979 3.a.(10). CB (Administration):  0111, 0161, 6046, 7041 3.a.(11). CC (Accounting and Legal):  3432, 3451, 4421 3.a.(12). CE (Combat Support):  0811, 1371, 1834, 7212 3.a.(13). CH (Combat Imagery and Social Media Operations):  4512, 4541, 4571 3.a.(14). CJ (Logistics):  0411, 0441, 2311, 3043, 3051, 3152, 3381, 6042, 6672 3.a.(15). CK (Fire Direction and Control Specialists):  0842, 0844, 0847, 0861 3.a.(16). CO (Utilities Technician):  1141, 1164 3.a.(17). CP (General Engineering):  1171, 1345, 1361, 1391, 7011 3.a.(18). CX (Vehicle Mechanic):  1341, 2131, 2143, 2147, 3521 3.a.(19). DB (Information and Communications Technology):  0621, 0627, 0631, 0671 3.a.(20). DD (Intelligence and Planning):  0231, 0241, 0261, 0511, 6842, 7314 3.a.(21). DG (Cyber and Crypto Operations):  1721, 2621, 2631, 2641, 2651 3.a.(22). HZ (Reconnaissance):  0321 3.a.(23). MA (Machinist): 1316, 2111, 2161 3.a.(24). MG (Marine Guard): 0311 3.a.(25). MT (Motor Transport): 3531 3.a.(26). PN (Open Contract): Any MOS 3.a.(27). PR (Parachute Rigger):  0451 3.a.(28). U2 (Musician):  5524 3.a.(29). U4 (The Commandant’s Own / Drum and Bugle Corps):  5512 3.a.(30). UH (Infantry):  0311, 0313, 0331, 0341, 0352 3.a.(31). UJ (CBRND):  5711 3.a.(32). UT (Military Police and Corrections):  5811, 5831  3b. Enlistment Bonus Program. The EBP will be continually refined to enable the Marine Corps to remain competitive in the war for talent. The EBP facilitates the market expansion required to achieve annual shipping goals, skill channeling of talent into Force Design priorities, and to support service-level efforts to increase return on personnel investment. Bonuses may be adjusted during the FY as recruiting environment conditions require. The PEFs eligible for a bonus for FY26 are as follows: PEF           BPEF   Description                             Amount (1) BY          QY     Electronic Maintenance                  $15,000 (2) DG        QQ     Cyber and Crypto Operations             $15,000 (3) Any        QE     $5,000 Shipping Bonus                   $5,000 (4) Any        QF     $10,000 Shipping Bonus                  $10,000 (5) Any        QV     Plus 1 Year Targeted Investment Bonus   $7,000 (6) Any        QW     Plus 2 Years Targeted Investment Bonus  $15,000 4. Active Component Bonus Types 4.a. Skill-based bonuses are those bonuses listed in paragraph 3b. that are associated to a PEF (e.g. QY PEF is associated with the BY PEF). Applicants with a skill-based bonus will be classified into one of the associated PMOSs under the respective PEF listed in paragraph 3a. 4.b. Shipping bonuses are not associated with a particular PEF and can be applied to any PEF. Applicants issued the shipping bonus (QE/QF) will first sign an SOU for a PEF listed in paragraph 3a. 4.c. The Target Investment Plus 1/Plus 2 bonuses continue in FY26 to address contract inefficiencies by providing longer contract options. Applicants issued the Targeted Investment Plus 1/Plus 2 bonus will first sign an SOU for a PEF listed in paragraph 3a. Targeted Investment Plus 1 (QV) and Targeted Investment Plus 2 (QW) bonuses require applicants to sign 1 or 2 additional years of service to their term of enlistment (TOE) in their contracts prior to shipping to recruit training. These bonuses will be paid out upon the Join (TTC 020) to the School of Infantry (SOI). 4.d. Active component applicants may receive only one enlistment bonus.  5. The following guidance is in support of administrators’ authorization, obligation, and payment of active component enlistment bonuses. As outlined in reference (b), chapter 9, section 91201, the auto-generated enlistment bonus obligation type transaction code (TTC 245 000) and payment transactions (TTC 392 000) remain unchanged. 5a. For the QY and QQ bonuses, the first permanent duty station Join will automatically trigger (TTC 392 SEQ 000) and process the Enlistment Bonus (402 Remark). In the event the system generated (TTC 392 SEQ 000) transaction fails to process, the administrative Reporting Unit Code (RUC)/Installation Personnel Administration Center (IPAC) can report TTC 392 SEQ 000 in accordance with reference (b), chapter 9, and section 91201. 5b. For the QE, QF, QV, and QW bonuses, once the Enlistment Bonus Authorization (TTC 245 000) is reported and posted, the first SOI Join (TTC 020) will automatically trigger (TTC 392 000) and process the Enlistment Bonus (402 Remark).  6.  SMCR EB 6.a.  Amounts.  The SMCR EB amount is 10,000 dollars for those enlisting to “required” Quota Serial Numbers (QSN) and 6,000 dollars to those enlisting to the remaining QSNs.  The QSN List defining “required” QSNs is coordinated between Reserve Affairs (RA), Marine Forces Reserve, and MCRC via separate correspondence.   6.b.  Administrative Guidance 6.b.(1) MCRC G-3 is the only organization authorized to submit SMCR EB requests to RA Management (RA (RAM)).   6.b.(2) Requests will be submitted to RAM-1 via email at [email protected]. 6.b.(3) The applicable bonus program code for the EB is Z7.   6.b.(4) Upon approval of the request, RA (RAM) will issue a Bonus Control Number (BCN) 6.b.(5) RA (RAM) will return the request with the assigned BCN and validation of signatures to MCRC G-3 via email.   6.b.(6) MCRC G-3 will enter the assigned BCN into the Marine Corps Recruiting Information Support System (MCRISS) and forward the approval to the appropriate Recruiting District.   6.b.(7) Prior to shipping to recruit training, the applicant must complete an approved SOU (Headquarters United States Marine Corps RAP form number 7220R Z7 Selected Reserve Incentive Program) attached to the Reserve Optional Enlistment Program (ROEP) Annex for the EB.  The Marine Corps Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) liaison must validate the SOU.   6.b.(8) MCRC G-3 will forward a PDF copy of the SOU to RA (RAM). 6.b.(9) RA (RAM) will monitor and track the applicant’s accession status.  Once accessed, RA (RAM) will report the appropriate obligation remark to update the applicant’s Marine Corps Total Force System (MCTFS) record with the SMCR EB lump sum payment.  Initial Active Duty Training (IADT) for enlisted Marines is defined as Recruit Training, Marine Combat Training, and MOS school.  Payment will post upon completion of IADT after the SMCR unit joins the Marine to the appropriate RUC/MCC.   6.b.(10) MCRC G-3 will notify RA (RAM) in the event a BCN revocation occurs, or an applicant fails to ship.  RA (RAM) will revoke an EB if a Marine fails to meet the following eligible criteria for the incentive prior to receiving payment. 6.c.  Eligibility Criteria 6.c.(1) Enlist to a Reserve Affairs Personnel Policy, Plans, and Programming and Budgeting (RA (RAP)) validated QSN. 6.c.(2) Enlist under the ROEP with a 6x2 obligation and complete all required training for assignment to the contracted MOS and SMCR unit. 6.c.(3) Applicants who enlist under the Incremental Initial Active Duty Training (IIADT) program are ineligible.  6.c.(4) Marines reclassified to an alternate MOS that is eligible for an EB during IADT will retain their eligibility for a SMCR EB. Marines failing to meet the prerequisites for the contracted MOS or due to academic failure will forfeit the incentive. 6.d.  Reclassification Guidance.  If RA (RAM) issues a Marine an SMCR EB BCN and the Marine undergoes a subsequent reclassification to another MOS, the Reserve Training Liaison (RTL) will: 6.d.(1) Process the MOS reclassification in accordance with current procedures. 6.d.(2) Submit to RA (RAP) the initial unit and MOS assigned to the Marine, the new unit and MOS assignment, the reason for reclassification, and the Marine’s request for approval to retain the SMCR EB upon reclassification. 6.d.(3) Update the Marine’s record upon RA (RAP) approval for the newly assigned MOS and authorization to retain the issued SMCR EB. 6.d.(4) Notify RA (RAM) via the organizational email of the MOS reclassification and provide a copy of the RA (RAP) approval letter as source documentation to correct the Marine’s obligation remark within MCTFS. 6.e.  Obligation 6.e.(1) Recipients will incur a 6-year service obligation in the SMCR. 6.e.(2) Marines must complete all required training for assignment to the contracted MOS and SMCR unit. 6.e.(3) Marines must serve satisfactorily during the service  obligation. 6.e.(4) Marines who do not complete their 6-year service obligation are subject to review for administrative separation from the Marine Corps.  Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve (COMMARFORRES) shall review and process administrative separation packages. 7.  MGIB-SR Kicker 7.a.  Administrative Guidance 7.a.(1) MCRC G-3 is the only entity authorized to submit requests for this incentive. 7.a.(2) MCRC G-3 will approve and enter an assigned Kicker Control Number (KCN) into MCRISS and forward the approval to the appropriate district.  MCRC G-3 will provide a monthly report to RA (RAM) on assigned KCNs. 7.a.(3) Prior to shipping to recruit training, the applicant must complete an approved SOU (RA RAP form number 1560R Z8 MGIB-Kicker) attached to the ROEP Annex for the MGIB-SR Kicker.  The Marine Corps MEPS liaison must validate the SOU. 7.a.(4) The MCRC Reserve Procurement Chief will forward a PDF copy of the SOU to RA (RAM) via the organizational email.   7.a.(5) The MCRC Reserve Procurement Chief will notify RA (RAM) via the organizational email ([email protected]) in the event of a revoked KCN and when an applicant fails to ship. 7.b.  Eligibility Criteria 7.b.(1) Enlist to a RA (RAP) validated QSN under the ROEP with a 6x2 obligation. 7.b.(2) Meet all eligibility criteria for the MGIB-SR listed in reference (a). 7.b.(3) Applicants who enlist under the IADT Program option are eligible upon completion of first increment of training. 7.c.  Obligation 7.c.(1) Recipients will incur a 6-year service obligation. 7.c.(2) Marines who do not complete their 6-year service obligation are subject to review by COMMARFORRES for administrative separation from the Marine Corps. 7.c.(3) Submit requests for early release or deferment of the 6-year service obligation to COMMARFORRES for approval. 8.  Reserve component applicants are authorized to receive the EB and MGIB-SR Kicker concurrently. 9.  Availability of the SMCR EB and MGIB-SR Kicker is contingent upon available funding. 10.  Incentives will be approved in the order they are received until bonus amount allocation and funding limitations are reached. Availability will be provided on the Reserve Affairs incentive dashboard and in messages posted on TFRS. 11.  Repayment Requirements.  In accordance with Section 373 of reference (c), Marines shall repay to the United States any unearned portion of their paid bonus if they fail to fulfill the terms of their bonus SOU, including completion of the period of obligated service. 11.a.  Exceptions to Repayment.  In accordance with Section 373 of reference (c), repayment of unearned bonus amounts shall not be required for Marines who die or are retired or separated with a combat-related disability.  In accordance with reference (d), particularly Table 2-1, and the Separation Program Designator (SPD) Code Matrix, repayment action will not be sought under certain circumstances.  Additionally, subject to reference (d), the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs (ASN(M&RA)) may grant an exception to repayment.  This authority has been delegated to the Deputy Commandant for Programs and Resources (DC, P&R), who may grant exceptions to repayment for unearned amounts up to $10,000 in cases where an exception is allowable in accordance with reference (d) and the SPD Code Matrix. 11.b.  Questions regarding exceptions to repayment may be directed to MPO using the contact info above.  12. This MARADMIN is applicable to the Total Force.   13. Cancellation. 30 Sep 2026. 14. Release authorized by Lieutenant General William J. Bowers, Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. //