Change 1: Fiscal Year 2026 Enlisted Retention Campaign

1. Purpose. This MARADMIN provides a further update
to the FY26 Enlisted Retention Campaign, modifying guidance on
Subsequent Term Alignment Plan (STAP) submission windows, Local
Command Authority (LCA) extensions, Commanding General's Retention
Program (CGRP), intent to separate, and Lateral Move (LATMOV)
processing. The purpose for these modifications is to streamline the
 retention processes, clarify existing policy, and ultimately
improve the Marine Corps' ability to retain highly qualified
Marines. It supersedes any conflicting information in references
(a), (b), and (c).
2. Situation. Several adjustments to the FY26 Enlisted Retention
Campaign are necessary to maximize retention of high-quality Marines
 while maintaining force structure requirements.
3. Subsequent Term Alignment Plan Submission Window.
3.a. The STAP submission window was reopened and will remain open
until 30 November 2025 Primary Military Occupational Specialties
that receive more submissions than available boatspaces will be
scrutinized in an effort to retain the most qualified.
3.b. HQMC (MMEA) will adjudicate all STAP requests. This reopening
provides an opportunity for Marines who did not previously submit
to be screened. Selection will prioritize the highest quality
Marines and will be contingent upon boatspace availability.
4. Local Command Authority Extension Adjustment.
4.a. Commands are authorized to approve LCA extensions only up to
May 2026. Extensions into June through the end of the FY, may only
be approved by HQMC. This supersedes previous guidance allowing
extensions until August 2026.
5. Commanding General's Retention Program.
5.a. All CGRP requests must include a positive Commanding General
(CG) endorsement in order to be considered and processed by HQMC
(MMEA).
5.b. CGRP requests with a negative CG endorsement may be rejected.
However, the case must still be processed through the Total Force
Retention System (TFRS) to document the historical record.
5.c. Involuntary Separations Pay (ISP) will continue to be
processed by HQMC (MM) if disapproved by the service HQ.
5.d. CGRP allocations and guidance will be released via TFRS
message to the fleet.
6. Intent to Voluntarily Separate.
6.a. Any retention request not received by HQMC (MMEA) by
30 November 2025 will be interpreted as an expression of intent
to voluntarily separate.
6.b. Any new retention requests received after 30 November 2025
will be processed and adjudicated on a case-by-case basis in
accordance with MCO 1040.31.
7. Targeted Lateral Move.
7.a. The following targeted LATMOV MOSs will be processed on a
case-by-case basis and is subject to school seat availability:
0211, 0321, 0372, 1751, 1834, 2143, 2336, 4133, and 5821.
7.b.  All updates to LATMOV availability will be published via TFRS.
8. All other guidance from references (a), (b), and (c), unless
specified are superseded by this MARADMIN, remains in effect.
Subsequent updates will be released through TFRS.
9. Release authorized by BGen Fridrik Fridriksson, Director,
Manpower Management Division.