Advance Notice of Ch-1 to MCO 5300.18- Survey Compensation

1. Purpose:  This MARADMIN announces guidance to individuals and organizations that administer surveys to Marines, Civilian Marines, and/or Marine dependents and also desire to offer compensation for their participation.
2. Background:  While not expressly prohibited in every circumstance, compensation for survey participation is operationally disruptive, affects quality data collection, and favors research with the ability to offer incentives at the expense of non-compensated surveys.   
3. Surveys administered or supported by HQMC are governed by Reference (A).  Additionally, compensation to DoD-affiliated personnel for participation in research while on duty is prohibited by References (B and C).  Surveys that are not categorized as research and/or not conducted on duty are solely governed by Reference (A), which does not address the issue of offering compensation for survey participation.  To remedy this gap, the following guidance is provided to individuals or organizations that administer surveys to Marines, Civilian Marines, and/or any other population group in which Reference (A) is applicable:
3.a. A survey that awards compensation for participation while on duty will not receive a favorable endorsement from the DC, M&RA.
3.b. A longitudinal survey that awards compensation for participation, with any part administered on duty, will not receive a favorable endorsement from the DC, M&RA. 
3.c. A survey that awards compensation for participation while off duty, but requires on duty recruitment, facilitation, or assistance (e.g., compiling a list of eligible respondents), will not receive a favorable endorsement from the DC, M&RA.
4.  Released by BGen Jason G. Woodworth, Director, Manpower Plans and Policy Division.