U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Sarah Nadeau recites the oath of enlistment during a ceremony at Larrakeyah Barracks in Australia on April 23, 2021. Eligible senior enlisted Marines will now be able to apply for reenlistment that lasts until the end of their rank's respective service limitations. (Lydia Gordon )
Senior enlisted Marines will soon be able to apply for reenlistments that extend their service to the end of their rank’s time limitations, eliminating the need for periodic extensions.
The Enlisted Career Designation Program for career Marines will begin accepting applications on June 1.
Though it’s designated a pilot program, it appears to be structured as a permanent change.
Under the new policy, master sergeants and first sergeants may serve up to 27 years on active duty, while master gunnery sergeants and sergeants major may remain on active duty for 30 years, without having to ask for periodic extensions.
To be eligible, Marines in those ranks must have at least 15 years of service or have spent two years in their current grade, with a contract set to expire before Sept. 30, 2026, according to an administrative message issued Saturday.
“The program offers career Marines a more streamlined retention process, reducing uncertainty and administrative burdens by allowing them to voluntarily commit to long-term service,” Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps Carlos Ruiz said in a Feb. 21 service statement.
All ranks will still be able to request resignation or retirement six to 18 months in advance provided they fulfill their obligated service requirements, the statement said.
Ruiz added that the initiative supports the Marine Corps’ talent management strategy, which prioritizes retaining experienced, highly skilled Marines.
A deadline for the first round of applications has not yet been announced.
Marine Corps Manpower and Reserve Affairs officials did not respond to questions this week about the duration of the pilot period, the application deadlines and any associated incentives to apply.
Other services have implemented similar programs in recent years to eliminate periodic reenlistments. The Army’s Career Status Program allows soldiers E-6 and above with 10 years of service to apply for an indefinite extension.
