Reserve Aviator Assignment Policy

1.  Situation.  This cancels MARADMIN 080/15.  Manpower limitations within the Reserve Component (RC) aviator population require prioritization of available inventory against staffing requirements.  The allocation of available aviators against force wide requirements that have the greatest impact on personnel and training readiness is essential for building an RC capable of providing the strategic capacity required to augment and reinforce the Active Component (AC).  This policy's primary objective is to maximize force operational readiness while simultaneously ensuring the professional skills and core competencies are met through a series of progressive career billet assignments.<br>
2.  Assignment Policy<br>
        1) Selected Marine Corps Reserve (SMCR) and Individual Mobilization Augmentee (IMA) aviators in the rank of captain and major are limited to serve no more than 36 cumulative months in any combination of the IMA Program, Provisional IMA Program (PIP), Aviation Command and Control Team (AC2T), or any Reserve unit above the battalion or squadron level prior to reaching 16 years of commissioned service.  This provision does not apply to aviators serving in IMA 75xx billets.<br>
        2) Aviators in the rank of captain and major are limited to serve no more than 36 consecutive months in Marine Aviation Training Support Group 42 (MATSG-42) prior to promotion to lieutenant colonel.  After a 36 month tour with MATSG-42 and a follow-on 36 month tour in an SMCR unit, aviators may return to MATSG-42 for another 36 month tour.  Aviators assigned to Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) SAUs may be eligible for two, one year extensions.<br>
        3) Aviators in the rank of captain through lieutenant colonel are limited to serve no more than 36 consecutive months in VMR squadrons.  Aviators assigned to VMR squadrons may be eligible for two, one year extensions.<br>
        4) Lieutenant Colonels are limited to serve no more than 36 cumulative months at an SMCR tactical squadron, unless selected for command.  Tactical squadrons include HMLA-773, HMLA-775, HMH-772, VMM-774, VMM-764, VMGR-234, VMGR-452, VMFA-112, and VMFT-401.  Lieutenant Colonels who do not apply for command during their three year assignment will be required to seek other opportunities outside the squadron unless waived by Reserve Affairs (RA).<br>
        5) Lieutenant Colonels are limited to serve in a billet grade of one up or one down from their current grade in accordance with Change 1 to the SMCR Billet Identification Code Assignment and Management Policy dated 24 May 2019.  Exception requests will be approved for current assignments to fulfill the above mentioned 36 month tour.<br>
3.  Waivers.  Officers identified as exceeding the above tour limits will be notified during the quarterly Prior Service Alignment Plan.  Requests for waiver to policy will be initiated by the officer and routed via the chain of command to RA.<br>
4.  Opportunities and Assignment Incentives<br>
    a.  All impacted Marines are encouraged to visit the Marine Forces Reserve website for a list of SMCR billet vacancies.  https://www.marforres.marines.mil/About/Reserve-Billets/<br>
    b.  Marines assigned to an SMCR unit located 150 miles or more from their primary residence may be eligible for Inactive Duty Training Travel Reimbursement IAW reference a.<br>
    c.  Aviators may be eligible to receive an aviation bonus to affiliate with an SMCR tactical squadron IAW reference b.<br>
5.  Reserve Affairs Division will review aviator staffing and policy impacts annually and, if required, will provide additional guidance based on Reserve requirements.<br>
6.  Release authorized by Colonel J. M. Morrisroe, Director, Reserve Affairs Division, Acting.