Reserve Affairs Division, HQMC Reserve Officer Progression

1. 1 Reserve Affairs Division, HQMCReserve Officer Progression 

2. 2 Key points are that an officer can follow different paths and have many opportunities to serve in the MC Reserve. Each step along the path allows the officer to choose among several options. The choice can depend on the desires of the individual, the demands of civilian job and family along with other factors. The officer who is looking for a chance to stay in their MOS for as long as possible can find that in SMCR units. The challenge is time and travel. Another officer looking for diversity can spend time in SMCR units gaining MOS credibility and join IMA units to bring diversity to their career. Finally officers who�s personal life limits the individuals time available to the reserves, can find a place in the IRR. From here they can join MTUs or work on PME to gain the points for satisfactory years or do nothing until their situation changes and they can once again participate. An officer can spend their career as a staff officer, striving for command or working toward serving on a joint command. The bottom line is there are many diverse career paths to follow that will allow an officer to maintain their affiliation with the Marine Corps while providing a valuable service to the Corps and country.Key points are that an officer can follow different paths and have many opportunities to serve in the MC Reserve. Each step along the path allows the officer to choose among several options. The choice can depend on the desires of the individual, the demands of civilian job and family along with other factors. The officer who is looking for a chance to stay in their MOS for as long as possible can find that in SMCR units. The challenge is time and travel. Another officer looking for diversity can spend time in SMCR units gaining MOS credibility and join IMA units to bring diversity to their career. Finally officers who�s personal life limits the individuals time available to the reserves, can find a place in the IRR. From here they can join MTUs or work on PME to gain the points for satisfactory years or do nothing until their situation changes and they can once again participate. An officer can spend their career as a staff officer, striving for command or working toward serving on a joint command. The bottom line is there are many diverse career paths to follow that will allow an officer to maintain their affiliation with the Marine Corps while providing a valuable service to the Corps and country.

3. 3 Key Points The reserve has three distinct type of units, Selective Marine Corps Reserve (SMCR) units of 4th MARDIV, 4th MAW, 4th FSSG, Force level units, Individual Mobilization Augmentees (IMA) and Mobilization Training Units (MTU). SMCR and IMA billets provide paid billets requiring 48 drills and one two week annual training period. MTUs provide unpaid billets but participation provides points toward satisfactory years of service. SMCR units provide core training, MOS credibility and command time. Requires substantial commitment and less flexibility. IMA Detachments provide MOS and non-MOS training, opportunities for joint training and some command billets. In many cases time requirements are less and the training is more flexible. The Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) is where individuals without SMCR or IMA affiliation are placed. IRR does not required participation. It does not guarantee a satisfactory year (Individual initiative required). MTUs provide the most flexibility and the least time commitment and still participate for satisfactory years. MTU members are also members of the IRR. Participation is generally for retirement points, not pay. The key point is that an officer joining has three career paths that can be used at different times. Each has plus and minuses. The key is that reserves provides the challenges of drilling with a unit, possibly commanding units in the SMCR. These units require a commitment in time that often goes beyond drills. Because it is unit training, there is much less flexibility in missing drills. The culmination of each year�s training is the unit�s annual training. When an officer�s family and job situation allow the flexibility, these units provide core training, MOS credibility and command opportunities. Officers needing more flexibility or looking for opportunities to train in a joint environment or just expend their overall knowledge can look toward IMA Detachments. These unit are associated with active duty units including joint commands. Whether the officer joints the IMA with Central Command, TRANSCOM, a MACE or MSTP they have a chance to expend their experience to the MEF level and above in a joint service environment. The officer could also work at the Manpower & Reserve Affairs or Plans, Polices and Operations (PP&O) at the Pentagon. IMA detachments often drill for longer period to support the requirements of the organizations. An officer might only serve three or four times a year for week or two at a time. Officers whose available time is limited because of work or family commitments can look to the IRR and MTUs. Service in the IRR requires no active participation. But this will result in unsatisfactory yeas of service. MTUs offer the officer a chance to work on maintaining satisfactory years by participating for a day a month and doing some other things such as MCIs to get 50 points to qualify for a satisfactory year. MTU drills provide points but no pay. The key point is that an officer joining has three career paths that can be used at different times. Each has plus and minuses. The key is that reserves provides the challenges of drilling with a unit, possibly commanding units in the SMCR. These units require a commitment in time that often goes beyond drills. Because it is unit training, there is much less flexibility in missing drills. The culmination of each year�s training is the unit�s annual training. When an officer�s family and job situation allow the flexibility, these units provide core training, MOS credibility and command opportunities. Officers needing more flexibility or looking for opportunities to train in a joint environment or just expend their overall knowledge can look toward IMA Detachments. These unit are associated with active duty units including joint commands. Whether the officer joints the IMA with Central Command, TRANSCOM, a MACE or MSTP they have a chance to expend their experience to the MEF level and above in a joint service environment. The officer could also work at the Manpower & Reserve Affairs or Plans, Polices and Operations (PP&O) at the Pentagon. IMA detachments often drill for longer period to support the requirements of the organizations. An officer might only serve three or four times a year for week or two at a time. Officers whose available time is limited because of work or family commitments can look to the IRR and MTUs. Service in the IRR requires no active participation. But this will result in unsatisfactory yeas of service. MTUs offer the officer a chance to work on maintaining satisfactory years by participating for a day a month and doing some other things such as MCIs to get 50 points to qualify for a satisfactory year. MTU drills provide points but no pay.

4. 4 Individual Career Path (Division) Ground Officer progression � Division units. A common MOS such as communications, logistics and administrative will be able to join and follow the progression. In some units, they may even be able to command. Officer joins a company/battery size unit and builds MOS credibility including command. If the officer joins a unit without the proper MOS, they maybe able to obtain the secondary through an OJT program or if time permits, the officer may attend an MOS producing school. Some officers coming off active duty may have company level credibility and even command. They my opt for a Battalion or Regimental staff. Officers my also join the reserves and move straight to the IRR while they establish their new life. Officers can then move to a Battalion or Regimental staff to continue working with a unit and improving MOS credibility. If the demand of family and or work demand a change, the officer can move to an IMA unit or the IRR. IMA units offer more flexibility and will broaden a reserve officers training outside their MOS. If and when the situation changes, the officer can return to an SMCR unit. The officer can enroll and complete required PME such as Command & Staff. Some PME is such as Command & Staff can be done in lieu of serving with a unit. With a selection to LtCol an officer can apply for command screening and possibly become a battalion commander. Otherwise the officer can continue to serve on a staff potentially at the Regimental, division or Marine Forces Reserve level. Within the Division there are no command screened billets below the Division Staff. Regimental Commanders are active duty command billets. Officers can continue in Division units until selection to Colonel. They will then have to look for billets on the Division and MFR staffs, IMA Detachments or transfer to the IRR.Ground Officer progression � Division units. A common MOS such as communications, logistics and administrative will be able to join and follow the progression. In some units, they may even be able to command. Officer joins a company/battery size unit and builds MOS credibility including command. If the officer joins a unit without the proper MOS, they maybe able to obtain the secondary through an OJT program or if time permits, the officer may attend an MOS producing school. Some officers coming off active duty may have company level credibility and even command. They my opt for a Battalion or Regimental staff. Officers my also join the reserves and move straight to the IRR while they establish their new life. Officers can then move to a Battalion or Regimental staff to continue working with a unit and improving MOS credibility. If the demand of family and or work demand a change, the officer can move to an IMA unit or the IRR. IMA units offer more flexibility and will broaden a reserve officers training outside their MOS. If and when the situation changes, the officer can return to an SMCR unit. The officer can enroll and complete required PME such as Command & Staff. Some PME is such as Command & Staff can be done in lieu of serving with a unit. With a selection to LtCol an officer can apply for command screening and possibly become a battalion commander. Otherwise the officer can continue to serve on a staff potentially at the Regimental, division or Marine Forces Reserve level. Within the Division there are no command screened billets below the Division Staff. Regimental Commanders are active duty command billets. Officers can continue in Division units until selection to Colonel. They will then have to look for billets on the Division and MFR staffs, IMA Detachments or transfer to the IRR.

5. 5 Individual Career Path (Marine Logistics Group) Logistics Officer career progression with Marine Logistics Group units. Officers joining MLG units have diverse opportunities depending on MOS. In some cases they may elect to leave units in the MLG and serve as logisticians with using and intermediate units at both the Wing and Division. But the 4th FSSG offers a continuum of progressively more demanding service from the platoon and detachment up to the General staff levels. Officers serving with 4th LMG can affiliate over an entire career as they strive to gain knowledge, leadership and management competency of intermediate tactical and operational logistics across all six logistics functions. This is gained through service within companies, staffs of �Line� (functional) and Combat Logistics Battalion levels as well as in positions of command. An officer joins a company or Battalion unit and builds MOS credibility, including command. If the officer joins a unit without the proper MOS, they maybe able to obtain the secondary through an OJT program or if time permits, the officer may attend an MOS producing school targeted towards either active or reserve students. Some officers coming off active duty may have company MOS level credibility and command and may opt for service with a Battalion staff. Officers may also join the reserves and move straight to the IRR while they establish their new life. Once credentialed at the company level, officers can then move to a Battalion or the 4th MLG staff to continue working with a unit and improving MOS credibility. If the demand of family and or work demand a change, the officer can move to an IMA unit or the IRR. Some IMA units offer more flexibility and will broaden a reserve officers training both within and outside their MOS. In fact, there are some superb logistics billets with Marine Corps and Joint commands that offer rewarding training and experiences not readily available in the SMCR. As career conditions evolve, the officer may decide to return to an SMCR unit. As with the active component, Reserve officers are expected to complete grade-appropriate PME. This educational process increases the capacity of Reserve officers to employ their skills in both MAGTF and Joint environments. The officer can enroll and complete required PME either through distance learning or as a resident. Some PME, such as Command & Staff, can be undertaken in lieu of serving with a unit over a one year period. Officers willing to invest a week or two can also submit for school seats at the Marine Corps University or US Army for logistics enrichment training and education. Over a career, educational opportunities combine with training and experience to produce seasoned and capable leaders in their MOS and the logistics field in general. A typical SMCR career progression is filled with a combination of staff and command experiences which results in a well-rounded career officer ready for command at the battalion level. With selection to LtCol an officer can apply for the highly competitive command-screening process and potentially slate for a logistics command. Otherwise the officer can continue to serve on an MSC staff at the Division, Wing, or MLG staff or elect to join IMA staffs throughout the Marine Corps and DOD. Within the 4th MLG there are three command-screen Colonel�s billet, 4th Supply Battalion, and 4th FSSG Forward East and West, affording officers the opportunity for command from Captain to Colonel. As an officer becomes more senior there are also numerous opportunities to serve on staffs using logistics backgrounds. The breadth and scope of these experiences at the O-5 and O-6 levels produce the seasoned professional who is ready to lead at the highest levels. Once an officer is promoted to colonel, service moves predominantly to General staffs or IMA Detachments in the twilight of a Reserve Marine officer�s career.Logistics Officer career progression with Marine Logistics Group units. Officers joining MLG units have diverse opportunities depending on MOS. In some cases they may elect to leave units in the MLG and serve as logisticians with using and intermediate units at both the Wing and Division. But the 4th FSSG offers a continuum of progressively more demanding service from the platoon and detachment up to the General staff levels. Officers serving with 4th LMG can affiliate over an entire career as they strive to gain knowledge, leadership and management competency of intermediate tactical and operational logistics across all six logistics functions. This is gained through service within companies, staffs of �Line� (functional) and Combat Logistics Battalion levels as well as in positions of command. An officer joins a company or Battalion unit and builds MOS credibility, including command. If the officer joins a unit without the proper MOS, they maybe able to obtain the secondary through an OJT program or if time permits, the officer may attend an MOS producing school targeted towards either active or reserve students. Some officers coming off active duty may have company MOS level credibility and command and may opt for service with a Battalion staff. Officers may also join the reserves and move straight to the IRR while they establish their new life. Once credentialed at the company level, officers can then move to a Battalion or the 4th MLG staff to continue working with a unit and improving MOS credibility. If the demand of family and or work demand a change, the officer can move to an IMA unit or the IRR. Some IMA units offer more flexibility and will broaden a reserve officers training both within and outside their MOS. In fact, there are some superb logistics billets with Marine Corps and Joint commands that offer rewarding training and experiences not readily available in the SMCR. As career conditions evolve, the officer may decide to return to an SMCR unit. As with the active component, Reserve officers are expected to complete grade-appropriate PME. This educational process increases the capacity of Reserve officers to employ their skills in both MAGTF and Joint environments. The officer can enroll and complete required PME either through distance learning or as a resident. Some PME, such as Command & Staff, can be undertaken in lieu of serving with a unit over a one year period. Officers willing to invest a week or two can also submit for school seats at the Marine Corps University or US Army for logistics enrichment training and education. Over a career, educational opportunities combine with training and experience to produce seasoned and capable leaders in their MOS and the logistics field in general. A typical SMCR career progression is filled with a combination of staff and command experiences which results in a well-rounded career officer ready for command at the battalion level. With selection to LtCol an officer can apply for the highly competitive command-screening process and potentially slate for a logistics command. Otherwise the officer can continue to serve on an MSC staff at the Division, Wing, or MLG staff or elect to join IMA staffs throughout the Marine Corps and DOD. Within the 4th MLG there are three command-screen Colonel�s billet, 4th Supply Battalion, and 4th FSSG Forward East and West, affording officers the opportunity for command from Captain to Colonel. As an officer becomes more senior there are also numerous opportunities to serve on staffs using logistics backgrounds. The breadth and scope of these experiences at the O-5 and O-6 levels produce the seasoned professional who is ready to lead at the highest levels. Once an officer is promoted to colonel, service moves predominantly to General staffs or IMA Detachments in the twilight of a Reserve Marine officer�s career.

6. 6 Individual Career Path (Wing) Aviation Officer progression � Officer joining aviation units units have a number of opportunities depending on MOS. In some cases they may be able to leave units in the aviation and serve with Division or FSSG units. But the goal of officers in the aviation community should be to gain a knowledge and understanding of their MOS/skill. Officer joins a Group or Squadron to MOS credibility in staff. Screen command opportunities are more limited in the aviation community. Officers coming off active duty may have MOS credibility such that they go immediately to a staff billet. Officers my also join the reserves and move straight to the IRR while they establish their new life. If the demand of family and or work demand a change, the officer can move to an IMA unit or the IRR. IMA units offer more flexibility and will broaden a reserve officers training outside their MOS. If and when the situation changes, the officer can return to an SMCR unit. The officer can enroll and complete required PME such as Command & Staff. Some PME is such as Command & Staff can be done in lieu of serving with a unit. With a selection to LtCol an officer can apply for command screening and possibly become a Squadron commander. Otherwise the officer can continue to serve on a staff potentially at the 4th MAW, division or Marine Forces Reserve level. Within the 4th MAW there are several command screen Colonels billets. This gives the officers in the aviation community more command billets at the higher levels then are found in the Division or FSSG. There are also numerous opportunities to serve on staffs to support commands with the logistics or specialty MOS support. Once an officer is promoted to colonel, service will move to the staffs or a IMA Det.Aviation Officer progression � Officer joining aviation units units have a number of opportunities depending on MOS. In some cases they may be able to leave units in the aviation and serve with Division or FSSG units. But the goal of officers in the aviation community should be to gain a knowledge and understanding of their MOS/skill. Officer joins a Group or Squadron to MOS credibility in staff. Screen command opportunities are more limited in the aviation community. Officers coming off active duty may have MOS credibility such that they go immediately to a staff billet. Officers my also join the reserves and move straight to the IRR while they establish their new life. If the demand of family and or work demand a change, the officer can move to an IMA unit or the IRR. IMA units offer more flexibility and will broaden a reserve officers training outside their MOS. If and when the situation changes, the officer can return to an SMCR unit. The officer can enroll and complete required PME such as Command & Staff. Some PME is such as Command & Staff can be done in lieu of serving with a unit. With a selection to LtCol an officer can apply for command screening and possibly become a Squadron commander. Otherwise the officer can continue to serve on a staff potentially at the 4th MAW, division or Marine Forces Reserve level. Within the 4th MAW there are several command screen Colonels billets. This gives the officers in the aviation community more command billets at the higher levels then are found in the Division or FSSG. There are also numerous opportunities to serve on staffs to support commands with the logistics or specialty MOS support. Once an officer is promoted to colonel, service will move to the staffs or a IMA Det.