Can Reserve Marines get drill points for attending Modern Day Marine 2026?

Yes. And it's worth knowing before April gets here.

A new MARADMIN just dropped with everything you need to know about the Corps' biggest annual exposition. It runs three days in D.C. this spring, and reservists are explicitly included.

Here's what it says and what you should do with it.

Reference: MARADMIN 027/26, signed 23 January 2026.

The old problem

There was never a clean answer for reservists asking whether a professional military education event like this could count for anything.

Was it worth requesting leave from your civilian job? Could you get drill points? Would your unit even approve it?

This MARADMIN answers at least some of that directly.

The new rule (in one line)

Reservists may attend Modern Day Marine 2026 and earn drill points, with unit approval.

What Modern Day Marine actually is

Think of it as a large-scale professional development conference built specifically for the Corps.

✦ 400-plus industry displays on the showroom floor

✦ Senior leader and subject matter expert talks across four stages

✦ Wargaming convention and future-focused panel discussions

✦ Transition education and employment fair

✦ Military spouse summit

It is not a Marine Corps-hosted event. It is organized by the Marine Corps League, Marine Corps Association, and outside event staff. The Corps provides input and participation, but the event itself is civilian-run.

(That distinction matters for how funding and authorization questions get answered.)

The details for attending

When: 28 to 30 April 2026

Where: Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, D.C.

Cost to attend: Free for all service members and civilian employees.

Registration is required. You can sign up now at marinemilitaryexpos.com. Walk-in registration is also available on-site during the event.

Uniform: Service "C" for Marines attending as participants. Service "A" if you are a speaker.

Getting there: Parking around the convention center is limited. Three options are available:

Shuttle from Quantico to the convention center, provided by MDM
Shuttle from the Pentagon (Henderson Hall) to the convention center
Mass transit

Units can also request a free bus. Submit a unit bus request through the travel page at marinemilitaryexpos.com/travel-information.

For reservists specifically

Here is the part that matters most to you.

✦ You may attend for drill points

✦ Unit approval is required before you go

✦ This event can serve as an appointed place of duty if your unit leadership authorizes it

The message does not spell out exactly how many points or what type of drill period this counts as. That is a conversation for your unit S-1 or commanding officer before you make any plans.

If your unit has specific legal questions about attendance, the MARADMIN directs them to contact the SJA or Counsel's office.

Why this is a big deal

MDM 2026 lands in the year America turns 250.

The Corps is treating this particular event as a heightened public engagement opportunity tied to the Semiseptcentennial. More senior leaders will be there. More public attention will follow.

For reservists, the bigger deal is simpler. This is a rare chance to earn drill points doing something that actually builds professional knowledge, makes career connections, and gets you in the room with industry professionals and senior Marine leaders.

It is not a weekend at the armory running admin drills.

If your unit will approve it, this is worth considering.

A smaller note for active-duty Marines

Active-duty Marines in the National Capital Region are highly encouraged to attend. The event can count as an appointed place of duty with unit leadership authorization. Civilian Marine employees should check with their supervisors on pay and leave status before going.

The bottom line

Modern Day Marine 2026 runs 28 to 30 April in Washington, D.C.

It is free to attend.

Reservists can earn drill points with unit approval.

Registration is open right now.

What to do with this

If you are a reservist who wants to attend:

Check the event website and look at the schedule: marinemilitaryexpos.com
Talk to your unit leadership about authorization before assuming anything counts
Coordinate with your S-1 on how drill points would be recorded
Register online now. Walk-in is available, but do not leave it to chance
Plan your transportation early. Parking near the convention center is limited

If you are a unit S-1 or admin officer:

Review the MARADMIN and determine how your unit will handle requests
Confirm the appropriate drill period type with your higher headquarters if unclear
If legal questions come up, route to your SJA

If you are an IMA or IRR Marine:

The MARADMIN does not speak to your situation directly. Check with your servicing reserve activity or assigned unit before making any assumptions about points or orders.

This is written by a reservist, for reservists. It is not an official publication of HQMC or MARFORRES. Always verify guidance with your command or unit S-1 before acting on any article or summary.

Want a shorter version of this for a unit brief or a longer breakdown of what the MDM schedule includes? Let me know and I can put that together.

CALL FOR PARTICIPATION IN MODERN DAY MARINE 2026