Want to Compete for the Marine Corps in 2026? Here's How to Apply.

HQMC just opened applications for All-Marine Sports teams.

This means you, as a Reserve Marine, can try out for a spot on a competitive military sports team, travel to compete against other branches, and do it all on TAD orders with costs covered.

Here is what you need to know.

Reference: MARADMIN 042/26, signed 10 February 2026. Administered by HQMC Semper Fit Branch.

The old problem

Most Reserve Marines don't know this program exists.

Or they assume it's only for active-duty athletes who train full time.

It's not. The MARADMIN explicitly includes SMCR Marines and Marines on ADOS orders.

The new rule (in one line)

Applications for 2026 All-Marine Sports teams are open now, and Reserve Marines are eligible to compete and coach.

The sports, the dates, and who's hosting

Here's the full 2026 schedule. Dates are subject to change. Check the Armed Forces Sports Events Calendar for updates.

| Sport | Dates | Location | Host | |---|---|---|---| | Wrestling | 12–16 March | Fort Bliss, TX | Army | | Soccer (M) | 27 March – 4 April | Fort Hood, TX | Army | | Basketball | 11–18 May | Camp Pendleton, CA | Marine Corps | | Triathlon | 3–7 June | Point Mugu, CA | Navy | | Flag Football | 20–27 July | Charlotte, NC | Air Force | | Rugby (M) | 19–24 August | Glendale, CO | Marine Corps | | Rugby (W) | TBD | TBD | Marine Corps | | Golf | 14–19 September | Fort Belvoir, VA | Army | | Marathon | 22–26 October | Washington, DC | Marine Corps |

How the tryout process works

Some sports have a trial camp first. Wrestling, soccer, flag football, and rugby all hold camps roughly two weeks before the championship. Coaches and All-Marine Sports staff make cuts and finalize the roster from there.

(So you're not just submitting a form into a void. There's an actual tryout.)

What it costs you

Nothing out of pocket.

HQMC Semper Fit covers:

✦ Billeting ✦ Transportation, including airfare and rental vehicles ✦ Entry fees ✦ Uniforms, equipment, and supplies

You go on TAD orders. Your command approves your participation. HQMC handles the rest.

What you need to apply as an athlete

The application asks for performance testing scores. Here's what you need to record before you submit:

Three-rep max hex-bar or barbell deadlift
Three-rep max bench press
Three-rep max squat
One-rep max broad jump
Pro-agility test
Forty-yard dash
Three-mile time (from a recent fitness test)
880-yard time (from a recent fitness test)

You also need to provide proof of competitive experience in your sport. High school, collegiate, Olympic, or other organized competition all count. Include any individual or team awards.

The application form and testing instructions are at usmc-mccs.org/allmarinesports.

Submit your completed application to: allmarinesports@usmc-mccs.org

Deadline: 45 days before the championship date for your sport.

(Work backward from the schedule above. If you're eyeing wrestling in March, your window is tight.)

What you need to apply as a coach

Coaching positions are open to:

✦ Marines E-6 and above ✦ Civilians (coaching positions only)

Coaches are responsible for a significant scope of work:

Reviewing athlete applications and selecting the team roster
Selecting assistant coaches
Guiding prospective athletes and coaches on skill development
Organizing and attending the trial camp
Coaching the team at the Armed Forces Championship
Submitting an after-action report to HQMC Semper Fit

Additional duties are provided after formal selection.

The MARADMIN encourages coaches to apply immediately. No sport-specific deadline was listed. Earlier is better.

The shift. Why this is a big deal.

This program represents something most Reserve Marines never use: a legitimate path to compete at a high level, in uniform, fully funded, on TAD orders.

The Marine Corps hosts four of the nine 2026 championship events. Basketball, both rugby programs, and the Marine Corps Marathon all carry the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor.

If you played a sport competitively before the Corps, or still train seriously now, this is a real opportunity. Not a recruiting brochure promise. An actual funded program with a real application process.

A smaller note for active-duty Marines

You're eligible too, and the same process applies. Your CO still needs to approve participation, and recall is possible if mission requirements demand it. Nothing here is different for you operationally. The program was built with active component athletes in mind, and Reserve eligibility was added explicitly in this message.

The bottom line

HQMC Semper Fit wants athletes and coaches for nine sports in 2026.

Reserve Marines are eligible.

The program covers all costs. You compete on TAD orders. Your CO approves it.

Apply at usmc-mccs.org/allmarinesports and email your completed packet to allmarinesports@usmc-mccs.org.

What to do with this

If you're a Reserve Marine who competes in any of these sports: Apply now. Calculate your 45-day deadline from the championship date. Pull your fitness test times and start scheduling your performance testing.

If you're an E-6 or above with coaching experience: Apply for a coaching position immediately. The MARADMIN specifically says coaches should not wait.

If you're an S-3 or commander: Know this program exists. If you have athletes or coaches in your unit, facilitate their applications. Approval authority sits with the commanding officer.

If you're not sure whether you qualify: Contact the POCs directly. Joel Hines: joel.hines@usmc-mccs.org / 703-432-5472 Michael Sebaaly: michael.sebaaly@usmc-mccs.org / 703-432-9577

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 a specific sport's timeline? Let me know.

HEADQUARTERS MARINE CORPS (HQMC) SEMPER FIT BRANCH SEEKS APPLICATIONS FOR 2026 ALL-MARINE SPORTS ATHLETES AND COACHES