Want to Fly for MARSOC? Here's Your Window.

MARSOC just opened applications for Air Officer tours starting in FY2027.

If you're a reserve aviation officer in a 73xx or 75xx MOS, this is worth reading closely. The window is short. The requirements are specific. And yes, reserve component officers are explicitly invited.

Reference: MARADMIN 140/26, signed 27 March 2026. Underlying authorities include MCO 1300.8 CH.1 (Personnel Assignment Policy) and MCO 1001.65A (Officer Retention and Prior Service Accessions).

The old problem

Nothing was broken here exactly.

But every year, reserve aviation officers wonder whether MARSOC billets are actually accessible to them, or if they're reading an active-duty-only callout that happens to say "total force."

This one is genuinely open to you. With a catch.

The new rule (in one line)

Reserve aviation officers can compete for 24-month MARSOC Air Officer tours, but selection means returning to active duty.

What MARSOC is looking for

These aren't just flying jobs.

MARSOC wants officers who can integrate fires, lead in ambiguous environments, and operate at the edge of what aviation supports. That takes a specific kind of background.

What makes you competitive:

✦ Strong fires integration experience

✦ Previous Air Officer or Forward Air Controller tours

✦ FAC(A) qualification

✦ Instructor qualifications or designations

✦ Breadth of experience inside and outside the cockpit

(They want to see the whole Marine, not just a logbook.)

Who is eligible

You need to check every box here before you apply.

The basics:

✦ Commissioned officer, captain or major

✦ MOS 73xx or 75xx

✦ Designated Naval Aviator, Naval Flight Officer, or UAS Officer

✦ Must be worldwide deployable for the entire tour

The extras:

✦ Must be able to complete EWTGLANT/PAC TACP school and earn MOS 7502 before checking in

✦ Must be medically qualified to attend Full Spectrum Level C SERE, or already have SERE Level C complete. Either way, you need a signed letter from a medical provider or your SERE Level C certificate.

✦ Must get written approval to apply from your PMOS monitor. That letter goes in your application package.

One rule specific to WTIs:

If you graduated from the WTI course, MARSOC wants you to have served at least 18 months with your unit before 30 September 2026. If you can't hit that timeline, waivers exist. Route them through HQMC (MMOA) using a NAVMC 10274, endorsed by your chain of command, before the application deadline.

For reserve component officers specifically:

You must be willing to return to active duty if selected. That's not optional. Submission of your Return to Active Duty (RAD) package is part of the application itself.

The timeline

The clock is already running.

| Date | Milestone | |------|-----------| | Now (message release) | Application window open | | 8 May 2026 | Application deadline | | 20 May 2026 | Selection panel convenes |

The panel convenes roughly 12 days after the deadline. There is no cushion here.

The application process, step by step

Email LtCol Richard O'Brien at richard.k.obrien.mil@socom.mil to request the Prospective Air Officer Resume and Information Sheet, plus the full required documents list.
If you're a reserve officer, simultaneously submit your RAD package directly to the MMOA-3 Retention and Release Officer (RRO). The RRO will send you a letter confirming your package is complete and your RAD eligibility is confirmed. You will attach that letter to your MARSOC application.
Get written approval from your PMOS monitor. Attach it to your package.
Submit all documents to the MARSOC Air/Fires Officer via email in PDF format. CC your PMOS monitor on everything.

(Yes, the RAD package and the MARSOC application run in parallel. Start both at the same time.)

Why this is a big deal

MARSOC billets don't come up often.

For reserve aviation officers, the pathway to a high-demand special operations billet that matches your MOS is rarely this clearly articulated. The command is explicitly naming reserve officers as eligible, naming the RAD mechanism, and asking you to compete.

That's unusual. And it's a genuine on-ramp to a 24-month active duty tour doing high-end fires integration work with MARSOC.

If you've been looking for a reason to raise your hand, this is it.

A smaller note for active-duty Marines

Active-duty applicants are also eligible. You need to have completed your minimum time-on-station requirements under MCO 1300.8 CH.1 and be eligible for PCS orders in FY2027. Contact your PMOS monitor for confirmation before applying.

The bottom line

MARSOC wants aviation officers, captains and majors, in 73xx or 75xx, for 24-month Air Officer tours starting FY2027.

Reserve officers can apply, but selection means returning to active duty. The RAD package is not a follow-on step. It is part of the application.

The deadline is 8 May 2026.

What to do with this

If you're a reserve aviation officer (73xx or 75xx), captain or major:

Confirm you meet all eligibility criteria above.
Email LtCol O'Brien now to get the application materials.
Contact your PMOS monitor for approval correspondence.
Start your RAD package in parallel, submitted directly to MMOA-3 RRO.
Submit everything in PDF to MARSOC by 8 May 2026, with your PMOS monitor CC'd.

If you're a WTI who might be close to the 18-month threshold:

Talk to your chain of command now. Waivers are possible. Route through HQMC (MMOA) before the application deadline using a NAVMC 10274.

If you're a unit S-1 or career planner:

Flag this for any 73xx or 75xx officers in captain or major grades. The window closes 8 May 2026.

Contacts:

LtCol Richard O'Brien, MARFORSOC Assistant Air/Fires Officer: richard.k.obrien.mil@socom.mil, (910) 440-0863

Mr. Michael Menchio, MARFORSOC JTAC PM: michael.j.menchio.civ@socom.mil, (910) 440-0862

MOS monitor contacts are listed in MARADMIN 140/26 for Aviation LtCol, Fixed Wing Majors, Fixed Wing CGO, Rotary Wing Majors, and Rotary Wing CGO billets.

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.

Need a shorter version of this for a unit brief, or a longer breakdown of the RAD package process? Let me know.

FISCAL YEAR 2027 AIR OFFICER APPLICATIONS FOR SERVICE WITH MARINE FORCES SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND