Is the FY28 Attaché Board Still Open? One Position Added, One Pulled.

A supplemental message just updated the FY28 Marine Attaché board.

If you applied or were considering it, one slot changed. And if you were eyeing Taiwan, that one is gone.

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Reference: MARADMIN 250/26, signed 29 May 2026. Supplements the original board announcement, MARADMIN 160/26. Governed by MCO 3821.2, USMC Participation in the Defense Attaché Service.

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The old problem

The original FY28 MARA board announcement went out in April 2026.

Since then, the vacancy list shifted.

Two positions changed after the original message published, so this supplemental exists to correct the record.

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The new rule (in one line)

One new attaché position opened in Ukraine, and one position in Taiwan was pulled from the board entirely.

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What actually changed

Added:

✦ Country: Ukraine ✦ Language requirement: Russian ✦ Rank: Major ✦ Tour: 12-month unaccompanied

That is an active component vacancy. Reserve Marines, see note below on how the board works for you.

Removed:

✦ Country: Taiwan ✦ Language requirement: Chinese-Mandarin ✦ Rank: Sergeant through Master Sergeant

That one is gone. If Taiwan was your target, do not submit for it.

(The most current vacancy list lives at the application website, not in any single MARADMIN. Check it before you apply.)

The application process itself has not changed. Same requirements, same documents, same process as the original announcement.

Everything you need is here: https://www.intelligence.marines.mil/OCC-Field-Foreign-Language/Defense-Attache-Program/

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Why this is a big deal

The attaché program is one of the few paths where a Reserve Marine can serve in a named billet overseas, attached to a U.S. Embassy, doing real intelligence and engagement work.

Boards like this do not come around constantly.

When a vacancy appears mid-cycle, it means demand exists right now. Russia-language Majors who have been sitting on the fence just got a live target.

And when a vacancy disappears mid-cycle, it means the window closed. Taiwan is done for this board year.

The lesson: check the live vacancy list, not just the original MARADMIN.

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A smaller note for active-duty Marines

The Ukraine vacancy is specifically an active component billet. A 12-month unaccompanied tour. If you are a Russia-language Major on active duty, this is addressed to you directly. Contact Maj Schulze at MMOA-3.

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The bottom line

One Ukraine slot opened. Russian-speaking Majors, this is your board.

One Taiwan slot closed. Do not apply for it.

Everything else about the FY28 MARA board stays the same.

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What to do with this

If you are a Reserve Marine who is Russia-language qualified at the Major rank:

1. Go to the application website linked above.
2. Pull the current vacancy list and confirm Ukraine is still listed.
3. Review your application package against the requirements in MARADMIN 160/26.
4. Contact the Reserve Attaché Detachment POC: LtCol R. W. Dawson at richard.dawson@dodiis.mil or 501-847-2186.
5. Contact Maj M. T. Weltzien, DCI Reserve Liaison, at matthew.weltzien@usmc.mil or 703-692-1395.

If you were interested in Taiwan:

✦ That vacancy is withdrawn. No action needed. Watch for future board cycles.

If you are not sure whether you qualify or what the board requires:

✦ Start with the application website. ✦ Then talk to your unit S-1 or your chain of command. ✦ Do not self-disqualify. Ask first.

If you are an active-duty Major with Russian language skills:

✦ Contact Maj Joseph Schulze at MMOA-3: joseph.schulze1@usmc.mil or 703-784-9284.

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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.

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Want a shorter version of this? A one-paragraph summary is easy to produce. Want a deeper breakdown of how the Reserve attaché pathway works? That can be a separate piece. Let me know which is more useful.