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Corps’ 2010 bonus plan coming soon

Marine officials are expected to roll out the Corps’ re-enlistment picture for fiscal 2010 by next week, but caution that re-upping will be tougher in many fields than it has been in recent years.

A list of re-up bonuses is due out by July 1.

With the end-strength growth to 202,000 Marines complete, the Corps will reinstitute retention boards for fast-filling military occupational specialties for the first time in two years. The boards are held by Manpower & Reserve Affairs for specialties that receive more than enough re-enlistment packages during the July submission period to fill that MOS for the fiscal year.

That marks a major difference from a year ago. In 2009, the Corps brought back boatspaces caps — limits on the number of Marines that can re-up in each MOS — but did not hold any retention boards for fast-filling specialties due to the push to grow the service. For first-term Marines interested in re-enlisting this year, that means it’s important to have a plan ready within the next few weeks, said Maj. Shawn Haney, a Manpower spokeswoman.

Retention decisions are based on standard criteria, including fitness reports and Physical Fitness Test scores. But fast-filling MOSs tend to be highly competitive, Marine officials said, and re-enlistment isn’t guaranteed — even for those who have timely submissions and good records.

There are 51 specialties most likely to be designated fast-filling and in need of retention boards, officials said. Those include specialties in some of the largest fields, such as motor transport, personnel and administration, which combine to encompass more than 20,000 Marines.

“Every MOS has the potential to become an FFM, so FY10 FTAP Marines in every MOS should submit for re-enlistment during July 2009 to maximize their opportunity for receiving a boatspace,” officials said in Marine administrative message 330/09, released May 29.

Officials said that only 100 boatspaces will be set aside for the Quality Re-enlistment Program, which saves slots for squared-away noncommissioned officers. To qualify, NCOs must have first-class Physical Fitness Test scores, pro/con scores averaging 4.5/4.5, no history of assignment to the weight control or body composition programs, and a clean criminal and NJP record.

Before the end-strength buildup, the Corps typically set aside between 100 and 150 QRP boatspaces, Haney said. The service set aside 85 last year, but did not use the QRP program until December because it was still enlarging the service.

Bonus picture unclear

In fiscal 2009, the Corps boosted its top re-enlistment bonuses by $10,000, to a maximum of $90,000 for first-term Marines working in the most needed specialties. Manpower officials have offered no hints on the fiscal 2010 bonus picture, but some specialties are expected to retain high-needs status — and rake in the most cash.

In MarAdmin 330/09, officials said that first-term Marines can request lateral moves beginning Dec. 1. However, 30 MOSs that are traditionally considered high-need, such as reconnaissance and intelligence, will open to lateral moves beginning July 1, an indication that Marines already in those MOSs can expect some of the biggest bonuses.

Twenty-seven of those 30 specialties also will have different rules for early re-enlistment, with Marines whose contracts do not expire until 2011 considered on a case-by-case basis if they stay in their high-needs field.

First-termers also will be considered a year early for re-enlistment — regardless of their primary MOS — if they agree to become a Marine security guard. The billet has been short-handed for months and the subject of an active recruiting drive, as the Corps plans to expand MSG duty in coming years to include as many as 10 new duty stations.