MCO 1001.65A — Active Component Officer Retention And Prior Service Accessions

MCO 1001.65A governs active component officer retention and prior service accessions across Marine Corps officer programs.

Search MCO 1001.65A

  • Publication number: MCO 1001.65A
  • Title: ACTIVE COMPONENT OFFICER RETENTION AND PRIOR SERVICE ACCESSIONS
  • Date: 3 Feb 2021
  • Proponent: 01000 Military Personnel
  • Status: Current

View MCO 1001.65A on armypubs.army.mil


It covers career designation, extended and return to active duty, inter-service transfer, and redesignation of limited duty officers. It establishes application, eligibility, selection board, approval, appointment, service obligation, and separation provisions.

Applies to: This Order provides policy and guidelines for the administration of several programs that affect officer retention and inventory in the active and reserve components.

Topics covered

  • Career designation
  • Extended active duty
  • Return to active duty
  • Inter-service transfer
  • Limited duty officer redesignation
  • Officer Retention Boards
  • Separation pay
  • Photographs

Questions and answers

What is career designation used to determine?

CD is the selective force shaping process used to determine which company grade officers will be offered the opportunity for continued active service beyond their initial active service obligation. (paragraph 4)

How long can extended active duty extend an officer’s EAS?

Extended Active Duty (EAD) is the administrative action used to extend an officer’s EAS up to one year in order to meet Marine Corps officer inventory requirements, to meet a specific operational requirement, or to afford an officer additional time to demonstrate qualifications for General career designation (CD). (paragraph 1)

What does the Return to Active Duty Program allow reserve component officers to do?

The RAD Program allows RC officers to request for transfer to the AC. (paragraph 4)

What degree must an LDO have to apply for redesignation?

Have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university. (paragraph 3)

Are photographs considered by a selection board?

Per reference (k), the Secretary of Defense prohibits photographs from consideration by a selection board effective 1 September 2020.

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