MCO 1500R.36G — Training/pay Category P (cat P) Program

MCO 1500R.36G governs eligibility and administrative procedures for placing SMCR enlistees in IDT pay status before IADT.

Search MCO 1500R.36G

  • Publication number: MCO 1500R.36G
  • Title: TRAINING/PAY CATEGORY P (CAT P) PROGRAM
  • Date: 2 Apr 1999
  • Proponent: 01000 Military Personnel
  • Status: Current

View MCO 1500R.36G on armypubs.army.mil


It defines the voluntary Cat P program for NPS Marine Corps Reserve applicants and describes paid IDT before reporting to the Recruit Depot. It covers participation limits, authorization timing, accountability, records, training, and administrative support.

Applies to: The provisions of this Order apply to all Marine Corps Reserve Non Prior Service (NPS) enlisted members who are high school graduates (Tier 1 education credential holder) or bona fide high school seniors.

Topics covered

  • Cat P program
  • IDT pay status
  • NPS Reserve enlistee eligibility
  • Delayed Entry Program participation
  • IDT accountability
  • SMCR unit administration
  • IADT participation restrictions

Questions and answers

How long before IADT can NPS Reserve enlistees enter IDT pay status?

The Marine Corps Reserve is authorized to place NPS Reserve enlistees in an IDT pay status up to 365 days prior to their entry on IADT. (paragraph 5)

What is the Cat P program?

The Cat P program is a voluntary program in which a NPS applicant enlists in the Marine Corps Reserve and is allowed to perform paid IDT periods until such time as the participant reports to the Recruit Depot for IADT. (paragraph 6)

Can Cat P participants perform active duty before IADT?

Cat P participants are not eligible to perform any type of active duty (to include annual training) prior to IADT. (paragraph 6)

What education credential is required for Cat P eligibility?

The participant must be a high school graduate (Tier 1 education credential holder) or a bona fide high school senior as defined by reference (a). (paragraph 7)

When must authorization to participate in the Category P program occur?

NPS Reserve enlistees are not authorized to participate in the Category P program subsequent to the date of Delayed Entry Program (DEP) accession. The authorization to participate must occur prior to DEP assignment. (paragraph 8)

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