MCO 3900.18 governs the protection of human subjects in research conducted by, within, or for the U.S. Marine Corps.
View MCO 3900.18 on armypubs.army.mil
MCO 3900.18 addresses training, assurance, IRB review, international and classified research, public release, compensation, vulnerable subjects, and misconduct. It requires ethics training, appropriate review and approval, additional safeguards, and reporting of non-compliance and misconduct.
Applies to: This Order is applicable to the Marine Corps Total Force.
Human subjects research shall not be initiated until the institution holds a valid assurance for the protection of human research subjects, the research protocol has been reviewed by an authorized IRB, and approval granted by an appropriate research approval authority. (paragraph 1)
The determination whether or not a research activity requires review by an IRB will be made by an authorized IRB chair/vice chair or an individual duly authorized and trained to make such determinations. (paragraph 2)
In all cases, the regulation, instruction, or policy providing the greatest protection for the human subject shall prevail. (paragraph 3)
Classified research with human subjects is held to the same ethical principles and human subject protections as unclassified research and must receive prior approval from the Secretary of Defense (SECDEF). (paragraph 5)
Research involving any person captured, detained, held, or otherwise under the control of DOD personnel (military, government civilian, or contractor) is prohibited.