MCO 7300.21B — Marine Corps Financial Management Standard Operating Procedure Manual

MCO 7300.21B governs Marine Corps appropriations, financial transactions, travel, reimbursables, payroll, and accounting corrections.

Search MCO 7300.21B

  • Publication number: MCO 7300.21B
  • Title: MARINE CORPS FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE MANUAL
  • Date: 18 May 2015
  • Proponent: 07000 Financial Management
  • Status: Current

View MCO 7300.21B on armypubs.army.mil


It covers appropriation purpose, time, and amount; SABRS transactions and reporting; reimbursable orders; travel; civilian labor; and reconciliation. It requires proper documentation, available and correct fund types, reconciliations, and corrective action for errors and abnormal transactions.

Applies to: The Travel process applies to all personnel traveling under orders funded throughout the Marine Corps.

Topics covered

  • Appropriations management
  • Bona fide need rule
  • SABRS transaction corrections
  • Reimbursable orders
  • Travel processes
  • Civilian labor accruals
  • Contract reconciliation

Questions and answers

What is the necessary expense doctrine used to determine?

The necessary expense doctrine comprises three basic tests to ensure the correct appropriation is being used to fund requirements. (paragraph 1)

What does the bona fide need rule require for fiscal year appropriations?

A FY appropriation may be obligated only to meet a legitimate, or bona fide, need arising in, or in some cases arising prior to but continuing to exist in, the FY for which the appropriation was made. (paragraph 2)

How long do fund holders have to obligate NULO transactions?

Fund holders will obligate the DFAS identified NULO transaction within 60 calendar days of posting, and no transactions will remain in a NULO status at the close of a FY. (paragraph 2)

What documentation is required for bulk obligations in SABRS?

All obligations recorded in SABRS, to include bulk obligations, must be supportable by documentary evidence of a legal liability against an available appropriation. (paragraph 2)

How long must purchase card files be retained?

In accordance with Federal statutory retention laws and regulations, purchase card files must be maintained for a period of six (6) years and three (3) months. (paragraph 7)

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