MCO P3121.1 — Marine Corps Planning And Programming Manual

MCO P3121.1 governs Marine Corps policies and procedures for participation in the Department of Defense PPBS.

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  • Publication number: MCO P3121.1
  • Title: MARINE CORPS PLANNING AND PROGRAMMING MANUAL
  • Date: 1 Oct 1991
  • Proponent: 03000 Operations & Readiness
  • Status: New

View MCO P3121.1 on armypubs.army.mil


It covers planning, programming, budgeting, financial aspects, requirements, program priorities, cost effectiveness analysis, and POM procedures. It requires coordination, data submission, program review, and development of Marine Corps program recommendations.

Applies to: The policies and procedures in this Manual apply to HQMC staff agencies and field commanders.

Topics covered

  • Planning, Programming, and Budgeting System
  • Marine Corps planning
  • Marine Corps programming
  • Financial aspects of planning and programming
  • Program priority determination
  • Cost effectiveness analysis
  • Program Objective Memorandum procedures
  • Out-of-cycle programming

Questions and answers

How is paragraph numbering structured in MCO P3121.1?

Paragraph numbering is based on four digits. The first digit indicates the chapter; the next digit, the section, the final two digits the general major paragraph number; and the combinations which follow the decimal point, the subparagraph number; e.g., 3103.3a(2) refers to chapter 3, section 1, general major paragraph number 03, subparagraph 3a(2). (paragraph 2)

What must program managers provide for their program initiatives?

Program managers develop and provide life-cycle cost data for their particular program initiatives. (paragraph 4)

What review is conducted before the POM is submitted?

The review is conducted late in the development process in order to enable the review of specific programs. (paragraph 2)

What happens to RDT&E associated with specific acquisition initiatives?

That RDT&E becomes a part of the "tails" of that acquisition initiative. Therefore, RDT&E does not compete separately against other acquisition initiatives in any program review or evaluation. (paragraph 7-6)

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