NAVMC 5351.1 — Operational Stress Control And Readiness (oscar) Program Procedures

NAVMC 5351.1 governs Marine Corps Operational Stress Control and Readiness procedures for resilience, readiness, and stress management.

Search NAVMC 5351.1

  • Publication number: NAVMC 5351.1
  • Title: OPERATIONAL STRESS CONTROL AND READINESS (OSCAR) PROGRAM PROCEDURES
  • Date: 9 Apr 2026
  • Proponent: 05000 General Admin & Management
  • Status: New

View NAVMC 5351.1 on armypubs.army.mil


It covers OSCAR stakeholder roles, team structure and composition, meetings, action plans, critical incidents, stigma reduction, and training. It also establishes requirements for certification, deployment-cycle training, families, group-administered stress first aid, and unit assessments.

Applies to: This NAVMC is applicable to the Active Component, members of the Selected Reserve, Marines on Active Duty Operational Support Orders, their families, and other populations as authorized by law.

Topics covered

  • OSCAR Program procedures
  • OSCAR team composition
  • Critical incident response
  • Deployment cycle training
  • Stress stigma reduction
  • Group administered Stress First Aid
  • Unit assessments
  • OSCAR team certification

Questions and answers

How many members must each OSCAR Team have?

Each command trains, designates, and maintains OSCAR Team Members that consist of at least 15 percent of the unit. (paragraph 2)

How often must an OSCAR Team meet?

Each command holds a quarterly OSCAR Team meeting. (paragraph 4)

What must commanders do to establish an OSCAR Program?

Commanding Officers and Officers in Charge must develop and publish a command policy letter to communicate commander’s intent to implement and oversee the OSCAR Program within AOR within 60 days of taking command. (paragraph 5)

When must an OSCAR Representative appointment letter be updated?

The OSCAR Representative appointment letter is reviewed and updated within 30 days of the start of each calendar year or whenever there is a significant change in an OSCAR Representative’s ability to conduct their duties. (paragraph 2)

What are the aims of Combat and Operational Stress First Aid?

COSFA is a set of tools with three aims—to preserve life, prevent further harm, and promote recovery. (paragraph 7)

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