Special Duty Assignments Program

Special Duty Assigments are duties that are unrelated to any specific career field at this time and do not provide a normal career progression pattern. Special Duty Assignments can give servicemembers the opportunity to learn new skills, gain new experience and usually increase their paycheck by getting SDA pay.

The Special Duty Assignment (SDA) screening process requires the member to meet standard minimum qualifications, submit an application with command endorsement, be reviewed by the assignment officers and the command or program manager, and be selected for the specific special duties desired. Marine Special Duty Assignments include (Follow the links to learn more):

• Assistant Marine Officer Instructor
• Recruiter
• Marine Combat Instructor
• Drill Instructor
• Marine Corps Security Force
• Marine Security Guard

Marine SDA Application Process:
A MARADMIN will announce specific requirements for application procedures for billet vacancies on an annual or as needed basis. The following general instructions apply:

• An original application package plus one copy will be submitted via administrative action form to CMC (MMEA-85) through the Marine's chain of command. An original application will include an official photo and a completed independent duty checklist.
  
• Marines must list in order of preference the billets they are applying for. The number of billets available will be announced in the MARADMIN.
  
• End of active service (EAS) and date of rank (DOR), should be provided. The minimum tour length for a Marine on AMOI duty is 36 months. Packages will not normally receive favorable consideration for selection to AMOI duty if insufficient obligated service or promotion to the next higher grade would result in early rotation.
  
• Date current tour began (DCTB) should allow for a minimum of three years time on station (TOS) at the estimated date of departure (EDD), unless they possess two years TOS and are requesting a billet in the same geographic area. Marines serving at an overseas location will normally be required to complete their overseas assignment (accompanied tours included) prior to assignment to an AMOI billet.
  
• Applications should include the following statement: I am not currently in receipt of a selective reenlistment bonus (SRB).