Changing Your PMOS

Marine Corps Policy
A lateral move or change in PMOS is a reclassification of a Marine from one career track to another. The Marine Corps addresses lateral moves with two separate groups; First Termer Lateral Moves, Careerist Lateral Moves, and Prior Service Lateral Moves.

First Term Lateral Moves:
Are Those lateral moves conducted incident to first term reenlistment in the Marine Corps. Reclassifications for first termers are determined by the First Term Alignment Plan (FTAP) FTAP is the fiscal year manpower plan that identifies the number of first term reenlistment requirements for each MOS/career track. An open FTAP MOS is means the number of expected first term reenlistments is fewer than the number of boatspaces. (The first term reenlistment requirements established in the FTAP for each MOS/career track).

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To maximize its return on training and to minimize turbulence in the force, the Marine Corps will meet its first term reenlistment requirements in each MOS by reenlisting first term Marines who are currently in the MOS. This assumes, of course, that those Marines are high quality and recommended and qualified for reenlistment. In those cases where the Marine Corps has an open FTAP MOS, selective reenlistment bonuses (SRB's) and lateral moves will be used to meet the requirements. The decision on the "mix" of SRB multiples and lateral moves will be driven by training costs. Srb's will typically be used in those open FTAP MOSs with high training costs while lateral moves will be used in open FTAP MOSs with low training costs. Marines desiring a lateral move must meet the prerequisites for the MOS involved. Lateral moves into restricted or closed FTAP MOSs will not normally be approved. Priority for lateral move school seats goes to supporting FTAP lateral moves.

Careerist Lateral Moves:
These are lateral moves of Marines who have previously reenlisted in the Marine Corps. Careerist lateral moves will not normally be approved in balance or over careerist grades/MOSs.

Apparent shortages in grades and MOSs as reflected in the Enlisted Personnel Assignments Digest (EPAD) are not a basis for lateral moves. These shortages are often the result of timing mismatches between those being promoted into the grade/MOS and those leaving the grade/MOS because of promotion or attrition.

To determine whether a "true" shortage exists, the Enlisted Assignments Branch (MMEA) will determine, using the Enlisted Promotion Tempo Report, whether the grade/MOS is by definition a short careerist grade/MOS. Careerist lateral moves should be limited to meeting the critical manpower needs of the Marine Corps and will not normally be approved from a short to a short careerist grade/MOS. Most "balancing" of MOSs will be done at the first term reenlistment point. This also helps ensure maximum return on training resources.

Lateral Moves for Prior Service Personnel:
Reenlistment of prior service personnel will only be approved for those individuals who already have the training in a PMOS for which the Marine Corps has a shortage and for which it cannot readily meet requirements with Marines already on active duty. Accordingly, lateral moves will not normally be approved for prior service personnel. This policy is subject to change in a force build-up scenario.

Obligated Service:
Marines conducting a voluntary lateral move are subject to the obligated service requirements. Marines must incur the obligated service prior to reporting for training.

Obligated service requirements for lateral moves take precedence over obligated service requirements for career progression training. The following obligated service requirements pertain to MOSs for which there is no specific obligation is shown:

• Twenty-four months remaining obligated service upon completion of a formal school program which is less than 19 weeks in duration.
• Thirty-six months remaining obligated service upon completion of a formal school program which is l9 weeks or greater in duration.
• Forty-eight months remaining obligated service upon completion of a formal school program which is 24 months or greater in duration.
• Marines who receive managed-on-the-job-training (MOJT) should contact CMC (MMEA-8) for service obligation requirements.

There is no obligated service incurred by Marines designated for directed lateral moves.

Recoupment of a Selective Reenlistment Bonus (SRB):
If a Marine moves to a MOS that has a multiple equal to or greater than the MOS that the Marine is moving out of, recoupment is not required. If a Marine is paid a SRB for the period of current enlistment and then moves into a non-multiple MOS or a MOS with a lower multiple, recoupment could be required

To Request a Lateral Move:
Submit requests for lateral moves using the instructions in the Career Planning Management System (CPMS) Users Manual. Do not submit requests for lateral moves via AA form.

Submit all lateral move requests in conjunction with reenlistment to the CMC (MMEA-6). Use the Reenlistment-Extension-Lateral Move Request Form 1220 (NAVMC 10842) when it is necessary to send supporting documentation with the lateral move request.

Justify requests for waivers of the prerequisites and make recommendations, if appropriate, and provide supporting documentation for waiving formal schooling requirements if the Marine has experience or other training which qualify him or her to hold the new MOS.