United States Marine Corps Reserve

Reserve force of the U.S. Marine Corps

Not to be confused with United States Marine Corps Women's Reserve.

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Marine Forces Reserve

Marine Corps Forces Reserve seal

Founded| 29 August 1916; 108 years ago (1916-08-29)
Country|  United States
Branch|  United States Marine Corps
Size| 35,501 reserve personnel (as of 2020[update])[1]
Part of| U.S. Department of the Navy
Reserve components of the United States Armed Forces
Garrison/HQ| Marine Corps Support Facility New Orleans
New Orleans, Louisiana
Motto(s)| Ready, Relevant, Responsive
Engagements|

* World War I
* World War II
* Korean War
* Operation Desert Storm
* Operation Enduring Freedom
* Operation Iraqi Freedom

Website| marforres.marines.mil
Commanders
Commander| LTG Len Anderson IV

Military unit

The Marine Forces Reserve (MARFORRES or MFR), also known as the United States Marine Corps Reserve (USMCR) and the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve, is the reserve force of the United States Marine Corps. The Marine Corps Reserve is an expeditionary, warfighting organization and primarily designed to augment and reinforce the active duty units of the Marine Corps in their expeditionary role.[2] It is the largest command, by assigned personnel, in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Marines in the Reserve go through the same training and work in the same Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) as their active-duty counterparts.[3] The United States Marine Corps Reserve was established when Congress passed the Naval Appropriations Act of 29 August 1916, and is responsible for providing trained units and qualified individuals to be mobilized for active duty in time of war, national emergency, or contingency operations.[citation needed]

## Role

[edit]

Marine Forces Reserve is the headquarters command for approximately 40,000 drilling Selected Reserve Marines and 184 Reserve Training Centers located throughout the United States. The mission of Marine Forces Reserve is to augment and reinforce active Marine forces in time of war, national emergency, or contingency operations; to provide personnel and operational tempo relief for the active forces in peacetime; and to provide service to the community (for example, through Toys for Tots).[citation needed]

MARFORRES is composed primarily of two groups of Marines and Sailors. The first, known as the Selected Marine Corps Reserve (SMCR), are Marines who typically belong to reserve units and have a minimum obligation to drill one weekend a month and two weeks a year. The second group is known as the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR). The IRR is composed of Marines who have finished their active duty or USMCR obligations, however, their names remain on record to be called up in case of a war or other emergency – the Individual Ready Reserve is administered by the Marine Corps Individual Reserve Support Activity. IRR Marines participate in annual musters to check in with the Corps.[4]

While MFR units have US Navy Sailors assigned to perform medical and religious program specialty services, those Sailors are not members of the Marine Corps Reserve. Instead, they are a mix of US Navy Reserve and US Navy Regular Sailors detailed by the Navy to serve alongside Marines.

In addition, through the MCIRSA, MFR administers a small number of reserve Marines assigned to either the Active Status List or Inactive Status List of the Standby Reserve, a category reserved for those Marines who remain members of the USMCR but are either retained involuntarily for various reasons, or unable to participate in SMCR activities.[citation needed]

## Organization

[edit]

Marine Forces Reserve organization January 2025 (click to enlarge)

### Units

[edit]

* Ground combat element: 4th Marine Division
* Aviation combat element: 4th Marine Aircraft Wing
* Logistics combat element: 4th Marine Logistics Group
* Force Headquarters Group
* Marine Innovation Unit

Reserve units utilize infrastructure when mobilized through Reserve Support Units (RSU) located at various bases throughout the U.S. (such as Lejeune, Pendleton, Miramar, Quantico, and Twentynine Palms).[5]

## Enlistment

[edit]

Enlistment in the Marine Forces Reserve occurs through a process similar to that for enlistment in the regular active Marine Corps. Recruits must take the ASVAB, pass a comprehensive physical exam, and be sworn in. They may enter through a billet in the Delayed Entry Program (DEP). Reserve recruits attend recruit training along with active duty recruits, earning the title United States Marine upon successful completion of the training. They then have a mandatory leave of 10 days (up to 24 if they volunteer for and are assigned to recruiter's assistance, although, reservists are not usually given RA) before further training at the School of Infantry (SOI) and their designated Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). Only after completing the training program(s) does a Reserve Marine's enlistment begin to differ from that of an active-duty Marine.

There is a program called the Select Reserve Incentive Program (SRIP), which provides enlistment bonuses for Reservists enlisting for needed MOSs. Half is payable upon completion of training and the other half is spread out over the term of enlistment.

## Commission

[edit]

For those who have earned a college degree, the Reserve Officer Commissioning Program (ROCP) provides a path directly into the Marine Corps Reserve leading to a commission as an officer of Marines. Upon selection from a regional Officer Selection Office (OSO), applicants attend Officer Candidates School (OCS) at Quantico, Virginia. Upon successful completion of OCS (the 10-week OCC-R course), candidates are commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and subsequently attend the Basic Officer Course at The Basic School (TBS), Quantico, Virginia. Following graduation of TBS and follow-on MOS training, officers either report to their reserve unit, or have the option to complete a one-year experience tour with an active duty unit.

## Service

[edit]

Reservists, like all new service members, contract for eight-year terms. There are three options on how these terms may be served, one of which is designated upon signing.

* 6x2 – Under this option the reservist spends 6 years drilling with an SMCR unit and fulfills the remaining two in the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR). This is the only option which makes Reservists eligible for the benefits of the Montgomery GI Bill unless they complete periods of active duty,[6] and is also the most common.
* 5x3 – Under this option the reservist spends 5 years drilling with an SMCR unit and fulfills the remaining three in the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR).
* 4x4 – Under this option the Reservist spends 4 years drilling with an SMCR unit and fulfills the remaining four in the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR). The 4x4 option is popular among officers.

After serving several years in the Reserves and attaining leadership rank it is possible for an enlisted Reservist to receive a commission through the Reserve Enlisted Commissioning Program (RECP).[7] Marines who have previously served on active duty, whether officer or enlisted, can join the Select Marine Corps Reserve directly.[8] Veteran Marines wishing to do this go through a Marine Corps Prior Service Recruiter.[8] The mission of the Prior Service Recruiter is to join members from the Individual Ready Reserve to SMCR units close to their home.[8]

Marine reservists are allowed to serve simultaneously in the United States Marine Corps Reserve and in the naval militia of their state of residence; however, when called into federal service, reservists are relieved from service and duty in the naval militia until released from active duty.[9]

## See also

[edit]

Comparable organizations

* Army National Guard (U.S. Army)
* United States Army Reserve
* United States Navy Reserve
* United States Coast Guard Reserve
* Air National Guard (U.S. Air Force)
* Air Force Reserve Command (U.S. Air Force)

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Department of Defense (DoD) Releases Fiscal Year 2017 President's Budget Proposal". U.S. Department of Defense. 9 February 2016. Retrieved 11 February 2016.
2. ^ Reserve Combat Assessment Team. "Marine Corps Reserves Forces In Operation Iraqi Freedom: Lessons Learned" (PDF). Marine Corps Combat Development Center. Retrieved 17 January 2024.
3. ^ "Marine Corps Reserve" (PDF). defense.gov. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 September 2014. Retrieved 12 March 2019.
4. ^ Johnson, Kimberly (26 February 2007). "Keeping tabs on IRR Marines" (Republished by MFR News). Marine Corps Times. Retrieved 25 January 2009. "One way the Corps tries to account for IRR Marines is by requiring them to attend regional musters."[permanent dead link]
5. ^ "MFR units index". Archived from the original on 7 September 2008. Retrieved 28 July 2008.
6. ^ "Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)". Veterans Affairs. 12 January 2022. Retrieved 13 January 2022.
7. ^ Military Professional Development Center. Military.com. Retrieved 2013-07-23.Archived 2013-01-08 at the Wayback Machine
8. ^ a b c Marine Corps Recruiting Command[permanent dead link]. Marines.usmc.mil. Retrieved 2013-07-23.
9. ^ "10 U.S. Code § 7853 - Release from Militia duty upon order to active duty in reserve components". www4.law.cornell.edu. Archived from the original on 20 July 2012. Retrieved 17 July 2015.

## External links

[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to United States Marine Corps Reserve.

* Official website

* v
* t
* e

United States Marine Corps

Leadership|

* Secretary of the Navy
* Under Secretary of the Navy
* Commandant of the Marine Corps
* Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps
* Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps
* Military Secretary to the Commandant of the Marine Corps
* Marine Corps four-star generals
* Marine Corps three-star generals
* 1942–1959
* 2000–2009
* 2010–present

| US Congress|

* House Armed Services Committee
* Seapower and Projection Forces subcommittee
* Senate Armed Services Committee
* Seapower subcommittee

|

Major
commands|

* Organization of the Marine Corps
* Headquarters Marine Corps
* Marine Forces Command
* II Marine Expeditionary Force
* Marine Forces Pacific
* I Marine Expeditionary Force
* III Marine Expeditionary Force
* Marine Forces Reserve
* Fleet Marine Force
* Atlantic
* Pacific
* Marine Corps Combat Development Command
* Training & Education Command (TECOM)
* United States Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory
* Marine Corps Systems Command

Auxiliary|

* Marine Corps Cyber Auxiliary

Structure|

* Marine air–ground task force
* Bases
* Battalions
* Regiments
* Brigades
* Divisions
* MEF/Corps
* Marine aviation
* Marine expeditionary unit
* Marine Security Guard
* Special Operations
* Marine Raiders
* Marine Raider Regiment
* Recon
* Force
* Division

Others: List of current formation types of the United States Marine Corps

Personnel
and training|

| Personnel|

Rank insignia
MOS
Notable Marines
Historical Marines
Marine Astronauts
Criminal Investigation Division
Judge Advocate Division
Chaplain of the Marine Corps
Associated organizations

|

Training|

Recruit Training
School of Infantry
Officer Candidates School
The Basic School
Martial Arts Program

Uniforms
and equipment|

* Uniforms
* Awards
* Badges
* Weapons
* Vehicles and aircraft
* Individual equipment

History
and traditions|

* History
* Culture
* Acronyms and terms
* Birthday
* Color Sergeant of the Marine Corps
* Eagle, Globe, and Anchor
* Flag
* Marine Band
* Drum and Bugle Corps
* Horse Marines
* Marine One
* Color Guard
* Silent Drill Platoon
* White House Sentries
* Service Numbers
* Marine Corps War Memorial
* Marine Detachments
* "Marines' Hymn"
* Oorah
* History Division
* National Museum
* Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima
* Rifleman's Creed
* Semper Fidelis
* march
* History of Hispanics in the USMC
* History of women in the USMC
* Women's Reserve
* Honorary Marine
* Toys for Tots
* Gung ho

* Category

* v
* t
* e

Major Commands of the United States Marine Corps

Headquarters Marine Corps

Operating Forces

Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic|

|  Marine Forces, Command
and Marine Forces, North|

|  II Marine Expeditionary Force|

• 2nd Marine Division
• 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing
• 2nd Marine Logistics Group
• 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade
• 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit
• 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit
• 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit

|

•  Marine Forces, Europe and Africa
•  Marine Forces, South
• Marine Forces, Strategic Command
•  Marine Forces, Space Command

Fleet Marine Force, Pacific|

|  Marine Forces, Pacific|

|  I Marine Expeditionary Force|

• 1st Marine Division
• 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing
• 1st Marine Logistics Group
• 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade
• 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit
• 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit
• 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit

|

III Marine Expeditionary Force|

• 3rd Marine Division
• 1st Marine Aircraft Wing
• 3rd Marine Logistics Group
• 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade
• 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit

•  Marine Forces, Central Command
•  Marine Forces, Korea

Operating Contingent Forces|

|  Marine Forces Reserve|

• 4th Marine Division
• 4th Marine Aircraft Wing
• 4th Marine Logistics Group
• Force Headquarters Group

|

others|

• Marine Corps Security Force Regiment
• Marine Corps Embassy Security Group
• Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1)
• Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC)

Support Establishment

Support Establishment|

• Combat Development Command • Marine Corps Recruit Depots • Marine Corps Logistics Command • Marine Corps Recruiting Command • Marine Band

Marine Corps Installations Command|

• Marine Corps Installations East • Marine Corps Installations West • Marine Corps Installations Pacific

* v
* t
* e

United States Armed Forces

Legend
A = Army
MC = Marine Corps
N = Navy
AF = Air Force
SF = Space Force
CG = Coast Guard

Leadership|

* President of the United States
* Secretary of Defense
* Deputy Secretary of Defense
* Secretary of Homeland Security
* Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security
* Joint Chiefs of Staff
* Chairman
* Vice Chairman
* Committees on Armed Services
* Senate
* House
* Active duty four-star officers
* Active duty three-star officers
* United States military seniority
* National Security Act of 1947
* Goldwater–Nichols Act

Components|

| Military departments|

* Department of Defense
* Secretary
* Department of the Army
* Secretary
* Department of the Navy
* Secretary
* Department of the Air Force
* Secretary
* Department of Homeland Security
* Secretary

|

Service branches
and heads|

* Chief of Staff of the United States Army
* Commandant of the Marine Corps
* Chief of Naval Operations
* Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force
* Chief of Space Operations
* Commandant of the Coast Guard

Reserve components|

* Reserves:
* A
* MC
* N
* AF
* CG
* National Guard:
* A
* AF

Civilian auxiliaries|

* Military Auxiliary Radio System
* Marine Corps Cyber Auxiliary
* Merchant Marine
* Civil Air Patrol
* Coast Guard Auxiliary

Unified combatant
command|

* Africa
* Central
* European
* Indo-Pacific
* Northern
* Southern
* Space
* Cyber
* Special Operations
* Strategic
* Transportation

Structure|

* United States Code
* Title 10
* Title 14
* Title 32
* Title 50
* The Pentagon
* Installations
* Units:
* A
* MC
* N
* AF
* SF
* CG
* Logistics
* Media
* Unit mottoes

Operations
and history|

* Budget
* Current deployments
* Conflicts
* Wars
* Civil affairs

History|

* A
* MC
* N
* AF
* SF
* CG

Timeline|

* Colonial
* World War II

Demographics|

* African Americans
* Asian Americans
* Buddhist Americans
* Jewish Americans
* Muslim Americans
* Sikh Americans
* Hispanic Americans
* Civil War
* Air Force
* Coast Guard
* Marine Corps
* Navy
* Academy

History centers|

* Army Center of Military History
* Marine Corps History Division
* Naval History and Heritage Command
* Air Force Historical Research Agency

War artists|

* Army Art Program
* Air Force Art Program

Personnel|

| Training|

* Service academies:
* A (prep)
* MC/N (prep)
* AF/SF (prep)
* CG
* Merchant Marine
* ROTC
* A
* MC/N
* AF/SF
* Officer candidate/training school:
* A
* MC
* N
* AF/SF
* Warrant officer:
* A
* MEPS
* ASVAB
* The Basic School (MC)
* Enlisted recruit training:
* A
* MC
* N
* AF/SF
* CG
* Other education

|

Uniforms|

* Uniforms:
* A
* MC
* N
* AF
* SF
* CG
* Awards & decorations:
* Inter-service
* A
* MC/N
* AF/SF
* CG
* Foreign
* International
* Devices
* Badges:
* Identification
* A
* MC
* N
* AF
* SF
* CG

Ranks|

* Officer:
* A
* MC
* N
* AF
* SF
* CG
* Warrant officers
* Enlisted:
* A
* MC
* N
* AF
* SF
* CG

Other|

* Oath:
* Enlistment
* Officer
* Creeds & Codes:
* Code of Conduct
* NCO
* A
* MC
* N
* AF
* CG
* Service numbers:
* A
* MC
* N
* AF
* CG
* Military Occupational Specialty/Rating/Air Force Specialty Code
* Pay
* Uniform Code of Military Justice
* Judge Advocate General's Corps
* Military Health System/Tricare
* Separation
* Veterans Affairs
* Conscription
* Chiefs of Chaplains:
* A
* MC
* N
* AF
* CG

Equipment|

* A (Designations)
* MC:
* vehicles
* weapons
* other
* N
* AF
* CG

| Land|

* Individual weapons
* Crew-served weapons
* Vehicles (active)

|

Sea|

* All watercraft
* Ships:
* A
* N
* active
* future
* AF
* CG
* MSC
* Weapons:
* N
* Reactors

Air|

* Aircraft
* World War I
* active
* future
* Aircraft designation
* Helicopter arms

Other|

* WWII equipment
* Nuclear football
* Electronics (designations)
* Flags:
* A
* MC
* N
* AF
* SF
* CG
* Ensign
* Jack
* Guidons
* Food
* WMDs:
* Nuclear
* Biological
* Chemical

* Category
* A
* MC
* N
* AF
* SF
* CG
* Navboxes
* A
* MC
* N
* AF
* SF
* CG

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*[e]: Edit this template