The Marine Corps has increased the notification period for planned retirements from 4 to 6 months in an effort to better manage talent retention.
As part of its Talent Management initiative, the Corps wants more predictability to facilitate assignments and needs Marines to submit retirement requests 6-18 months in advance.
“One of the elements of Talent Management is predictability, and to facilitate it for assignments and related actions,” an administrative message read.
This allows sufficient time for transition requirements and forecasts manpower needs.
The new timeline also applies to resignations. A Corps review found 4 months didn’t allow enough planning time.
“A model that requires a 6-month to 18-month lead time ensures a Marine has sufficient time to complete all requirements associated with transition, while also allowing the service to more effectively forecast the availability of manpower capacity to meet service requirements,” Marine spokeswoman Capt. Sarah Eason said.
While Marines must get director approval to retire outside their requested date, the policy aims to balance individual needs with mission requirements.
It’s one of several retirement-related policies the Corps has reassessed as it works to retain experienced Marines and forecast personnel levels.
