The Marine Corps is allowing active-duty enlisted Marines with 2025 separation dates to leave service early under a new program announced Thursday.
The initiative applies to Marines with an “end of active service” (EAS) date on or before Sept. 30, 2025. Approved participants will separate before their contract ends but still be considered to have completed full active-duty service. The program excludes Marine Corps Reservists.
Roughly 4,400 Marines are eligible for the program, according to Maj. Jacoby Getty, a Marine Corps spokesperson.
To qualify for the program, Marines must be “medically qualified, eligible for an honorable discharge, and have completed their Transition Readiness Seminar,” explained Getty.
Ineligible Marines include those with EAS dates after Sept. 30, those transferring to the Reserves, under other early release programs, on special duty, or facing legal action.
The Marine Corps acknowledged that the program may result in temporary risks to some units due to falling below staffing levels and said that “units will not receive early staffing replacement.”
“Commanders’ support of this force shaping tool is critical for the Marine Corps to attain its force shaping goal,” the Marine Corps said.
The announcement also notes that early release may affect separation benefits in some cases.
The Marine Corps has offered early release options in the past, including in 2020 for Marines serving in armor and tank roles, and in 2014 for commissioned officers.
