11/12/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/12/2025 14:39
R 071819Z NOV 25
MARADMIN 535/25
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC PPO PO//
SUBJ/MARINE CORPS SITE ACCESS CONTROL: GOLD STAR AND
SURVIVING FAMILY MEMBERS GUIDANCE//
REF/A/MCO 3040.4//
REF/B/MCO 5530.13//
NARR/REFERENCE A IS THE MARINE CORPS CASUALTY ASSISTANCE
PROGRAM. REFERENCE B IS THE MARINE CORPS SITE PERIMETER
ACCESS CONTROL.//
POC/TONY PIERCE/CIV/PP&O POP/[email protected]/
(703) 695-7202//
POC/B. MCGRUDER/SSGT/PP&O POP/[email protected]/
(703) 692-4272//
POC/M. TOOPS/CTR/PP&O POP/[email protected]/
(703) 692-4234//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1. This MARADMIN reaffirms procedures
and requirements for access control privileges and
requirements regarding Gold Star and surviving family
members in accordance with the references. The Marine
Corps remains committed to honoring our fallen who have
made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms and values
we all cherish. Maintaining a continuing bond with their
surviving family members is an important part of that
commitment.
2. Background. There have been several incidents aboard
Marine Corps installations where access control
guidelines contained in reference (b) were not properly
applied, resulting in surviving family members not being
allowed access to an installation.
3. Site Commanders
3.a. Site commanders will direct a review of site access
control policies and base access websites for accuracy
and update as required to ensure compliance with this
message and reference (b). The review will be conducted
and completed within 30 days of receipt of this MARADMIN.
3.b. Site commanders will ensure all Provost Marshal's
Office (PMO)/Marine Corps Police Department (MCPD)
personnel involved in site perimeter access control,
including, but not limited to, access control point
sentries, visitor control center (VCC), and/or designated
site security office staff are trained and understand the
requirements.
3.c. Site commanders will direct their Communication
Strategy office/section to assist in developing content
to support increased awareness.
4. Access Control Guidelines
4.a. Visitor Control Centers (VCC). Gold Star and
surviving family members are required to complete the
Visitor Control Process (VCP) and enroll in the site
electronic physical access control system (ePACS) before
being granted access. Requirements for identity proofing
and background, as required in reference (b) remain while
the purpose for requesting access must be provided.
Acceptable purposes include, but are not limited to,
visits to on-site memorials and participation in events
that are specifically intended to honor the families. A
command representative will coordinate with the family
member(s) and the VCC for an appointment for enrollment
purposes.
4.b. Pass Issuance. Family members meeting criteria for
access may request access to a Marine Corps site and be
issued a single day paper pass, Local Resident Card (LRC),
or be enrolled in the site ePACS with an approved
credential identified in reference (b).
4.b.1. Family members are not authorized automatic ePACS
enrollment to all Marine Corps sites. Access will be
granted for one year.
4.b.2. The requesting family member(s) shall follow the
same procedures to renew access privileges in accordance
with reference (b).
4.b.3. Family members are not authorized Trusted Traveler
status.
4.c. Screening. Family members who do not meet the fitness
criteria are required to submit an appeal or redress to
the site commander, as directed in reference (b).
4.d. Prior to denying access, all information will be
provided to the Site Commander or appointed Site Access
Control Officer for final determination. Record of denial
will be maintained with a Memorandum for the Record signed
by the Site Commander in accordance with reference (b).
4.e. In accordance with reference (b), commanders will
ensure that the site maintains an after-hours capability
for visitor control and registration. The requirement is
not to maintain a 24-hour VCC, the requirement is to
maintain an after-hours capability to properly document,
screen, approve, and register visitors.
5. Required Documents/Credentials
5.a. Report of Casualty (DD Form 1300) issued to immediate
family members of deceased Service Members (e.g., spouse,
children, parents) identified on the Service Member's
Record of Emergency Data (DD Form 93).
5.b. Marine Corps sites will honor Gold Star
Identification Cards issued by other Department of War
Services.
6. This MARADMIN has been coordinated with the Deputy
Commandant for Installations and Logistics, Deputy
Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Commanding
General for Training and Education Command, and Commander
for Marine Forces Reserve.
7. Direct any questions regarding this MARADMIN to the
message points of contact or email at
[email protected].
8. Signal. This MARADMIN is applicable to all Marine
Corps sites.
9. Release authorized by MajGen Jason L. Morris,
Assistant Deputy Commandant, Plans, Policies, and
Operations.//