IMPLEMENTATION OF REVISED DEPARTMENT OF WAR RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION CODES

R 111035Z AUG 26
MARADMIN 361/26
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA MP//
SUBJ/IMPLEMENTATION OF REVISED DEPARTMENT OF WAR RELIGIOUS
AFFILIATION CODES//
REF/A/DOC/USD(P&R)/20260608//
REF/B/DOC/MCTFSPRIM//
NARR/REFERENCE (A) DIRECTED THE REVISION OF DEPARTMENT OF WAR
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION CODES. REFERENCE (B) IS THE MARINE CORPS TOTAL
FORCE SYSTEM PERSONNEL REPORTING INSTRUCTION USERS MANUAL.//
POC/CWO4 CHRISTOPHER W. MERTINS/M&RA SECRETARIAT/TEL: 703-432-9176/
EMAIL: [email protected]//
POC/MR. JIMMY R. ROBINSON/ M&RA, MANPOWER INFORMATION DIVISION/
TEL: 703-432-9817/EMAIL: [email protected]//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1. Purpose. This MARADMIN announces implementation of
revised Department of War Religious Affiliation Codes (RAC) and
directs Marines to review and update their religious affiliation
information in accordance with reference (a).
2.Background.
2.a. On 8 June 2026, the Under Secretary of War for Personnel and
Readiness directed the consolidation of Department of War Religious
Affiliation Codes from more than 200 faith and belief designations
into 30 standardized categories.
2.b. Religious Affiliation Codes are maintained in Marine Corps
personnel systems to support the Department of War's stated intention
to understand the religious composition of the force and inform
religious ministry support planning.
2.c. As a result of this change, some previously authorized faith
and belief designations are no longer individually represented and
have been consolidated into broader religious affiliation categories.
3. Required actions.
3.a. All Marines are directed to update their current Religious
Affiliation Code no later than 30 September 2026.
3.b. Marines may review and update their Religious Affiliation Code
through Marine Online (MOL) by completing the following steps:
A. Log into Marine OnLine.
B. Select the "Personal Information" tab.
C. Within the "Personal Updates" section, select "Religion".
D. Select the most appropriate Religious Affiliation Code from the
list and submit the update.
3.c. Commanders shall ensure Marines are informed of this requirement
and provided a reasonable opportunity to review and update their
Religious Affiliation Code within the prescribed timeline.
4. Administration and logistics. Religious Affiliation Code updates
submitted through Marine Online will update the Marine's official
personnel record.
5. Command and signal.
5.a. This MARADMIN is effective immediately.
5.b. Marines shall complete the required review and any desired
updates no later than 30 September 2026.
6. Release authorized by Lieutenant General William J. Bowers,
Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs.//