IMPLEMENTATION OF REVISED DEPARTMENT OF WAR RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION CODES

R 251340Z SEP 26
MARADMIN 451/26
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA//
SUBJ/IMPLEMENTATION OF REVISED DEPARTMENT OF WAR RELIGIOUS
AFFILIATION CODES//
REF/A/DOC/USD P&R/20260608//
REF/B/DOC/USD P&R/20260827//
REF/C/DOC/DASN A&HRS/20250914//
REF/D/DOC/MCTFSPRIUM//
REF/E/MSG/CMC/R111035ZAUG26//
NARR/REF (A) DIRECTED THE REVISION OF DEPARTMENT OF WAR RELIGIOUS
AFFILIATION CODES. REF (B) IS THE RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION CODE
IMPLEMENTATION MEMORANDUM, WHICH PROVIDES UPDATED IMPLEMENTATION
INSTRUCTIONS AND SUPERSEDES THE PRIOR MEMORANDUMS OF THE SAME TITLE.
REF (C) DIRECTS DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY EXECUTION AND IMPLEMENTATION
OF THE UPDATED RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION CODES. REF (D) IS THE MARINE
CORPS TOTAL FORCE SYSTEM PERSONNEL REPORTING INSTRUCTION USERS
MANUAL. REF (E) IS MARADMIN 361-26, IMPLEMENTATION OF REVISED
DEPARTMENT OF WAR RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION CODES//
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
the revised Department of War Religious Affiliation Codes (RAC) and
directs Marines to review and update their religious affiliation
information in accordance with references (b) and (c).
2. Cancellation. Effective immediately, this MARADMIN supersedes
and cancels reference (e).
3. Background.
3.a. On 17 August 2026, the Military Departments and Defense Manpower
Data Center transitioned to the new RAC list. The revised construct
consolidates legacy Faith and Belief Codes into 31 standardized
religious affiliation selections.
3.b. RAC information supports an understanding of the religious
composition of the force and religious ministry support planning.
Marines must review and select the RAC that most appropriately
reflects their religious affiliation.
3.c. In accordance with reference (b), legacy Faith and Belief Codes
have been cleared. Following the applicable selection period
established by this MARADMIN, the former Faith and Belief Code of
any Marine who does not make a selection will be converted in
accordance with reference (b).
3.d. The selection window is for the initial mandatory transition.
Marines will maintain the capability to make updates to their RAC at
any time following the initial selection period.
4. Required actions.
4.a. Active Component Marines are directed to update their RAC within
21 calendar days from the date of this MARADMIN.
4.b. Reserve Component Marines are directed to update their RAC
within 45 calendar days from the date of this MARADMIN.
4.c. Deployed Marines who are unable to complete the review within
the applicable timeframe must review and update their RAC
immediately upon redeployment.
4.d. Marines on extended leave who are unable to complete their
review within the applicable timeframe must review and update their
RAC upon return to duty.
4.e. Marines will review and update their RAC through Marine Online
(MOL) by completing the following steps:
4.e.1. Log into MOL at https://mol.tfs.usmc.mil.
4.e.2. Select the "Personal Information" tab.
4.e.3. Within the "Personal Updates" section, select "Religion."
4.e.4. Select the most appropriate RAC from the list and submit the
update.
4.f. Commanders shall ensure Marines are informed of this requirement
and provided a reasonable opportunity to review and update their RAC
within the prescribed timeline.
5. Administration and logistics.
5.a. RAC updates submitted through MOL will update the Marine's
official personnel record.
5.b. In accordance with reference (b), weekly implementation updates
will be provided to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy
(Analytics and Human Resources Systems) until implementation is
complete. Updates will include RAC selection completion percentages
for the Active and Reserve Components and any implementation
challenges or risks identified during the reporting period.
6. Command and signal. This MARADMIN is effective immediately.
7. Release authorized by Lieutenant General William J. Bowers,
Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs.//