Purpose:
The Henderson Hall Marine Corps Reserve Liaison Office is dedicated to providing intermediate level comprehensive support, guidance, and administrative assistance to Individual Mobilization Augmentees (IMA) and other Marine Corps Reservists assigned to Headquarters Marine Corps (HQMC). Our mission is to ensure operational readiness, seamless integration, and effective mobilization of reservist personnel in support of HQMC’s mission. We strive to enhance the Total Force concept by facilitating training, career development, and resource coordination, ensuring that Marine Reservists are fully prepared to augment and support active-duty operations whenever called upon.
What is the purpose of Individual Mobilization Augmentee (IMA) Reservist attached to Henderson Hall?
The Individual Mobilization Augmentee (IMA) Marine Corps Reservist attached to Henderson Hall, Headquarters Marine Corps (HQMC) play a critical role in supporting the operational and administrative functions of the Marine Corps. These reservists are assigned to specific billets within HQMC and are trained to seamlessly integrate with active-duty personnel when mobilized. Their primary purpose is to provide skilled and experienced Marines who can augment HQMC staff during times of increased operational demand, crises, or mobilization. This ensures continuity of operations and mission readiness while leveraging the expertise of reservists in areas such as administration, logistics, intelligence, and policy development.
Transitioning from Active Duty to the Marine Corps Reserves
Transitioning from active duty to the Marine Corps Reserves is an excellent way to continue serving while pursuing civilian opportunities. The Individual Mobilization Augmentee (IMA) Program under Henderson Hall, Headquarters Marine Corps (HQMC) offers a seamless way for Marines to maintain their affiliation, retain valuable benefits, and continue contributing to the mission in a flexible, part-time capacity.
As an IMA Marine, you will be assigned to a designated billet within HQMC, training alongside active-duty counterparts and providing critical support during mobilizations, contingency operations, and high-tempo periods. This program allows you to preserve your military skills, earn reserve retirement points, access TRICARE Reserve benefits, and maintain eligibility for promotions and career advancement opportunities.
Our Reserve Liaison Office is here to assist you with the transition process, ensuring you understand available billet opportunities, obligations, and benefits. Whether you're looking to stay mission-ready, enhance your civilian career with military experience, or work toward retirement, the IMA program at Henderson Hall provides a structured and rewarding pathway to continue your Marine Corps service.
For more information on how to transition into the reserves, contact your Career Management Team, a prior service recruiter or our Reserve Liaison Office today!
Understanding the Differences Between SMCR, IMA, and IRR Marine Reservists
The Marine Corps Reserve offers multiple service options to fit the needs of Marines transitioning from active duty or looking to continue their service on a part-time basis. The three primary categories of reservists are Selected Marine Corps Reserve (SMCR), Individual Mobilization Augmentees (IMA), and the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR). Each category differs in terms of structure, commitment, and responsibilities.
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Selected Marine Corps Reserve (SMCR):
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Description: SMCR Marines serve in traditional drilling reserve units, typically at Marine Reserve Centers across the country.
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Commitment: The standard commitment is one weekend per month and two weeks per year (annual training).
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Role: These Marines train regularly as a cohesive unit and are deployable as a unit when activated.
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Best For: Marines looking for a structured unit environment, consistent training, and the camaraderie of a traditional reserve unit.
Individual Mobilization Augmentees (IMA):
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Description: IMA Marines are assigned to active-duty commands (such as Headquarters Marine Corps at Henderson Hall) and provide direct support to their respective units when activated.
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Commitment: More flexible than SMCR—reservists work with their assigned command to schedule training and drill periods, typically completing a minimum of 12 days of Annual Training per year.
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Role: IMAs augment active-duty units during high-tempo operations, mobilizations, or contingencies.
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Best For: Marines who prefer flexibility in scheduling drills and want to directly support operational commands without the regular monthly drill obligation of SMCR units.
Individual Ready Reserve (IRR):
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Description: IRR Marines are not assigned to a drilling unit and do not have required training obligations, but they remain eligible for activation in times of national emergency or operational need.
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Commitment: No mandatory training unless voluntarily participating in professional military education, certain courses, or activation.
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Role: IRR Marines do not drill regularly but can be recalled to active duty if needed.
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If you want a structured, unit-based environment with consistent training → SMCR
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If you want flexibility and direct augmentation to active-duty commands → IMA
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If you want to maintain military affiliation with no regular commitment → IRR
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Each program offers unique benefits and opportunities based on your career goals, lifestyle, and desired level of involvement in the Marine Corps Reserve. If you're considering transitioning from active duty, the Reserve Liaison Office at Henderson Hall can provide guidance on available IMA billets and help you find the best fit for your continued service.
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Best For: Marines who want to maintain military affiliation with minimal obligation, often while pursuing civilian careers or education. Which Option Is Right for You?
Whether you joined through the Direct Affiliation Program (DAP), a Prior Service Recruiter (PSR), or an Interunit Transfer within RTAMMS, this guide outlines your next steps and requirements to ensure a smooth transition into your new IMA billet.
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Step 1: Confirm Your Join Method & Initial Requirements
1. Direct Affiliation Program (DAP) Joins
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Once you are approved a DAP, ensure your active-duty administration section gets a copy of your approval to run the proper transfer codes. Your reserve gaining command will need a copy as well. If you’re joining an IMA all joins will be run by MarForRes so a copy of your approval must be sent to OBO.MFR_IPAC_CSC@usmc.mil
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Your join date to your command should be the day after your EAS.
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If you transitioned directly from active duty to an IMA billet through DAP, your assignment should already be established.
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Ensure that your End of Active Service (EAS) and Reserve contract align correctly to avoid gaps in service.
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Verify your Reserve Orders in Marine Online (MOL) and update your contact information.
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You are required to complete your Initial Drill Period (IDP) within 60 days of your join date.
2. Prior Service Recruiter (PSR) Joins
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If you were recruited into the IMA program by a Prior Service Recruiter, confirm your unit assignment and ensure you have a valid reserve contract in place and when your effective join date is.
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Work with your IMA Operational Sponsor (OpSponsor) to determine your training schedule and administrative onboarding as each detachment has their own requirements.
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Ensure that your records, including medical and dental readiness, are up to date in Marine Corps Training Information Management System (MCTIMS) and MOL.
3. Interunit Transfers Reserve Training and Management System (RTAMMS) Joins
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Once approved, you should get an email notification, you will download your approved Interunit Transfer orders from RTAMMS and sign them accepting the orders. You will then put that signed IUT into an EPAR that will be forwarded to MarForRes to join you to your new unit.
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If you transferred from another IMA Detachment or SMCR unit via (RTAMMS), verify your new billet information in MOL.
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Ensure that your training, PME requirements, and Annual Training (AT) obligations are properly transferred and scheduled.
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Contact your new IMA unit OpSponsor to ensure all reporting requirements are completed.
Step 2: Initial Administrative & Training Requirements
1. Complete the Initial Drill Period (IDP)
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All new IMA Marines must complete their Initial Drill Period within 60 days of assignment. This includes administrative in-processing and training validation. During one of your first drills, reservist in the Norther Virginia Area shall report to Henderson Hall RLO to get assistance with a self-audit and check into security.
2. Coordinate Your Annual Training (AT) & Drill Periods
3. Update Your Medical & Dental Readiness
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Schedule any required PHA, dental exams, and immunizations to maintain deployability status.
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Ensure your records are current in MCTIMS and the Medical Readiness Reporting System (MRRS).
4. Maintain PME & MOS Training Requirements
5. Verify Pay & Benefits Enrollment
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Ensure your Drill Pay, Tricare Reserve Select enrollment, and SGLI elections are correct in MOL and Marine Forces Reserve Admin Centers.
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Review your retirement points and service obligation to track career progression.
Step 3: Stay Engaged & Connected
Communicate with Your IMA Operational Sponsor
Stay Updated on HQMC & IMA Policies
Use Career & Professional Development Resources
Step 4: RLO Teams and last remarks
Once you are joined in the systems, MOL and RTAMMS, all reservists will request access to the RLO TEAMS page. This page will have pertinent updates, templates, and additional contact information for IMA Marines attached to HQMC Henderson Hall. You can gain access to the teams by contacting us at RLO email.
For any questions or assistance please use your new IMA Detachment Opsponsor as your first line for assistance. If you do not know who your OpSponsor is or cannot get a hold of them, please contact the Henderson Hall Marine Corps Reserve Liaison Office. We’re here to ensure a smooth transition and support your continued service in the IMA Detachment at HQMC!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Will I still receive TRICARE benefits in the Reserves?
A. Yes, TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) is available for eligible reservists at a low monthly cost. IMAs who are activated for more than 30 days are eligible for TRICARE Prime. If you transferred to the IMA through the Direct Affiliation Program you will be eligible for 6 months of Tricare for free. You will automatically be reenrolled once your join hits in the system.
Q. Do I have to complete my Annual Training (AT) before my anniversary year?
A. The AT requirement is a fiscal requirement so depending on your individual anniversary month, you may or may not complete your AT by your anniversary month, a minimum of 12 AT days must be completed before the end of each Fiscal Year (FY)
Q. Can I utilize the Transfer of Education Benefits to my family member in the reserves?
A. Yes, you can transfer your education benefits to eligible family members, but you cannot drop to the IRR even for one day if you have not satisfied reached your obligation date. After you reach your 4-year obligation you may transfer to the IRR with no TEB consequences
Q. What if I do not reach my 50 points towards a satisfactory year?
A. If you do not reach your 50 point requirement but you have met the 12 AT days requirement as well as the basic Marine Corps Requirements, (PHA, PFT, CFT, height and weight) you may be eligible to stay in the IMA program, but your year will not count towards retirement, meaning you will have to do an additional year to retire at the end.
Q. What are the maximum points I can get a year?
A. The maximum points a reservist can get a year is dependent. If only drilling, the maximum points are 130 points. If a reservist takes orders, the maximum points is 365 points in an anniversary year. Your total points will determine your retirement pay when you retire.