MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. -- U.S. Marines enrolled in a Lance Corporal Leadership and Ethics Seminar receive career advice from a panel of Marines who have each completed a Special Duty Assignment (SDA) Dec. 12, 2019. The Lance Corporal Seminar emphasizes the importance of knowing your options for career advancement early on and brings in subject matter experts to help Marines expand their skill set as professionals.
SDAs are different collateral duty assignment most Marines will have an opportunity to serve in during their second and third enlistments. They include occupational specialties such as drill instructor, recruiter and marine security guard detachment commander duty. Marines may volunteer or may be selected to serve in one of the assignments once career eligible. SDAs are also offered as reenlistment incentives and occasionally come with increased pay and other benefits. Each SDA has a different but integral mission in the Marine Corps and all help excel a Marine’s career if successfully completed.