When a request is made by an organization for Marine Corps assets, you are designated as the “sponsor” on the DD-2536. Please complete the information requested in the DD-2536 completely, as incomplete requests will not be processed. The process is as follows: Submit your request 30-90 days in advance of your event to a Marine Corps installation within 60 miles of your event location (see band locator map). If you are not within 60 miles of the Marine Corps installations listed, please submit your request to hqmc.comrel@usmc.mil. Do not fax your request. To assure your request is received and processed please include the asset requested, the date and location of the event in the subject line (i.e. Band Request-25July2016- Washington, D.C.). If you would like to confirm receipt or for any questions regarding your request call 703-614-1034. Please understand that events are covered based on availability of the unit to participate and will only be authorized when such support does not interfere with mission or training programs. In all cases, operational commitments take priority and can cause previously scheduled appearances to be cancelled. It is the Sponsor’s responsibility to coordinate and keep a dialogue with the unit to ensure that circumstances don’t change and the unit is still able to attend the event in the days prior to your event. 

Department of Defense policies require that Armed Forces participation in public events will be provided at no additional cost to the Government. The sponsor is required to pay, when necessary, the standard Military Services allowance for quarters and meals for all Armed Forces participants and for other services which have been determined in advance by the Military Services and agreed to by the Sponsor. Transportation and meal costs are not usually incurred when support is provided from a local military installation. However, circumstances may dictate that reimbursement for any or all of these costs may be necessary. All costs are binding after a unit, personnel, or exhibit has arrived at an event site even though weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances force the event to be cancelled. Please note, Armed Forces musical units are organized for ceremonial and traditional purposes and to support recruiting activities. However, they may be authorized to provide certain specified presentations, such as patriotic ceremonies, for public programs. Armed Forces musical organizations are not permitted to provide entertainment, background, dinner, dance or other social music at public or private events in competition with the customary or regular employment of local civilian musicians.