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NASA annually recruits astronaut candidates from both the civilian and military communities to support the space shuttle and space station programs. Approximately every two years, NASA board selects pilot and mission specialist astronauts candidates as needed. All positions are located at the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, and involve a one to two year training and evaluation program. The current Memorandum of Understanding between the DOD, the services, and NASA concerning astronauts governs the detailing of military personnel with NASA.The current tour length is 5 years with possible 1-year extensions. Selected Marines will remain in an active duty status for pay, benefits, leave, and other military matters and can anticipate a return to normal career assignments upon completion of duty with NASA.

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