Marine Corps Association - The Professional Association for All Marines
HomeMember Login
About UsJoin / RenewMCA NewsMember BenefitsProgramsOnline StoreContact UsAdvertisingCareer CenterThe Marine Shopspacer
Marine Corps Association
About MCA

Frequently Asked Questions

Member Services & Circulation

When will I receive my first issue of the Leatherneck and/or Marine Corps Gazette magazine?
You will receive your first issue in approximately 4 to 6 weeks after your order has been received and processed.
 
Is the MCA membership dues included in the cost of the magazine?
Yes, MCA membership dues is included in the cost of the magazine. There is no additional charge for membership.

Do I automatically become a member of the MCA when I order the Leatherneck and/or Marine Corps Gazette magazine?
Yes. Provided you meet our eligibility requirements, you will become an MCA member when you order the Leatherneck and/or Marine Corps Gazette magazine. You will receive a membership card within 4-6 weeks after you place your order.
 
What are the benefits of becoming an MCA member?
You have your choice of receiving the Leatherneck and/or Marine Corps Gazette magazines. You will also receive discounts on purchases for merchandise from our MCA store. Visit our Membership Benefits page for all of the details.
 
If I move and submit a change of address, when will I receive my magazine(s) at my new address?
If we receive your new address before our mid-month cut off, it will become effective for the next month's issue. If the new address is received on or after mid month, the change will take an additional month to take effect.
 
When I renew my subscription(s) and MCA membership, will I receive a new membership card?
No, but if you require a replacement card you may call us at 1-866-622-1775 and we will send you one.
 
How do I find out if I have been approved for the MCA MasterCard, and when will I receive the credit card?
Please contact Bank of America customer service at 1-800-437-0180. This is the bank that handles our MCA credit card applications.
 
If I am already a member and want to apply for the MCA MasterCard, do I have to pay membership dues again?
No, you do not need to pay membership dues again if your membership is current. A good option is to request your MCA membership dues be automatically charged to your credit card at renewal time.

When should I expect to receive my magazine each month?
The magazines are mailed at the beginning of each month. You should receive your copy by the 15th of each month. Foreign addresses may take longer.
 
Are back issues available? How do I order them?
Yes, back issues are available. If you are a new member or renewing, you may request your term to start with a prior month if issues are available. If you are looking for a Leatherneck or Marine Corps Gazette from up to 10 years ago, you may purchase them for $5.95 each by calling 1-866-622-1775. Covers only are also available for $2.00 each. We have most issues from the past 10 years.
 
How do I find my membership number?
Your membership number is available on the label of your print edition magazine cover. If you still can't locate your membership number please call our Member Services department at 1-866-622-1775, 8-4:30 EST.
Member Number
 
How do I join and obtain information about the association?
For those interested in joining, you may use our web site. Simply scroll up and click the Join/Renew button. You may select your choice of magazines—a subscription to Marine Corps Gazette or Leatherneck is included with membership. To request information regarding membership, please call us at 1-866-622-1775.
 
Can and how do I apply for an MCA MasterCard?
The MCA MasterCard is available to MCA members. For membership eligibility click here. You can apply for the MCA MasterCard online by going to membership benefits.
 
How may I get a copy of the MCA store book, gift, or birthday ball catalog?
Call us at 1-866-622-1775. Your catalog is FREE and will arrive within 2-3 weeks. You can also email a request for a catalog to: customercare@mca-marines.org
 
How may I contact Marines with whom I have served?
You can locate other Marines on the Internet thru www.thefew.com, or www.usmc.mil, and click on “other links,” then “Marine organizations” and then, “mailcall USMC web groups.” The World Wide Locator at Quantico Marine Corps Base may be of help and can be reached at 703-784-3941. In addition, Leatherneck magazine publishes requests in the “Sound Off” column each month. You may contact Leatherneck through our web site, or call 1-800-336-0291 during business hours.
 
How do I apply for the Combat Action Ribbon and Korean Commemorative Medal for service during the Korean War?
Requests for the medal should be sent to U.S. Navy Liaison Office, National Personnel Records Center, Rm. 3475, 9700 Page Ave., St. Louis, MO 63132. Include a copy of the discharge or separation document, or form DD214.
 
How do I get a copy of a Marine's service record?
Write to the National Personnel Records Center c/o Marine Corps Dept., 9700 Page Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63132 or phone 1-800-318-5298. Include your name, serial number, and/or social security number and date of birth.
 
How do I apply for life and health insurance?
You may use our Insurance Request Form for information describing the benefits and features of the Supplemental Health Care Plans available exclusively to Marine Corps Association members, or you may contact AGIA Customer Service directly at 1-800-368-5682 for details or questions.
 
How can I determine awards a Marine has earned, and how can I get replacement medals?
Contact Awards Branch at 703-784-3934 or write to Commandant of the Marine Corps, HQUSMC MMMA, Marsh Center, 3280 Russell Rd., Quantico, VA 22134. Include social security number and/or Service number, along with your signature. Please be specific in your request.
 
How do I find unit reports and histories of units in which a Marine has served?
If you're in the area you may visit Marine Corps Historical Center located 1254 Charles Morris St SE, Washington, DC where they have an archive of historical information and a reference section. You may also call 202-433-4253 or visit their web site at www.chinfo.navy.mil/navpalib.
 
How can I get a copy or get a corrected copy of my DD 214?
You can obtain a copy or receive a corrected copy of a DD 214 by writing:

National Personnel Records Center
Military Personnel Records
9700 Page Blvd
St. Louis, MO 63132-5100

Or you may also call at: 314-801-0800 or send a FAX to 314-801-9195.

When sending in your request, make sure you include your full name; SSN(Service number too if you served when we used separate service numbers); mailing address; daytime telephone number; branch of service; what you want- DD 214; reason for the request.
There is also a Web site where you can go online and make your request- please take a look at: 
http://www.archives.gov/research_room/vetrecs/index.html

MCA Store

Do MCA members receive discounts on merchandise?
Yes, all items are shown with a member and nonmember price.

How do I know if I am a member?
If you subscribe to Leatherneck or Marine Corps Gazette, or have insurance through MCA, you should be eligible for a discount in the bookstore. To verify if you are a member, please call 1-866-622-1775.

When will I receive my order?
In-stock items are usually received in 10 to 15 working days. Backorders are processed as soon as the merchandise becomes available.

Do you offer express shipping?
Shipments can be sent overnight or 2-day express per your request.

May I have a gift sent?
Yes. When you place your order, please let us know if it is a gift. We can include a gift card for $1.00. We can also gift wrap items for an additional charge of $3.00 per package.

How do I place an order for the Marine Corps Birthday Ball?
The bookstore is your complete supplier of all necessary items to make you reunion and Birthday Ball celebration an event to remember.
*Birthday Ball Catalog

What credit cards do you accept?
MCA accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.

What are your hours?
Our office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday. Our bookstore in Quantico is open for walk-in customers from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays.

We also have stores in the following locations:

  • Camp Pendleton - Tel: 760-385-0383
  • Camp LeJeune - Tel: 910-451-7500
  • Parris Island - Tel: 843-522-9440

What is your return policy?
If there is a problem with your order, please contact our office at 1-866-622-1775.

Do you offer calling cards?
Yes, please call our calling card provider at 1-866-811-5327.

May I order online?
Yes, you can go to our bookstore page, or order by phone at 1-888-237-7683 or 1-866-622-1775.

Can you change my address using my membership number?
Yes, please contact member services at 1-866-622-1775 to update your address.

Are there more items available than you show on the web site?
Yes, please contact us 1-866-622-1775 for a free catalog.

Copyright © 2006 Marine Corps Association. All rights reserved.
USMC NewsOther Sites of InterestJob OpportunitiesPhoto GalleryHelp
Copyright © 2008 Marine Corps Association. All rights reserved.