In 1996, the Marine Corps University Foundation formally expanded funding beyond the University at Quantico and began supporting the Operating Forces and supporting establishment with battle studies, staff rides, visiting scholars and other professional military events with the PME Program, as well as providing books from the Commandant's Reading List with the Professional Reading Program. Today, the Command Support Program provides support of over $125,000 annually to Marine units worldwide.

With the PME Program, the Foundation supports various expenses associated with conducting a PME, including, but not limited to, unit transportation, lodging, tour fees, visiting scholar travel expenses, and honoraria. This popular program has allowed hundreds of Marines the opportunity to visit important battlefields such as Belleau Wood, Gettysburg, Chancellorsville, Little Bighorn, and Corregidor. Many have participated in lectures about leadership and Corps values, or have heard first-hand experiences of a Marine veteran. To request funding for a PME event, please follow the PME Program Requirements information or contact our Programs Manager, Sherry Schmid, at sschmid@mcuf.org, (703) 640-6054, or toll free (866) 367-MCUF for more information.

Each unit is allowed 1 PME Request and 1 Professional Reading Program request per calendar year as long as funds are still available.