R 031638Z MAR 17
MARADMIN 106/17
MSGID/GENADMIN,USMTF,2017/CG MCRC QUANTICO VA//
SUBJ/FISCAL YEAR 2018 (FY18) ENLISTED TO WARRANT OFFICER (WO) MARINE GUNNER SELECTION BOARD//
REF/A/MSGID: DOC/CMC MPP-35/YMD: 20060207//
REF/B/MSGID: MCO/MCRC OE/YMD: 20000503//
REF/C/MSGID: DOC/CMC C 469/YMD: 20160701//
REF/D/MSGID: DOC/CMC MIFD/YMD: 20000714//
REF/E/MSGID: RMG/CMC DMCS/YMD: 20160602//
REF/F/MSGID: DOC/C46ITPS/YMD: 20150130//
REF/G/MSGID: DOC/CMC MMEA-6/YMD: 20080808//
REF/H/MSGID: DOC/BUMED/YMD: 20050812//
REF/I/MSGID: DOC/CMC MMEA-6/YMD: 20100908//
REF/J/MSGID: DOC/CMC MPP/YMD: 20140204//
REF/K/MSGID: DOC/CMC MMRP-30/YMD: 20150213//
REF/L/MSGID: RMG/CMC MRA MM/YMD: 20161014//
NARR/REF (A) IS SECNAVINST 1412.9B, MARINE CORPS LIMITED DUTY OFFICER AND WARRANT OFFICER PROGRAMS, PROMOTIONS, AND CONTINUATION PROCEDURES. REF (B) IS MCO 1040.42A, LIMITED DUTY OFFICER (LDO) AND WARRANT OFFICER (WO) PROGRAMS. REF (C) IS NAVMC 1200.1B, MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES MANUAL (SHORT TITLE: MOS MANUAL). REF (D) IS MCO P1070.12K, W/CH 1 MARINE CORPS INDIVIDUAL RECORDS ADMINISTRATION MANUAL (SHORT TITLE: IRAM). REF (E) IS MCBul 1020 MARINE CORPS TATTOO POLICY. REF (F) IS MCO 6100.13 W/CH2, MARINE CORPS PHYSICAL FITNESS PROGRAM. REF (G) IS MCO 6110.3 W/CH 1, MARINE CORPS BODY COMPOSITION AND MILITARY APPEARANCE PROGRAM. REF (H) IS NAVMED P117, DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY, MANUAL OF THE MEDICAL DEPARTMENT (MANMED), CHAPTER 15. REF (I) IS MCO 1040.31, ENLISTED RETENTION AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM. REF (J) IS MCO 1230.5C, CLASSIFICATION TESTING. REF (K) IS MCO P1610.7, PERFORMANCE EVALUATION SYSTEM (SHORT TITLE: PES). REF (L) IS MARADMIN 548/16, OFFICIAL MILITARY PERSONNEL (OMPF) PHOTOGRAPH GUIDANCE.//
POC/-/-/UNIT: MCRC ON-E/NAME: MR. B. REIDENBACH/TEL: 703-784-9446//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  The purpose of this MARADMIN is to announce the FY18 Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) 2 Marine Gunner selection board and the electronic application process.  Applicants who may be eligible for the WO program will receive an electronic mail message (email) inviting them to initiate an electronic application.  The invitation to apply will be distributed on or about the date of the release of this MARADMIN to the applicants primary email address listed in Marine On Line (MOL).  The email will contain a link to the application host site.  The application webpage will not be open to applicants until the email is distributed.  Applicants who do not receive an email and wish to apply can access the online application through the "Boards and Surveys" link on the Manpower and Reserve Affairs "Applications" webpage after the release of this MARADMIN at "www.manpower.usmc.mil/application_noncac/.  Qualified applicants in the regular Marine Corps are encouraged to submit applications in accordance with the guidelines provided by refs (A), (B), and this MARADMIN for MOS 0306, Infantry Weapons Officer as Category 3 Officer (CWO2).
2.  Marine Corps Recruiting Command (MCRC) will convene the FY18 CWO2 Marine Gunner selection board at Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps on or about 11 July 2017 for approximately 2 weeks to select qualified regular Marines for appointment to the grade of permanent CWO2 in MOS 0306 Infantry Weapons Officer.  The deadline for submission of applications is 19 May 2017.  Applicants should complete their electronic application and submit it before the established deadline.  Those applicants who have not already submitted a hardcopy application for the FY18 selection board are encouraged to use the electronic application website, but may submit their hardcopy application to MCRC if they so choose.  All hardcopy applications must reach MCRC (ON-E), 3280 Russell Road, Quantico, VA 22134-5103 by 19 May 2017.  Requests for extension will not be entertained.  Applications received after the deadline will be returned without action.  Ensure that all documents submitted with the electronic and hardcopy applications are legible and all photos are in color.  All FY19 and future board applicants will be required to use the electronic application website for all WO boards (Regular, Reserve, Gunner and Recruiter) as the hardcopy application will be completely phased-out.  Any applicants who have questions regarding the technical use of the electronic application may contact the POC listed in this message, but those with non-technical questions about becoming a WO should first utilize their chain of command (COC).
3.  All applicants, whether submitting an electronic or hardcopy application are required to obtain a COs endorsement at each level of command (up to the first General Officer [GO] in the applicants endorsing chain of command).  Applicants submitting electronically must upload their signed letters of endorsement to the application webpage prior to the application deadline.  Items required for COs endorsement review are at their discretion, but they must ensure that their endorsement, denoting their level of confidence, is promptly returned to the applicant so that the applicant may submit his/her application prior to the deadline.  Commands do not necessarily need to review all of the information contained in the applicants application in order to determine a level of endorsement, and endorsing levels of the COC are encouraged to request review only those items consequential to determining the COs confidence in the applicant.  Commands are no longer required to mail their endorsed applications to MCRC since the applicant submits their own application through the online portal;  however, commands must ensure that all applicants receive originals of their letter of endorsement.  Failure to provide a signed letter of endorsement to the applicant in advance of the application deadline will prevent the application from being processed prior to the convening date of the board.  Any command at risk of not returning its endorsement to its applicants with a sufficient cushion prior to the application deadline should immediately contact MCRC ON-E to indicate as much.  If a command has already received and endorsed a completed hardcopy application, the command should mail the original completed application to MCRC and send a copy back to the applicant, in order to indicate to the applicant that their application was also mailed to MCRC.
4.  In situations where Marines are assigned to a command or institution of another service or country that will locally provide endorsements and evaluations based on their own perceptions and values, consultation with a field grade Marine Corps officer or higher is encouraged.  This will ensure clarification regarding the inclusion or exclusion of service unique information.  Endorsements from these senior Marines may be included, if appropriate.  This does not exclude the requirement of a GO level endorsement.  COs must ensure applications are forwarded via the COC and include a GO level endorsement.
5.  Selection results are considered confidential and cannot be released under any circumstances until approved by the Secretary of The Navy (SECNAV).  Once SECNAV has approved, results will be published by MARADMIN message.  Selection results will not be released telephonically or via electronic mail.  Selectees are scheduled to be appointed on or about 1 Feb 2018.  The selectees will attend the active duty Warrant Officer Basic Course (WOBC).  By separate orders, selectees will be ordered to report to the CG, Marine Corps Combat Development Command (MCCDC) to attend the WOBC at The Basic School (TBS) in Jan 2018.
6.  The Commandant has directed that Marine Gunners come from the ranks of the infantrys senior staff noncommissioned officers, Gunnery Sergeant or above.  These Marines must possess combat arms skills, operational experience, extensive knowledge of infantry and combat marksmanship and other such expertise that will make a significant contribution to the warfighting capabilities of their future units and to the infantry/ground combat element advocacy process as a whole.  As Infantry Weapons Officers, they will be a source of expertise on all aspects of infantry weapons and combat marksmanship.  They will maintain their high degree of expertise with assignments within the operating forces, installations and supporting establishments.  Due to continual operating forces assignments, Marine Gunners should expect to receive Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders upon graduation and spend a large amount of time deployed.
7.  Infantry Weapons Officers will advise the CO at all levels on the tactical employment of weapons and optics organic to infantry and infantry-like units.  Additionally, they will develop, coordinate, and monitor unit training programs designed to quantify the tactical employment and technical aspects of employment and preventative maintenance of infantry organic weapons and to instill and foster combat marksmanship skills throughout the force.  Therefore, only experienced infantrymen with primary MOS of 0372, 0369, 0313, and 0321 will be considered.  Specific prerequisites and caveats for eligibility are addressed in ref (C).  Should E-8 and E-9 Marines in the 8999 MOS choose to apply they must have held the 0369, 0313, 0321, or 0372 MOS prior to the 8999 MOS or be eligible and meet the pre-requisites and caveats addressed in ref (C).  We recognize that few have the broad scope of knowledge and experience required to become a Marine Gunner.  The training track developed for this MOS will build on the selectees present base of experience and produce an officer qualified to carry out the duties of a Marine Gunner.  Following the WOBC, newly commissioned Marine Gunners will attend the Infantry Weapons Officer Course.  Interested applicants are highly encouraged to contact their primary MOS monitor prior to formally submitting an application.
8.  Applicants are encouraged to contact the 0306 Occupational Field Manager, CWO5 (Marine Gunner) Mark Salmons for more information to help determine an applicants qualifications for Marine Gunner, at commercial (703)692-4253, DSN prefix 278 or via email at mark.salmons(at symbol)usmc.mil.
9.  Applications should follow standard naval correspondence format using the sample application format and content for appropriate program provided by enclosure (6) of ref (A), and endorsements should follow format and content provided by ref (B) with the exception of the following:
 a.  Submit appropriate Marine Corps Total Force System (MCTFS) screens for Service Record Book (SRB) pages that have been replaced per ref (E) by MCTFS.  Applicants must ensure SRB pages that have been removed and replaced by MCTFS are updated, and made a part of their application.  Due to operational necessity, all applicants are required to provide their full Social Security Number (SSN) and all other Personally Identifiable Information (PII) on the data sheet only.  PII is required to track, identify, and evaluate candidates throughout the application process.
 b.  Applicants with body markings must submit a close up color photo of each body marking addressing the content (description and meaning), location, size, number of body markings and date the body marking was made.  In addition, applicants must submit a full length color photo(s) in Physical Training (PT) gear (green shorts-green t-shirt) from the left, right, front and back.  A drawing and written description detailing the criteria cited by this paragraph of the body markings that are located in private areas is required.  Private areas is defined as any portion of the body that is covered by the PT uniform.  Photos/drawings of the body markings are required in the application only.  Digital photos/drawings of body markings will not be filed in the applicants Official Military Personnel File (OMPF).  Applications must also include the Tattoo Screening Form (TSF) and Statement of Understanding (SOU).  A copy of the TSF and SOU can be found on the MCRC website at www.mcrc.marines.mil/Marine-Officer/Officer-Naval-Enlisted-Applicants/.  Applicants and commissioned officers are required to fill out and sign the entire form except the re-verification portion.  Commands must ensure that color photos are included and forwarded with the Marines application.
 c.  Ref (E) is the new Marine Corps tattoo policy.  In accordance with ref (E), CG, MCRC is the final adjudicating authority for any tattoo issue involving accessions (both officer and enlisted), to include enlisted Marines who may apply for a commissioning or a warrant officer selection board.  CG MCRC will adjudicate all tattoo issues provided the applicant receives a favorable endorsement from a GO or equivalent in their COC.
 d.  Per ref (D), Unit Punishment Books (UPB) are only filed in the SRB if applicable.  Therefore, include a UPB as an additional enclosure to the basic application if applicable.  For those applicants who do not have a UPB, include a statement as an additional paragraph to the basic application that states:  "No UPB provided due to no record of disciplinary action".
        e.  Per ref (F), applicants are required to have a current Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test (PFT) on file.  The PFT induction standard for TBS is a first class PFT defined in ref (F).  Per ref (G), all applicants are required to maintain Marine Corps body composition and military appearance.
 f.  Pre-commissioning physical examination documents must be submitted per chapter 15 of ref (H).  Ref (H) can be accessed via the following website:  www.med.navy.mil/directives/pages/navmedp-mandmed.aspx.  See paragraph 18 of this MARADMIN for additional information regarding submission of medical documents.
10.  Applications received without all endorsements will not be considered by the board.  Ineligible applicants will not be considered by the board.  COs should not recommend appointment for applicants who do not meet the eligibility criteria and do not qualify for a waiver.  If the senior endorser deems the applicant "not recommended" for appointment, do not forward the application as it will be returned without action.  COs are directed to pass this information to eligible applicants in their command, review applications for completeness, ensure that applicants requesting waivers receive comprehensive justification on all endorsements (including the senior endorser), and make definitive recommendations regarding all applicants who submit applications.  COs must specifically address the technical proficiency of the applicant in each MOS(s) for which they are applying.  Endorsements and applications must be screened closely to ensure that only technically and professionally qualified applicants are submitted for consideration.
11.  In addition to the requirements contained in refs (A) and (B), applicants must meet the basic reenlistment prerequisites per ref (I).  Applying to the WO selection board does not justify an extension of an End of Active Service (EAS) date or a reenlistment as the sole basis.  If an applicant will EAS prior to the appointment date on or about 1 Feb 2018 the applicant will need to coordinate with their respective career planer and CO for guidance.
12.  Per ref (A), applicants must possess a minimum General Technical (GT) score of 110 derived from the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) or the Army Classification Battery-61.  Applicants must use the Basic Training Record (BTR) as evidence of a qualifying GT score.  Classification test score is located on the test score screen of MCTFS.  If score is in MCTFS but does not appear on the BTR, attach a copy of the test score screen to the BTR and submit as an enclosure to the application.  Only a GT score resident within MCTFS will be accepted as official score of record for all applicants.
13.  Per ref (A), no age restriction is established.  Applicants must meet service eligibility requirements established by ref (A).  However, the 16 years of active service requirement is waived to be no less than a Gunnery Sergeant with at least one year time in grade on or before the convening date of the selection board and no more than 23 years of active naval service on the date of appointment to CWO2.  Active duty in the U.S. Army or U.S. Air Force is not creditable as naval service.
14.  Those Marines with test scores that do not satisfy the minimum requirements are encouraged to retest immediately to ensure scores are posted prior to submission of an application.  Marines will not be allowed to retest without first obtaining written authorization from their command at the battalion/squadron level via the command authorization letter found within ref (J).  These requests may be signed "by direction" from the unit Career Retention Specialist or any staff officer with "by direction" authority from the commanding officer.  Marines are highly encouraged to follow the Command Authorization Letter template found within ref (J), enclosure (1), to avoid administrative processing delays due to incorrect letter format.  The Command Authorization Letter template can also be downloaded from the Manpower Studies and Analysis (MPA) Test Control website at www.manpower.usmc.mil/webcenter/portal/MPA/Testing.  Applicants should then schedule an Armed Forces Classification Test (AFCT) retest with the nearest base or installation Education Center or authorized Marine Corps test site.  Marines are not authorized to take an ASVAB retest at a Military Entrance Processing Station or Military Entrance Test Site.  Marines may only take the AFCT twice in a twelve month period.  In addition, Marines will not be retested earlier than six (6) months following the most recent retest.  Exceptions to those requirements can only be authorized by the Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC) (MPA).  Failure to follow AFCT retesting policy will result in test score invalidation.  Marines may submit applications pending AFCT retesting if they are using their GT score to meet the aptitude test score requirements established by Ref (A) provided the following conditions are met:
    a.  Command must endorse application with a projected date for testing availability and test results for the application to be accepted.
    b.  To ensure test score can be recorded and reflected in MCTFS, testing must be completed no later than 30 days prior to the convening of the selection board.  Convening date of the board is on or about 11 July 2017;  therefore, testing must be completed by 9 June 2017.
    c.  Marines are advised that if a qualifying score is not reflected in MCTFS by the convening of the board, the application will be determined ineligible and not returned.
15.  Ref (J) provides information on the Marine Corps Classification Testing Program and publishes initial testing and retest prerequisites.  Arrangements and coordination with Army testing facilities in Kuwait have been made to test Marines.  Army testing facilities are located at Camp Arifjan and Camp Buehring.  If not located within 50 miles of a Marine Corps or sister service testing facility or if any other extenuating circumstances exist regarding AFCT authorization, contact MPA Test Control DSN 278-9368 or Comm:  (703)784-9368
16.  Requests for waiver of the eligibility requirements and exception to policy, except those established unwaiverable by law or those specified unwaiverable by this MARADMIN, may be considered on a case-by-case basis by the CG, MCRC.  Requests for waiver of disciplinary action requirements will only be considered if appropriate justification is provided in accordance with the following:
 a.  Applicants must be of unquestionable moral integrity.  A waiver of record of conviction by courts-martial or civilian court may be considered.  However, a waiver will not be considered for a felony-equivalent conviction.  Approval of the waiver is dependent on the severity of the crime, and the amount of time that has lapsed since the crime was committed.
 b.  Proof of security clearance or open investigation is required.  All applicants must have their security manager complete a Security Clearance Verification Letter.  A sample of the Security Clearance Verification Letter can be found on the MCRC website at www.mcrc.marines.mil/Marine-Officer/Officer-Naval-Enlisted-Applicants/under General Information.
        c.  All pre-service waivers (i.e. drug, age, moral, etc.) will require reconsideration, and must be addressed in the application with a detailed statement, addressing the 5 Ws (Who, What, When, Where, and Why) from the applicant explaining the circumstances.  Nonjudicial punishment and negative SRB page 11 entries must be addressed in the application with a detailed statement, addressing the 5 Ws explaining the circumstances.
17.  Per refs (D), (K), and (L), each Marine is personally responsible for ensuring the accuracy and completeness of their OMPF and Master Brief Sheet (MBS).  Do not delay this review.  The most expeditious means of accessing and viewing the OMPF and MBS is through OMPF online via MOL.  The MBS can also be obtained through the Manpower Management Records and Performance (MMRP) website.  Marines are advised that the OMPF and MBS are distributed to the board room in advance of the convening date.  Therefore, it is imperative that Marines review their OMPF and MBS in a timely manner.  If deficiencies, missing fitness reports and gaps, or unreadable documents are present in the OMPF, Marines are personally responsible for correcting the problem officially with MMRP.
18.  Reviewing photo submission.  Marines are responsible for verifying receipt of photo by MMRP.  The primary, most expeditious means of confirming photo receipt is through OMPF via MOL.  Photos will be available for viewing on OMPF Online within 24 hours of photo receipt by MMRP.  The date of the photograph, as noted on the photograph title board, is considered the primary date of determining the 12 month photograph eligibility window for selection boards.  Marines are advised that although a photo may be over 12 months old, the photo will remain in the OMPF until an updated photo is submitted.
19.  If a digital photo has been sent to MMRP, the following statement must be included in the application:  "A digital photo has been sent to MMRP within the past 12 months".  A paper printout of the photograph is required as an enclosure to the application for MCRC screening purposes.
20.  A complete medical exam must be completed and submitted as part of the application.  An application without a physical will not be considered complete.  Medical documents must include a Report of Medical Examination (DD Form 2808), Report of Medical History (DD Form 2807), an annual Certification of Physical Condition or current Preventative Health Assessment if applicable.  Physicals must have been completed within 24 months prior to anticipated date of appointment (1 Feb 2018).  Marines currently deployed to Afghanistan or other territories that do not have access to medical facilities are authorized to submit pre-commissioning medical documents immediately upon return stateside, but not later than 1 Sep 2017.
21.  COs must closely review the medical forms to ensure accuracy and completeness.  Pay particular attention to the following items:
    a.  Marks and scars must be listed.
    b.  Dental class must be type 1 or 2 within past 12 months.
    c.  Urinalysis (medical, not drug) and serology must contain complete results within past 12 months.
    d.  HIV results must be included and within 24 months to include date tested.  HIV test drawn or results pending is not acceptable.
    e.  If eyesight is other than 20/20 uncorrected, a manifest refraction is required.  If vision does not correct to 20/20, a current ophthalmology evaluation is required.  Selectees cannot have any vision correction surgery (Lasik or PRK) within 6 months of reporting to the Warrant Officer Basic Course (WOBC).
    f.  Current audiogram.  If any numbers are outside the normal range, per ref (G), section 38, submit an Ear, Nose, Throat (ENT) or Audiology consultation/evaluation and interpretation.
    g.  Female applicants must have a current pelvic exam to include a current pregnancy test and PAP smear results within the past 24 months.  The pathology report from the most recent test must be submitted.
    h.  An Electrocardiogram (EKG) test is required for applicants 35 and older.  The EKG must be read and verified by a medical officers signature and stamp within the past 12 months.
    i.  Ensure all "yes" answers on DD Form 2807-1 are explained in detail in the notes section by both the member and the examiner.  Include supporting documentation for any past orthopedic or eye surgery (Pre and Post-operative surgery reports).
22.  Selectees from the FY18 Enlisted to Warrant Officer Marine Gunner selection board are tentatively scheduled for appointment on 1 Feb 2018.  When computing the amount of active naval service, use 1 Feb 2018 as the date of appointment.  Those selected to WO will be appointed by commission, by the President, to the grade of CWO2, designated Marine Gunner, and authorized to wear the bursting bomb insignia.
23.  WOs are no longer assigned lineal control numbers based on their rank and date of rank as an enlisted Marine.  Lineal control numbers will be determined by the class standing upon completion of the WOBC.
24.  The first 3 years as a WO are a probationary period.  Per Title 10, U.S. Code, Section 1165, SECNAV may recommend termination of any permanent regular WO at any time within 3 years after the date when the officer accepted original permanent appointment as a WO.  Accordingly, the CO, TBS or any required MOS follow-on school shall request that SECNAV terminate the regular appointment of a WO who fails the WOBC or any required MOS follow-on school.  A Marine whose appointment is terminated may, upon request and at the discretion of the SECNAV, be enlisted in a grade not lower than that held immediately prior to appointment.
25.  Letters of Recommendation from officers outside the normal COC who have knowledge of the applicants leadership qualities and potential for appointment may be submitted directly to MCRC (ON-E) up until the convening date utilizing the address in paragraph 2, or as an enclosure to the application.
26.  Recurring application discrepancies noted on past selection boards include senior endorsers not making definitive recommendations regarding an applicants application, applicants not qualified for MOS for which applying;  COC not vetting applicants for MOS qualification;  fitness report date gaps;  missing fitness reports;  award citation write-ups missing from OMPF;  photos not submitted or not updated in OMPF;  information in the application not documented in the OMPF;  missing statements supporting NJPs and page 11 entries;  missing page 11 entries reflecting fraternization statement;  incomplete statements regarding initiation, completion, or type of security investigation/clearance;  missing current physical fitness test score and missing proof or verification of citizenship.  Please pay particular attention to these issues.
27.  COs should notify MCRC ON-E in writing, of any changes affecting enlistment status or disciplinary action which occur after submission of an application.
28.  This MARADMIN is not applicable to the Marine Corps Reserve.
29.  This MARADMIN is cancelled 28 Feb 2018.
30.  Release authorized by Major General Paul J. Kennedy, Commanding General, Marine Corps Recruiting Command.//