241515Z MAR 17
MARADMIN 148/17
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC AVN//
SUBJ/FY18 TRANSITION/CONVERSION BOARD FOR MARINE NAVAL AVIATORS AND NAVAL FLIGHT OFFICERS//
REF/A/MSGID: DOC/MCO 1331.2K//
REF/B/MSGID: MARADMIN/454/06//
REF/C/MSGID: DOC/MCO 1300.8/-//
REF/D/MSGID: MARADMIN/287/12//
NARR/REF A IS MCO 1331.2K, TRANSITION/CONVERSION TRAINING FOR MARINE NAVAL AVIATORS AND NAVAL FLIGHT OFFICERS. REF B IS MARADMIN 454/06 THAT DETAILS THE MV-22 TRANSITION POLICY FOR THE CH-46/CH-53D COMMUNITIES. REF C IS MCO 1300.8, MARINE CORPS PERSONNEL ASSIGNMENT POLICY. REF D IS MARADMIN 287/12 PROVIDES GUIDANCE ON MV-22 TRANSITION/CONVERSION//
POC/MATEO SALAS/MAJ, ASM-30/HQMC AVN ASM/-/TEL: 703-614-1244/EMAIL: MATEO.SALAS(AT)USMC.MIL//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  The Deputy Commandant for Aviation is committed to the Marine Aviation Transition/Conversion (T/C) program.  This MARADMIN seeks applications from those motivated professionals who desire to expand their careers and challenge themselves by transitioning to a different type aircraft or converting to a new model aircraft.
2.  The board will convene on or about 15 June 2017.
3.  Eligibility:
    a.  Naval Aviator (NA) eligibility.  The transition/conversion program is offered to active duty naval aviators.  In accordance with reference A, officers with more than 13 years commissioned service (YCS) as of 1 Oct 2017 will not normally be considered for T/C training.  This will be waived on a case by case basis.  Specific eligibility criteria are listed in paragraph 9.  M(and)RA will screen each applicant to ensure the population of the applicants current PMOS can sustain a transition and are eligible for PCS under their current orders.
    b.  Naval flight officer (NFO) eligibility. T/C is offered to any active duty NFO with less than 13 YCS as of 1 Oct 2017.  NFOs applying for transition to student naval aviator (SNA) must meet all SNA Class 1 physical standards listed in the Aeromedical Reference and Waiver Guide.  Applicants must ensure appropriate SNA medical waivers are up to date in their medical record.  Due to the sundown of the EA-6B, 7588 will be the focus for this transition program but 7525s are still encouraged to apply.  M(and)RA (MPP) will screen each applicant to ensure the population of the applicants current PMOS can sustain a transition.
    c.  In accordance with reference C, applicants selected for T/C must meet minimum time-on-station (TOS) requirements.  To be eligible for consideration, applicants should have a minimum of 18 months TOS at their current assignment.  TOS calculations should use planned departure dates that are coordinated with MMOA and the applicants present command.  Some exceptions will be considered, such as applicants on one-year PCS orders (i.e. Resident PME with no payback tour requirement).
    d.  Primary selects may be required to execute a PCS to their new duty station as early as September 2017 and in rare circumstances earlier.  Inability to meet the required timeline will result in forfeiture of selection and fleeting up of an alternate.  PCS and training dates will be coordinated by MMOA once the final results are posted.  Applicants shall list their earliest move date AA form for board consideration.
    e.  Officers who have been selected for T/C training to an active MOS on any previous board will not be considered.
4.  In accordance with reference A, transition consists of a change of aircraft type, e.g. helicopter, tiltrotor, tactical jet, fixed-wing assault support (KC-130), and VSTOL jet or change from NFO to NA.  Transition selectees will incur a four-year additional service obligation which shall commence on the date training is completed.  Selectees will not normally be considered for PCS orders outside of their new MOS for a three-year period following the date training is completed.
5.  In accordance with reference A, conversion consists of change of aircraft model, e.g. F-18 to F-35.  Conversion selectees will incur a three-year additional service obligation which shall commence on the date training is completed.  Selectees will not normally be considered for PCS orders outside of their new MOS for a three-year period following the date training is completed.
6.  If selected for T/C training, aviators receiving the Aviation Bonus (AvB) bonus will retain eligibility for their AvB based on their previous MOS until training is completed.  After completion of training, AvB under their new MOS can be coordinated with MMOA.
7.  Applications for FY18 T/C training will be accepted for the following categories:
    a.  Naval aviators:
        -FW conversion to F-35:  see note 1
        -FW conversion to F/A-18
        -FW/RW transition to MV-22
note 1:  applicants will be considered for requirements to fill F-35B and F-35C pilot positions in either a Fleet Replacement, Operational Test and Development or Operational fleet squadron.  Applicants should provide their preferences on the AA form.
    b.  NFO transition to SNA
    c.  ECMO transition to WSO
8.  General submission requirements:
    a.  Applicants may apply in any category for which they are qualified.  Preferences should be listed on the application.
    b.  All applications shall be submitted in accordance with reference A and must include the following:
        -Category or categories desired
        -Summary of flight time (total time, total time by TMS)
        -Instrument time
        -Qualifications
        -Designations
        -Date first commissioned
        -Date of rank
        -YCS as of 1 Oct 2017
        -Time on station as of 1 Oct 2017
        -Full DOD ID number
        -Contact information to include work phone and e-mail address
    c.  Letters of recommendation are encouraged.
    d.  Applicants shall ensure that their OMPF is current to include PME, FITREPS and current digital photo.
9.  Submission instructions:
    a.  All packages must be submitted via the endorsing chain of command through the first general officer to HQMC (ASM-30) NLT 31 May 2017.  Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
    b.  The commanding officers endorsement will be an important factor in the selection process.  The endorsement should be an evaluation of the applicant’s capability to perform future aviation duties.
    c.  Once the application is complete, a digital (PDF) copy of the entire package is the standard for submission.  Packages shall be emailed to both the POC listed in this message and to the applicants monitor.  If the PDF file is too large to email, the application can be sent to the ASM POC via the AMRDEC safe file exchange website, https:(slash slash)safe.amrdec.army.mil/safe2/default.aspx.
    d.  Label all PDF files with last name.first name (e.g., foss.joe).  If multiple PDF files are submitted for a single applicant, label files 1 of XX (e.g., foss.joe part 1 of 4).
10.  Those individuals currently assigned to DIFDEN billets (FAC, staff, resident school, etc.) must include an endorsement from the commanding officer of their last flying assignment.
11.  T/C board results will be announced by MARADMIN at the earliest possible date after the conclusion of the board proceedings.
12.  This bulletin is not applicable to the Marine Corps Reserve.
13.  This bulletin is cancelled 1 Oct 2017.
14.  Release authorized by LtGen J. M. Davis, Deputy Commandant for Aviation.//