FISCAL YEAR 2018 (FY18) ENLISTED TO WARRANT OFFICER/(WO) REGULAR SELECTION BOARD
Date Signed: 1/13/2017 | MARADMINS Number: 024/17
MARADMINS : 024/17
132055Z JAN 17
MARADMIN 024/17
MSGID/GENADMIN,USMTF,2017/CG MCRC QUANTICO VA//
SUBJ/FISCAL YEAR 2018 (FY18) ENLISTED TO WARRANT OFFICER/(WO) REGULAR SELECTION BOARD//
REF/A/MSGID:DOC/CMC MPP-35/YMD:20060207//
REF/B/MSGID:DOC/MCRC OE/YMD:20000503//
REF/C/MSGID:DOC/CMC C 466/YMD:20160701//
REF/D/MSGID:DOC/CMC MPP-20/YMD:20110324//
REF/E/MSGID:DOC/CMC MIFD/YMD:20000714//
REF/F/MSGID:RMG/CMC MPO/YMD:20160602//
REF/G/MSGID:DOC/BUMED/YMD:20050812//
REF/H/MSGID:DOC/CMC MMEA/YMD:20100908//
REF/I/MSGID:DOC/CMC MRA/YMD:20140204//
REF/J/MSGID:DOC/CMC MMRP-30/YMD:20150213//
REF/K/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 (SHORT TITLE: MOS MANUAL). REF (D) IS MCO 7220.24N, SELECTIVE REENLISTMENT BONUS (SRB) PROGRAM REF (E) IS MCO P1070.12K, W/CH 1 MARINE CORPS INDIVIDUAL RECORDS ADMINISTRATION MANUAL (SHORT TITLE: IRAM).  REF (F) IS MCBul 1020, MARINE CORPS TATTOO POLICY.  REF (G) IS NAVMED P117, DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY, MANUAL OF THE MEDICAL DEPARTMENT (MANMED), CHAPTER 15.  REF (H) IS MCO 1040.31, ENLISTED RETENTION AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.  REF (I) IS MCO 1230.5C, CLASSIFICATION TESTING.  REF (J) IS MCO P1610.7, PERFORMANCE EVALUATION SYSTEM (SHORT TITLE: PES). REF (K) IS MARADMIN 548/16, OFFICIAL MILITARY PERSONNEL FILE (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 Enlisted to WO Regular 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 that 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 active component are encouraged to submit applications in accordance with the guidelines provided by refs (A), (B), and this MARADMIN.
2.  Marine Corps Recruiting Command (MCRC) will convene the FY18 WO Regular selection board at Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps on or about 2 May 2017 for approximately 3 weeks.  The deadline for submission of applications is 03 Mar 2017.  Applicants should complete their electronic application and submit it before the established deadline.  Those applicants who have 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 03 Mar 2017. Requests for extensions 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 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. Per ref (A), the WO program is designed to provide the Marine Corps with technical specialists who perform duties that require extensive knowledge of a particular Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), and can be assigned successive tours of duty in their primary MOS.  MOS credibility is a key factor for selection.  In accordance with refs (A) and (C), applicants must be technically and professionally qualified to serve in the MOS to which they are applying.  Applicants are encouraged to contact their respective primary MOS monitor and the military Occupational Field (OCCFLD) Sponsor as a notice of intent to submit for consideration to the WO program and to determine technical eligibility for an MOS.  For a listing of OCCFLD Sponsors, please go to www.manpower.usmc.mil/webcenter/portal/MPP30/ RestrictedOfficerPromotionPlannerMPP35.  To apply for the WO program, applicants must be technically and professionally qualified to serve in one of the below-listed MOS(s): 0160, 0170, 0205, 0210, 0430, 0610, 0620, 0640, 0650, 0803, 1120, 1310, 1390, 2110, 2120, 2125, 2305, 2340, 2602, 2805, 3010, 3102, 3302, 3402, 3408, 3510, 4130, 4430, 4602, 5502, 5702, 5804, 5805, 5910, 5950, 5970, 6004, 6302, 6502, 6604, 6802, 7002, 7380
4.  If qualified per ref (C), applicants may indicate additional MOS choices from the list above. Due to the fluctuations in structure and personnel requirements, some of the MOS(s) listed above may close out prior to the convening of the board.  Applicants whose primary MOS choice closes out will automatically have their subsequent MOS choice considered as their primary.  Per ref (D), Selective Reenlistment Bonus (SRB) eligible Marines who reenlist subsequent to selection will have the initial payment suspended until such time as actually appointed or their name is removed from the selection list.  Application for the WO Program is not a bar to entitlement to bonuses for either the initial payment or the anniversary payments until appointed. Marines whose names are removed from a selection list may regain SRB eligibility provided the provisions of ref (D) are met.  The suspension will then be lifted and the bonus paid on a pro-rata basis if the Marine returns to the SRB eligible skill.  SRB entitlement is terminated without provisions for reinstatement when SRB Marines are appointed as WOs. Appointees will not be required to forfeit any portion of a previously paid bonus.
5.  All applicants submitting an electronic application are required to obtain a commanders endorsement at each level of command (up to the first General Officer (GO) in the applicants endorsing chain of command) and upload their signed letters of endorsement to the application webpage prior to the application deadline.  Commanders required items for their 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 chain of command are encouraged to request review only those items consequential to determining the Commanders 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. 
6.  Applications should follow standard naval correspondence format using the sample application format and content for appropriate programs provided by enclosure (6) of ref (A), and endorsements should follow format and content provided by ref (B) (please include the results of the most recent Combat Fitness Test in the Commanding Officers [COs] first endorsement) 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 and explanation 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 full length photos 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 area is defined as any portion of the body that is covered by the PT uniform.  Photo/drawing of the body marking is required in the application only.  Digital photos/drawings of body markings will not be filed in the applicants OMPF.  Applications must also include the Tattoo Screening Form (TSF)and Statement of Understanding (SOU).  A copy of the TSF and SOU may be found on the MCRC website at http:www.mcrc.marines.mil/Marine-Officer/Officer-Naval-Enlisted-Applicants/ under General Information. Applicants and certifying 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 application. c.  Ref (F) is the new Marine Corps tattoo policy.  In accordance with ref (F), the 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 WO program.  MCRC will adjudicate all tattoo issues provided the applicant receives a favorable endorsement from a GO or equivalent in their COC.
    d.  Per ref (E), Unit Punishment books (UPB) are only filed in the SRB if applicable.  Therefore, only include a UPB as an additional enclosure if applicable.  For those applicants who do not have a UPB, include a statement as an additional paragraph in the basic application that states "No UPB is provided due to no record of disciplinary action."  
    e.  Pre-commissioning physical examination documents must be submitted per Chapter 15 of ref (G).  Ref (G) can be accessed via the following website: http:www.med.navy.mil/directives/pages/navmed-manmed.aspx.  See paragraph 17 of this MARADMIN for additional information regarding submission of medical documents. 
7.  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.
8.  In addition to the requirements contained in refs (A), (B) and this message, applicants must meet the basic reenlistment prerequisites per ref (H).  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 planner and CO for guidance.
9.  Per ref (A), applicants must possess either a minimum Electronics Repair (EL) composite score of 110 derived from the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) or the Armed Forces Classification Test (AFCT); or a minimum combined English and Math score of 39 or a composite score of 22 on the American College Test (ACT); or a minimum combined Math and Verbal score of 1000 on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). If using the most recent version of the SAT, the Math and Critical Reading categories are used to meet the 1000 score or higher requirement.  Applicants meeting the aptitude test score requirement with an ACT or SAT test score must include a certified copy of the test report with the application.  Applicants meeting the aptitude test score requirement with an ASVAB must use the Basic Training Record (BTR) as evidence of a qualifying EL score.  Classification test scores are located on the test score screen of MCTFS.  If scores are in MCTFS but do 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 EL scores resident within MCTFS will be accepted as official scores of record for all applicants.  Additionally, those Marines who possess an MOS within the 43XX occupational field may apply for the MOS of 4602.
10.  Per ref (A), no age restriction is established.  Applicants must meet service eligibility requirements established by ref (A).  When computing the amount of Active Naval Service, use 1 Feb 2018 as the date of appointment.  Active duty in the U.S. Army or U.S. Air Force is not creditable as naval service.  Minimum pay grade requirement of Sergeant, citizenship, time in service or the requirement to be serving on active duty in the regular Marine Corps will not be waived.  Waiver of the EL test score requirement will be considered only if the applicant has an AFQT score of 70 or greater.  Requests for waivers shall be submitted as a part of the applicants basic letter, and a recommendation for waiver approval made in the GOs endorsement at the major subordinate command level.  Those applicants 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.  Applicants will not be allowed to retest without first obtaining written authorization from his/her command at the battalion/squadron level via the Command Authorization Letter found within ref (I).  These requests can be signed "by direction" by the unit Career Retention Specialist or any staff officer with "by direction" authority from the CO.  Applicants are highly encouraged to follow the Command Authorization Letter template found within ref (I), 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 https:www.manpower.usmc.mil/webcenter/portal/MPA/Testing.  Applicants should then schedule an AFCT retest with the nearest base or installation Education Center or authorized Marine Corps test site.  Applicants are not authorized to take an ASVAB/AFCT retest at a Military Entrance Processing Station or Military Entrance test site.  Applicants may only take the AFCT twice in a twelve month period.  In addition, applicants will not be retested earlier than six (6) months following their most recent retest.  Exceptions to those requirements can only be authorized by the Commandant of the Marine Corps (MPA).  Failure to follow AFCT retesting policy will result in test score invalidation.  Applicants may submit applications pending AFCT retesting if they are using their EL score to meet the aptitude test score requirements established by ref (A) provided the following conditions are met: 
    a.  Commands must endorse applications with a projected date for testing availability and test results for the application to be accepted.
    b.  To ensure test scores can be recorded and reflected in MCTFS, testing must be completed no later than 30 days prior to the convening date of the selection board.  The convening date of the board is on or about 2 May 2017; therefore, testing must be completed by 3 April 2017.     
    c.  Applicants 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.
11.  Ref (I) 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 applicants.  Army testing facilities are located in 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 retest authorization, contact MPA Test Control DSN 278-9368 or Comm: (703) 784-9368.
12.  Requests for a waiver of the eligibility requirements and exception to policy, except those established as unwaiverable by law or specified as 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 with the following:
    a.  Active component requirement will not be waived.
    b.  Applicant 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 felony-equivalent convictions.  Approval of the waiver is dependent on the severity of the crime, and the amount of time that has elapsed since the crime was committed.
    c.  Proof of security clearance or open investigation.  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/unithome/officerprograms.aspx under general information.     
    d.  All pre-service waivers (i.e. drug, age, moral, etc.) will require reconsideration, and must be addressed in the application with a signed, 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 signed, detailed statement, addressing the 5 Ws explaining the circumstances. Statements must be included in the application.
13.  Per refs (E), (J) and (K), each Marine is personally responsible for ensuring the accuracy and completeness of their Official Military Personnel File (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.  Applicants are advised that the OMPF and MBS are distributed to the board room in advance of the convening date.  Therefore, it is imperative that applicants review their OMPF and MBS in a timely manner.  If deficiencies such as missing Fitness Reports, date gaps, or unreadable documents are present in the OMPF, applicants are personally responsible for correcting the problem officially with MMRP.
14.  Reviewing photo submission.  Applicants are responsible for verifying receipt of photo by MMRP.  The primary, most expeditious method to confirm 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.  Applicants 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.
15.  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 hardcopy printout of the photograph is required as an enclosure to the application for MCRC screening purposes.
16.  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 2807-1), and Annual Certification of Physical Condition or current Preventative Health Assessment (PHA) if applicable.  Physicals must have been completed within 24 months prior to anticipated date of appointment (1 Feb 2018).  Applicants currently deployed to Afghanistan or other locations that do not have access to medical facilities are authorized to submit pre-commissioning medical documents immediately upon return stateside, but no later than 1 Sep 2017.
17.  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). 
18.  WO physical examinations will be reviewed for completeness once received.  Additional medical documentation or testing may be required.  Upon publication of the selection list, it is the responsibility of the WO selectee to contact MCRC to ensure that physical examination requirements are met for appointment.  Select grade to WO will not be reflected in MCTFS until selectees have met requirements to accept appointment.  Orders to future MCC and to the WOBC will not be initiated until selectee(s) are determined to be physically qualified by BUMED via MCRC.  Appointment documents will be completed at WOBC.
19.  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.
20.  The first 3 years as a WO is a probationary period.  Per Title 10, U.S. Code, Section 1165, SECNAV has the authority to terminate the regular appointment of any permanent regular WO at any time within 3 years after the date when the officer accepted their original permanent appointment as a WO.  Accordingly, the CO, TBS or the CO of any MOS follow-on school may request that SECNAV terminate the regular appointment of a WO who fails WOBC or any required follow-on school.  Upon request and at the discretion of the SECNAV, a Marine whose appointment is terminated may be enlisted in a grade not lower than that held immediately prior to appointment.
21.  To ensure proper filing of separate correspondence addressed to the president of the board for inclusion with an application, include the applicants name, EDIPI number, and MOS choice.  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 one week of the convening date utilizing the address in paragraph 2, or as an enclosure to the application.
22.  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.
23.  Selection results are considered confidential and cannot be released under any circumstances until approved by the SECNAV.  Results will be published via MARADMIN immediately upon SECNAV approval.  Selection results will not be released telephonically or via email.  Selectees are scheduled to be appointed on or about 1 Feb 2018.  The selectees will attend the active duty WOBC.  By separate orders, selectees will be ordered to report to the Commanding General (CG), Marine Corps Combat Development Command to attend the WOBC at TBS in Jan 2018.
24.  COs should notify MCRC in writing of any changes affecting enlistment status or disciplinary action which occurs after submission of an application.
25.  This MARADMIN is not applicable to the Marine Corps Reserve.
26.  This MARADMIN is cancelled 28 Feb 2018.
27.  Release authorized by Major General Paul J. Kennedy, Commanding General, Marine Corps Recruiting Command.//
Commanding General (CG), Marine Corps Combat Development Command to
attend the WOBC at TBS in Jan 2018.
24.  COs should notify MCRC in writing of any changes affecting
enlistment status or disciplinary action which occurs after
submission of an application.
25.  This MARADMIN is not applicable to the Marine Corps Reserve.
26.  This MARADMIN is cancelled 28 Feb 2018.
27.  Release authorized by Major General Paul J. Kennedy,
Commanding General, Marine Corps Recruiting Command.//