R 031706Z MAR 17
MARADMIN 108/17
MSGID/GENADMIN,USMTF,2017/CG MCRC QUANTICO VA//
SUBJ/FISCAL YEAR 2018 (FY18) MECEP, ECP, RECP AND MCP-R SELECTION BOARDS//
REF/A/MSGID: DOC/MCO 1040.43B MCRC OE/YMD: 20151029//
REF/B/MSGID: DOC/MCRCO 1100.2A G-3/YMD: 20160111//
REF/C/MSGID: MSG/MARADMIN 704/13/YMD: 20131231//
REF/D/MSGID: MSG/MARADMIN 456/13/YMD: 20130911//
REF/E/MSGID: MSG/MARADMIN 595/13/YMD: 20131112//
REF/F/MSGID: DOC/BUMED/YMD: 20050812//
REF/G/MSGID: DOC/MCO 7220.24N MPP-20/YMD: 20110324//
REF/H/MSGID: DOC/MCO 1040.31 MMEA-1/YMD: 20100908//
REF/I/MSGID: DOC/MCO 1001.52J RAM/YMD: 20110606//
REF/J/MSGID: DOC/MCBUL 1020 MPO/YMD: 20160602//
REF/K/MSGID: DOC/SECNAVINST 5510.30B N092/YMD: 20061006//
REF/L/MSGID: MSG/MARADMIN 458/04/YMD: 20041021//
REF/M/MSGID: DOC/MCO 6100.13 W/CH 2 C 466/YMD: 20150130//
REF/N/MSGID: DOC/MCO P1070.12K W/CH1 MIFD/YMD: 20000714//
REF/O/MSGID: DOC/MCO 1610.7 MMRP-30/YMD: 20150213//
REF/P/MSGID: MSG/MARADMIN 548/16/YMD: 20161017//
REF/Q/MSGID: DOC/MCO 1900.16 W/CH 1 MMSR/YMD: 20150807//
NARR/REF (A) IS MCO 1040.43B, ENLISTED TO OFFICER COMMISSIONING PROGRAMS. REF (B) IS MCRCO 1100.2A, MARINE CORPS RECRUITING COMMAND (MCRC) OFFICER COMMISSIONING MANUAL. REF (C) IS MARADMIN 704/13, UPDATE TO TRANSFER OF EDUCATION BENEFITS (TEB) POLICY. REF (D) IS MARADMIN 456/13, TUITION ASSISTANCE (TA) GUIDELINES UPDATE. REF (E) IS MARADMIN 595/13, CORRECTION TO MARDMIN 456/13 TUITION ASSISTANCE (TA) GUIDELINES UPDATE. REF (F) IS THE DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY MANUAL OF THE MEDICAL DEPARTMENT (MANMED), CHAPTER 15. REF (G) IS MCO 7220.24N, SELECTIVE REENLISTMENT BONUS (SRB) PROGRAM. REF (H) IS MCO 1040.31, ENLISTED RETENTION AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM. REF (I) IS MCO 1001.52J, ACTIVE RESERVE (AR) SUPPORT TO THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS RESERVE. REF (J) IS MCBUL 1020, MARINE CORPS TATTOO POLICY. REF (K) IS SECNAVINST 5510.30B, DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY (DON) PERSONNEL SECURITY PROGRAM (PSP) INSTRUCTION. REF (L) IS MARADMIN 458/04 CLEARANCE ELIGIBILITY FOR OFFICERS (CORRECTED COPY). REF (M) IS MCO 6100.13 W/CH 2, MARINE CORPS PHYSICAL FITNESS PROGRAM. REF (N) IS MCO P1070.12K W/CH 1, MARINE CORPS INDIVIDUAL RECORDS ADMINISTRATION MANUAL (IRAM). REF (O) IS MCO 1610.7, PERFORMANCE EVALUATION SYSTEM (PES). REF (P) IS MARADMIN 548/16, OFFICIAL MILITARY PERSONNEL FILE (OMPF) PHOTOGRAPH GUIDANCE. REF (Q) IS MCO 1900.16 W/CH 1, SEPARATION AND RETIREMENT MANUAL (SHORT TITLE: MARCORSEPMAN).//
POC/Ms. Troi Spencer/Civ/Unit:MCRC ON/E/-/Tel: 703-784-9443//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  The purpose of this MARADMIN is to announce the convening of the FY18 Enlisted to Officer (E-O), Marine Corps Enlisted Commissioning Education Program (MECEP), Enlisted Commissioning Program (ECP), Reserve Enlisted Commissioning Program (RECP), and Meritorious Commissioning Program-Reserve (MCP-R) selection boards.
2.  Applications.  Applicants who may be eligible for the E-O programs 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 release of this MARADMIN to each 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 are encouraged to submit applications in accordance with the guidelines provided by ref (A) and this MARADMIN.  Applicants must complete and submit their electronic application before the deadline of the corresponding board.  Documents not uploaded by the deadline of the corresponding board applying should be forwarded directly to the POC email listed in paragraph 15 of this MARDMIN.  Ensure that all documents submitted with the electronic applications are legible and all photos are in color.  Applicants are required to obtain a commanders endorsement at each level of their endorsing chain of command (COC) up to the first General Officer (GO) or equivalent and upload their signed letters of endorsement to the application webpage prior to the application deadline.  Applicants who are "not recommended" for program consideration at the GO level are ineligible and will not be considered by the board.  Commanding Officers (COs) may require at their discretion, items for their endorsement review, but they must ensure that their endorsement, denoting their level of confidence and ranking, is promptly returned to the applicant so that the applicant may submit his or 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 review only those items consequential to determining the COs confidence in the applicant.  Commands are no longer authorized to mail their endorsed applications to the Marine Corps Recruiting Command (MCRC) since the applicant submits his or her 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.  Applicants and commands are responsible for maintaining copies of their applications.  Any applicants who have questions regarding the technical use of the electronic application may contact the point of contact (POC) listed in this MARADMIN.  Those with non-technical questions should first utilize their COC.  Recommend applicants and commands use the respective program sample application and checklist located on the MCRC website at www.mcrc.marines.mil for basic format and content.  Select Marine Officer, then Officer Naval/Enlisted Applicants.  Program checklists are required and should be the only enclosure listed on the applicants application.  All applicable information on the checklist must be submitted.  COs are directed to use the sample endorsement letters on the MCRC website for format and required information.
3.  Boards and Selection.  Per refs (A) and (B), the following MECEP, ECP, RECP, and MCP-R selection boards will convene:
Board         Application Deadline    Board Convenes     OCS Class
FY18 board 1  14 April 2017           12 June 2017       OCC 226
FY18 board 2  14 July 2017            16 October 2017    OCC 227
FY18 board 3  1 December 2017         2 March 2018       OCC 228
Selection board results will be published by separate MARADMIN message.  The boards are scheduled to align with the below Officer Candidates Classes (OCC) at Officer Candidates School (OCS).  However, Marines are not guaranteed to attend the OCC with which the board aligns.  OCC dates are tentative and subject to change.  Refer to ref (A), commanders intent concerning OCS opportunities.  Requests to attend OCS for a second attempt or requests to decline participation in the program must be endorsed by the Marines COC to the GO level and approved by Commanding General (CG) MCRC.  Updates to OCC report and graduation dates may be viewed at www.trngcmd.usmc.mil/ocs.
OCS Class        Report Date          Graduation Date
OCC 226          9 September 2017     18 November 2017
OCC 227          6 January 2018       17 March 2018
OCC 228          2 June 2018          11 August 2018
4.  Eligibility.  Refer to refs (A) and (B) for program requirements, eligibility criteria and general qualifications.  When computing age at date of commissioning, MECEP applicants should use their estimated college completion year.  ECP, RECP, and MCP-R applicants should use the OCC graduation date listed in paragraph 3.  Age can be waived up to 35.
5.  Education.
     a.  MECEP applicants refer to ref (A) chapter 2 and ref (C) for financial qualifications, Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) participation and reporting, academics, and educational expenses.  Refer to website www.nrotc.navy.mil for a list of NROTC affiliated colleges and universities.  MECEP applicants should contact the Marine for Life Program at (703)432-5472 for information on how to apply for their military education benefits before contacting the Veterans representative at the college/university.  MECEP applicants are directed to follow the guideline and timeline below:
OCS Class        Graduation Date       Earliest School Semester Start
OCC 226          18 November 2017      Summer 2018
OCC 227          17 March 2018         Fall   2018
OCC 228          11 August 2018        Spring 2019
MECEP applicants are not authorized to start school prior to the above school semester start timeframes.  COs must ensure estimation of tuition and any benefits are reflected on the COs financial worksheet to include making the appropriate selection as to whether the Marine "is" or "is not" qualified.
     b.  ECP, RECP and MCP-R applicants refer to ref (A) for education requirements from accredited colleges and universities.  A list of accredited schools can be found at https:(slash)(slash)ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.
     c.  ECP, RECP and MCP-R applicants must submit current transcripts or NAVMC 10469 Academic Certification.  Diplomas for Associates, Bachelors, or Master degrees are acceptable with either the transcripts or NAVMC 10469 Academic Certification.
     d.  Applicants who obtain degrees from a foreign academic institution must be accepted by a nationally or regionally accredited college, or an accrediting institution in the United States (U.S.).  In many cases, service members are required to take additional courses to qualify for the next level of their post-secondary education.  If Marines desire to take additional courses, they may refer to refs (D) and (E) for tuition assistance.  However, the domestic academic institution may or may not grant credit for courses taken in foreign academic institutions.  Applicants may contact their education centers to proceed in their pursuit of a degree or credential.  Applicants may also utilize the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) International Education Services, or the Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE), Lifelong Learning Center (LLC) to evaluate foreign degrees for U.S. equivalencies.  The link for AACRAO international education services is www.ies.aacrao.org.  The link for ECE, LLC is www.ece.org.  A letter from the accredited college or institution stating foreign degree has been accepted must accompany the applicants application.
6.  Medical.  Refer to ref (F) for physical qualifications.  Ref (F) can be accessed via the following website www.med.navy.mil/directives/pages/navmedp-manmed.aspx.  Applicants requiring additional medical documentation or determined not physically qualified by the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED) will be contacted after selection results are released.  The medical reviewers point of contact number at MCRC for applicants with questions pertaining to the requirement for additional medical documentation is (703)784-9426.  If additional medical documents are required, forward to POC email address in paragraph 15.  Refer to ref (A) for submission of requests to delay submission of medical documents.  Request for delay of medical documents must be sent to the POCs email address in paragraph 15, with the subject line (Delay of Medical Submission) prior to the application deadline of board applying established in paragraph 3.  Medical documents must include a Report of Medical Examination (DD Form 2808);  Report of Medical History (DD Form 2807-1);  Individual Medical Readiness (IMR) report;  and all supporting documents.  Physicals must be completed within six months preceding the convening date of the board to which you are applying.  ECP applicants requesting aviation must submit a flight physical to the Naval Aerospace Medical Institute via the Aeromedical Electronic Resource Office (AERO) system four months prior to the deadline date of board applying.  The AERO website is https:(slash)(slash)vfso.rucker.amedd.army.mil/.  MCRC will forward all medical documentation to BUMED for a decision on physical qualification upon release of selection board results.  COs must closely review the medical forms to ensure correctness and completeness.  All established timeframes below must be from date of the board for which the applicant is applying.  Pay particular attention to the following items:
     a.  Tattoos, brandings, body piercings, and scars must be identified on the DD Form 2808.
     b.  Dental exams must be within six months of board applying.  Dental class must be type 1 or 2 and documented by a dentist on the DD Form 2808 and as a separate enclosure (IMR will suffice for separate enclosure requirement).
     c.  Urinalysis (medical not drug) and serology tests must contain complete results.  Test drawn or results pending is not acceptable.
     d.  HIV results must be within one year of board for which the applicant is applying.  Date tested and roster number must be documented on the DD Form 2808 and as a separate enclosure (IMR will suffice for separate enclosure requirement).  HIV test drawn or results pending is not acceptable.
     e.  Results of an updated audiogram must be documented on the DD Form 2808 and as a separate enclosure.  If any numbers are outside the normal range, submit a repeat audiogram and an ear, nose, and throat consultation.
     f.  Female applicants must have a PAP pathology results dated within three years up to age 29 and five years age 30 and over.  HCB pregnancy results must be included.  A pelvic exam is not required if you are under the age of 21.
     g.  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.  Applicants with a history of vision correction surgery must submit all pre-operative and post-operative reports included with the medical documents.
     h.  Applicants who have undergone photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) surgery must be 180 days post-operative to be inducted into training.  Proper medical documentation of surgery is required to include a post 180 day ophthalmology exam per ref (F).
     i.  Ensure all "yes" answers on DD Form 2807-1 are explained by the physician in block 25 and supporting documents attached.  This should include all pre and post-operative paperwork for surgeries, evaluations, history, examination findings, diagnosis, prognosis, treatment record plans, and any functional limitations.  Ensure all answers on the DD Form 2808 are marked normal or abnormal.  "NE" should be marked for question 41 for males only.
7.  Additional information for application.
     a.  Applicants should refer to refs (A) and (G) for Selective Reenlistment Bonus information and page 11 statement entry.
     b.  Applicants must meet the service requirement for the respective program to which they are applying.  COs, ensure that your Marines applying meet the service requirements for the respective program and that their eligibility is reflected in the Marine Corps Total Force System.  Marines who do not meet the service requirement must provide supporting documentation verifying that they will have the required time in service at the time of application.  Active Reserve (AR) Marines applying for MECEP or ECP must be approved for augmentation into the regular Marine Corps at time of application.  Refer to ref (A) for details.  A sample request for conditional release request is posted on the AR Enlisted Assignments RAM-2 website.  Applications received at MCRC that do not contain an approved DD Form 368 will not be considered.  Selected AR Marines must be non-competitively augmented to the active component at the time of selection.  To accomplish this, the AR select must initiate a Prior Service Enlisted Package to Manpower Enlisted Assignments (MMEA-1) via their Career Planner to coordinate the augmentation.  Applicants must be available for world-wide assignment and qualified to reenlist or augment per refs (H) and (I) as applicable.
     c.  Only ECP applicants can apply for aviation at time of application.  Refer to ref (A) for aviation qualifications.  ECP aviation applicants must submit an aviation service agreement and a ground service agreement.  RECP and MCP-R applicants are not eligible to apply for aviation.  MECEP applicants may apply for aviation after they have reported to the NROTC Unit and upon completion of their first semester.  Refer to ref (A) for aviation qualifications.
     d.  Applicants with tattoos, brandings, and piercings refer to refs (A), (B) and (J) for guidance.  If an applicants tattoo is not in compliance with ref (J), the COC should not favorably endorse the applicants application for board consideration.  Applicants with body markings must submit a close up color photo and explanation of each body marking (not in a private area) addressing the (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 each body angle (both sides-front-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 official military personnel file (OMPF).  In accordance with ref (J), CG MCRC is the final adjudicating authority for any tattoo issue involving accessions (both officer and enlisted).  MCRC will adjudicate all tattoo issues provided the applicant receives a favorable endorsement from a GO or equivalent in their COC.  COs of all program applicants must screen all body markings.
     e.  Refer to ref (B) for acceptable forms of citizenship verification and the certification of documents as true copies.  Upon determining that a copy is an authentic reproduction of an original document, notate the following language on the verified copy:  “I have determined that this copy is a full, true, and accurate reproduction of the original after personally comparing the copy and original or observing the copying process.  No modifications or alterations have been made to either the original document or this copy"
     f.  Refer to refs (A), (K), and (L) for security investigation information and required application submissions to include dual citizenships.  Do not submit joint personnel adjudication system printouts.  Per Title 10, U.S. Code, the U.S. citizenship requirement cannot be waived.
     g.  Refer to refs (A) and (B) regarding disclosure of criminal offense dispositions and submission of required forms and proper documentation by law enforcement agency or court.  If the above cannot be obtained, provide a completed DD Form 369 (police record check) in jurisdiction of offense in the application.  Recommend contacting recruiters in jurisdiction of offenses to assist with DD Form 369.  All offenses regardless of date of incident must be disclosed.  Offenses within five years of board application date require supporting documentation.  Alcohol and assault related offenses regardless of date of incident require supporting documentation.
     h.  All pre-service waivers must be addressed.  Ref (A) pertains.
     i.  For information about pre-existing relationships and familial relationships, contact your local staff judge advocate office.  Applicants must sign the fraternization statement of understanding located on MCRC website.
     j.  Refer to refs (A) and (M) for physical fitness scores.
     k.  Aptitude scores can be requested on-line or from Scholastic Aptitude Test program:  PO Box 8057, Mt Vernon, IL 62864 or call (866)756-7346.  American College Test records:  301 Act Drive, PO Box 451, Iowa City, IA, 52243-0451 or call (319)337-1313.  Questions regarding the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery contact MPA Test Control at DSN 278-9368 or commercial (703)784-9368 or email:  msabtesting(at symbol)usmc.mil.
8.  COs refer to ref (A) for action pertaining to screening and review of applications.  Additional information provided below.
     a.  Ensure applicants are using the MCRC information sheet with privacy act notification, all fields are filled out completely and matches information contained in application.
     b.  Ensure point of contact information is on all endorsement letters to include name, email address and phone numbers.
     c.  Ensure all required forms are signed by the applicant and the certifying commissioned officer.
9.  OMPF and photo submissions.  Per refs (N), (O), and (P), applicants are responsible for ensuring the accuracy and completeness of their OMPF and master brief sheet (MBS) at least two weeks prior to date of scheduled board applying.
     a.  Obtaining and reviewing the OMPF.  The primary and most expeditious means to obtain and view the OMPF and MBS is through OMPF online via MOL.  Refer to ref (N), to determine which documents are appropriate for inclusion in the OMPF.
     b.  OMPF document submission guidelines.  Marines are personally responsible for correcting deficiencies, missing information, or illegible documents present in either the OMPF or MBS with MMRP-20 per ref (N).  Per ref (N), the top portion of the MBS is corrected via the Installation Personnel Administration Center or S-1.  Ensure any material sent to MMRP-20 for filing in the OMPF contains full name, grade, and Electronic Digital Individual Personal Identification (EDIPI).  If the EDIPI is not on the material, then the material may not be filed in the OMPF in time for selection board review.  Marines are reminded that any additions or deletions from their OMPF or MBS within the 12-month window should also be verified to ensure the accuracy and completeness of their record.  OMPF documents can be emailed as a PDF attachment or faxed to MMRP-20.  OMPF documents can also be mailed to MMRP-20;  however, inclusion into the OMPF is substantially faster if the documents are either emailed or faxed.  See paragraph 9e of this MARADMIN for OMPF inquiries and document submission points of contact.
     c.  OMPF document submission timelines.  It is imperative that documents submitted to MMRP-20 for inclusion in the OMPF within 60 days of a selection board be conspicuously marked “contains documents for (board)”.   With the exception of fitness reports, all OMPF documents must be forwarded to and received by MMRP-20 at least two weeks prior to date of scheduled board applying in order to allow processing time to the OMPF.  Marines are advised that the OMPF and MBS are distributed to the board room at least one week before the board convening date.  Board eligible records continue to be updated until the convening date of the board;  however, Marines are highly encouraged to submit all material no later than two weeks prior to the board for which they are applying.
     d.  Photographs.  Per ref (P), Marines eligible for consideration are required to submit an official photo within 12 months of the date of scheduled board applying.  Marines are responsible for verifying receipt of photo by MMRP-20.  The primary, most expeditious means of confirming photo receipt is through OMPF online via MOL.  Photos will be available for viewing on OMPF online within 24 hours of photo receipt by MMRP-20.  The date of the photograph, as noted on the photograph title board, is considered the primary date for 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.
     e. Records and Performance Branch.
         (1) MMRP-20.  OMPF documents or questions concerning the OMPF can be sent by the following means:
             (a) Email:  smb.manpower.mmrp-20(at symbol)usmc.mil
             (b) Fax:  Commercial (703)784-5682, DSN: 278-5682
             (c) Address:  Manpower Management Records and
                           Performance Branch (MMRP-20)
                           2008 Elliot Road
                           Quantico, VA 22134-5030
             (d) Phone numbers:  DSN:  278-xxxx
                 Section Head, (703)784-5671
                 Operations Officer, (703)784-3950
                 OMPF customer Service, (703)784-3906/3907/5640
                 Digital photos, (703)784-3738
         (2) Performance Evaluation Section (MMRP-30).  Commercial (703)784-3989, DSN:  278-3989 or toll free:  1-877-301-9953.
10.  Per ref (Q), Marine officers require 20 years of active duty service with ten years of active commissioned service for retirement eligibility as a commissioned officer.
11.  Common application discrepancies include:
     a.  Incomplete applications (missing required documents).
     b.  Commands not using enlistment tier ranking consideration (e.g. if a command has three or more Marines applying they should rank 1, 2, and 3 out of 3).
     c.  Commands and applicants not ensuring all required signatures or annotations are reflected on forms.
     d.  Absence of applicants college transcripts or academic certificates to accurately determine projected commission fiscal year for MECEP applicants, and grade point averages and credits completed for all program applicants.
     e.  Non- disclosure of preservice waivers.  Non submission of supporting documentation for offenses within five years and for all alcohol and assault related violations.
     f.  Outdated promotion photos (past the 12 month requirement).
     g.  OMPF and Marine Corps Total Force System (TBIR, TBTR, TEDU, TROS, AWDS, Test) do not accurately reflect the correct information and do not match information in application.
     h.  Missing required medical documents or documents not within timeframe
     i.  Award citation write-ups missing from OMPF.
     j.  Fitness report date gaps.
12.  Recommend all qualified Marines reapply for future boards if not selected.
13.  This MARADMIN is applicable to the Marine Corps Total Force.
14.  This MARADMIN is cancelled 28 Feb 2018.
15.  The POC for this MARADMIN is Ms. Troi Spencer.  Please refer to POC information at the beginning of this MARADMIN for telephone number or email troi.spencer(at symbol)marines.usmc.mil.
16.  Release authorized by Major General Paul J. Kennedy, Commanding General, Marine Corps Recruiting Command.//