FY24 COMMANDANT'S CAREER-LEVEL EDUCATION BOARD ANNOUNCEMENT
Date Signed: 6/29/2023 | MARADMINS Number: 335/23
MARADMINS : 335/23

R 291445Z JUN 23
MARADMIN 335/23
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA MM//
SUBJ/FY24 COMMANDANT'S CAREER-LEVEL EDUCATION BOARD ANNOUNCEMENT (CCLEB)//
REF/A/MSGID: DOC/MM/YMD: 20190530//
REF/B/MSGID: MSG/MCCDC/YMD: 20080125//
REF/C/MSGID: DOC/PPO/YMD: 20130327//
REF/D/MSGID: DOC/MPP-56/YMD: 20210510//
REF/E/MSGID: DOC/MMSR/YMD: 20190215//
REF/F/MSGID:MSG/EDCOM/YMD: 20220401//
NARR/REF A IS MCO 1524.1, MARINE CORPS GRADUATE EDUCATION PROGRAM. REF B IS MCO 1553.4B PROFESSIONAL MILITARY EDUCATION (PME). REF C IS MCO 1520.11F, THE INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS PROGRAM (IAP). REF D IS MCO 1300.8 W/CH-1, MARINE CORPS PERSONNEL ASSIGNMENT POLICY. REF E IS MCO 1900.16 CH 2, MARINE CORPS SEPARATION AND RETIREMENT MANUAL (MARCORSEPMAN). REF F IS MARADMIN 184/23, OFFICER PROFESSIONAL MILITARY EDUCATION BLENDED SEMINAR PROGRAM FY23-24 SEAT QUOTA ASSIGNMENTS.//
POC/JAIME L. GOSS/MAJ/MMOA-3/USMC/DSN 278-9285/TEL (703) 784-9285/EMAIL: SMBMMOAGRADEDU@USMC.MIL//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  Purpose.  This message announces the Fiscal Year 2024 Commandant's Career-Level Education Board (CCLEB) convening on 6 September 2023.  The purpose of this message is to announce the available programs, eligibility criteria, and timelines for the CCLEB execution.
1.a.  Major milestone timeline (read in two columns):
NLT Date                      Milestone
Release of this message       Eligibility Roster published
Release of this message       CEB Questionnaire opens
15 July  2023                Exception to Policy AA forms due 
6 August 2023                 Board questionnaire closes
6 August 2023                 Applications/board correspondence due
6 August 2023                 Remove by Request (RBR) due
7 August 2023                 Naval Postgraduate School (NPS)
                                Non-Compliance List Published
6 September 2023              CCLEB convenes
2.  Background.
2.a.  CCLEB is the premier Professional Military Education (PME) opportunity provided to company grade officers.  The board will convene for approximately four weeks to select the best and fully qualified officers for resident PME programs, graduate education programs, and special duty assignments available within the Marine Corps.
2.b.  Marine Corps Graduate Education Program Order, reference (a), establishes the policies and procedures governing the CCLEB, to include the eligibility process, board selection and slating, and requirements for participation and completion of these programs.  Marines are encouraged to review the graduate education order found at:  https:(slash)(slash)www.marines.mil/portals/1/Publications/MCO%201524.1.pdf?ver=2019-06-03-083458-743
3.  Eligibility.
3.a.  Eligibility criteria.
3.a.1.  All company grade officers with a date of departure from their current command no later than 30 September 2024 will screen on the FY24 CCLEB.  
3.a.2.  PMOS monitors have flexibility to direct the screening of Marines with a date of departure up to and including 31 December 2024.  Direct questions regarding tour lengths and dates of departure to the appropriate PMOS monitor.
3.a.3.  All officers due for permanent change of station/assignment (PCS/PCA) orders in FY24 are required to complete the specific instructions outlined in paragraph 5.
3.b.  Ineligibility criteria.    
3.b.1.  Officers with a training PMOS or departing PMOS training.
3.b.2.  Captains in zone or above zone for major on the CY23/FY25 Major Promotion Selection Board.
3.b.3.  Officers currently enrolled in or have completed an education program slated by a previous CCLEB.
3.b.4.  Officers who have not yet fulfilled an obligated utilization tour for a previously attended program.
3.b.5.  Officers enrolled in or who have completed the Expeditionary Warfare School Blended Seminar Program (EWSBSP).  Officers enrolled in or having completed EWSBSP who are interested in CCLEB programs other than resident PME schools (e.g., NPS, CFP, FAO, Olmsted, etc.) can submit a request to be considered.  Refer to paragraph 6.a. for instructions.
3.b.6.  Officers with pending lateral move applications will be permitted to screen, but approval of lateral move will prohibit CCLEB selection and attendance.
3.b.7.  Officers with an approved separation or retirement date.
3.b.8.  Restricted officers.
4.  Programs.  
4.a.  Resident PME: 
4.a.1.  Expeditionary Warfare School (EWS).
4.a.2.  PMOS-specific Army Captains Career Courses.
4.b.  Graduate Education programs:
4.b.1.  Naval Postgraduate School (NPS).
4.b.2.  Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT).
4.b.3.  Civilian Institutions for Education (8802) and History (8878) curriculums.
4.b.4.  Leadership, Education and Development (LEAD 8803).
4.b.5.  San Diego State University (SDSU) (4505).
4.b.6.  Advanced Civilian Schools Program (ACSP).
4.b.7.  Congressional Fellowship Program (CFP).
4.b.8.  International Affairs Program’s (IAP) Foreign Area Officer Program (FAO).
4.b.9.  Olmsted Scholar Program (OSP).
4.b.10.  Junior Officer Strategic Intelligence Program (JOSIP).
4.c.  Internships
4.c.1.  Junior Officer Cryptologic Career Program (JOCCP). 
4.c.2.  Junior Officer Geographic Geospatial Intelligence Program (JOGP).
4.d.  The following AMOSs are associated with the corresponding graduate education disciplines and schools (read in three columns):
     AMOS    DISCIPLINE                                      SCHOOL
     3006    Contingency Contracting                         NPS 
     4505    Communication Strategy and Operations Planner   SDSU 
     8802    Education                                       CIV
     8803    Leadership Development (LEAD)                   USNA
     8820    Aeronautical Engineering                        AFIT 
     8824    Electrical Engineering                          NPS
     8825    Modeling and Simulation                         NPS
     8826    Combat Systems Science and Technology           NPS
     8831    Environmental Engineering                       AFIT
     8834    Information Warfare Systems                     NPS
     8840    Manpower Management                             NPS
     8844    Financial Management                            NPS
     8846    Computer Science                                NPS
     8848    Info Systems Management                         NPS
     8850    Operations Analysis                             NPS
     8852    Defense Systems Analysis                        NPS
     8862    Material Logistics Support Management           NPS
     8866    Space Systems Operations                        NPS
     8870    Special Operations (Irregular Warfare)          NPS
     8878    History                                         CIV
     824X    Foreign Area Officer (FAO)                      NPS
5.  General instructions for the eligible population.
5.a.  The list of eligible officers screening for CCLEB is posted on the “CPIB/CCLEB Updates” page on USMC Manpower website at: https:(slash)(slash)www.manpower.usmc.mil/webcenter/portal/OA3CEB
5.b.  All eligible officers are required to complete the FY24 Commandant’s Education Board Questionnaire no later than 2359 EST on 
6 August 2023.  The questionnaire is located at:  https:(slash)(slash)go.max.gov/dod/fy24ceb
5.c.  Within the eligibility list, officers with sufficient career timing to participate in programs ranging up to five years (i.e., NPS) have a note 1 next to their name.  Officers with sufficient career timing to participate in programs ranging up to three years have a note 2 beside their name (i.e., Olmsted, CFP, LEAD).  Officers without a note beside their name only possess the career timing to attend a one-year program.  Officers without a note beside their name who believe they have the career timing to screen for a note 1 or 2 program should contact their PMOS monitor.  
5.d.  The below subparagraphs also apply to officers with a note by their name: 
5.d.1.  Officers with a note 1 beside their name are required to apply and submit undergraduate transcripts to NPS no later than 2359 EST on 6 August 2023.
5.d.2.  NPS Admissions website is located at: https:(slash)(slash)nps.edu/web/admissions/apply
5.d.3.  After submitting the NPS application, applicants must order official transcripts from all attended undergraduate and graduate institutions for delivery from the institution(s) directly to NPS Admissions.  Transcripts must come directly from the institution or their designated transcript exchange service.  NPS does not accept transcripts submitted by the applicant.  Officers that have previously applied to NPS must submit an additional application but are not required to resubmit transcripts.  Officers can submit up to three applications for different programs at NPS.  See the listing in paragraph 4.d. above.  NPS will notify MMOA-3 of an officer’s acceptance to NPS with the curriculums the individual may or may not qualify for.  NPS does not provide an acceptance letter or status of acceptance to individual officers. 
5.d.4.  Officers with a note 1 or 2 beside their name must verify a copy of their undergraduate transcripts is in their OMPF.  Officers needing to upload their transcripts to their OMPF must email a copy to MMRP at smb.manpower.mmrp-20@usmc.mil 
5.e.  The below subparagraphs apply to board questionnaire submissions:
5.e.1.  Your EDIPI is required to access the board questionnaire.  Direct questionnaire functionality and accessibility questions and issues to MMOA-3 at SMBMMOAGRADEDU@usmc.mil
5.e.2.  Eligible officers must submit program preferences, applications, letters to the board, etc. via the questionnaire.  The questionnaire is the only method for MMOA-3 to receive board correspondence.
5.e.3.  All program applications must be submitted via the board questionnaire (except NPS).
5.e.4.  Do not submit more than 7 documents.
5.e.5.  Each document must not exceed 8 MB.
5.e.6.  File naming convention is very important for board correspondence collection/consolidation.  Name the file appropriately according to the program you are applying for i.e.: “edipi_OSP_lastname” or “edipi_LEAD_lastname”.  Condense all documents for a specific program application into one scanned PDF.  If due to size constraints the application must be split up, label as such:  “edipi_CFP_lastname (1), edipi_CFP_lastname (2)”.  If submitting a supplemental board correspondence label as such: “edipi_LOR_lastname” and remove by request "edipi_RBR_lastname".
5.f.  Specific program application samples can be found on the “CPIB/CCLEB Board Updates” webpage under “Applications”:  https:(slash)(slash)www.manpower.usmc.mil/webcenter/portal/OA3CEB/pages_cpibcclebupdates
6.  Program specific instructions.
6.a.  Officers outside the FY24 screening window or EWSBSP enrolled/complete officers who are interested in CCLEB programs, must submit an exception to policy (ETP) request to be considered.  Submit an ETP request via an Administrative Action Form (NAVMC 10274) to their respective PMOS monitor.
6.a.1.  All ETP requests to participate in CCLEB must be received by MMOA NLT 2359 EST on 15 July 2023 to be considered by the board.
6.b.  Resident PME.  Officers interested in a specific Army Captains Career Course will find the available schools listed on the questionnaire and should rank it according to their preferences.
6.c.  NPS.
6.c.1.  Marines holding a PMOS of 4402 are not eligible to apply to NPS curriculums.
6.c.2.  Contingency Contracting curriculum at NPS (3006) is limited to 3002 PMOS.
6.c.3.  Financial Management curriculum at NPS (8844) is limited to 3404 PMOS (Exceptions made by request to MMOA-3 for other MOSs)
6.c.4.  Special Operations (Irregular Warfare) curriculum at NPS (8870) is limited to 0370 PMOS.
6.d.  AFIT.
6.d.1.  Aeronautical Engineering program (8820) is restricted to 75XX PMOS.  Application to school is submitted after board selection but must include a GRE score.
6.d.2.  Environmental Engineering program (8831).  Application to school is submitted after board selection but must include a GRE score.
6.e.  Civilian Institutions:  Education (8802) and History (8878).
6.e.1.  Officers who prefer a graduate education program not offered at NPS should take the GRE and submit applications to their desired schools.  If selected, officers must gain admission to a civilian university of their choice and be accepted into a resident degree program NLT 1 April 2024.  Current GRE scores and acceptance letters are preferred prior to the board, but not required.  Upload GRE scores, conditional acceptance letters, and any undergraduate or graduate transcripts to the questionnaire.  Curriculums must also be verified by the program officer listed in paragraph 8 below before applying.
6.e.2.  Education (8802).  Interested officers are required to rank this program within their top three choices for graduate education preferences on the questionnaire.  Interested officers shall also compose a letter to the board which states your education/training experience, and your desired focus of education study (ex:  curriculum design/development, methodology, policy, learning analytics, emerging technology, etc.).  
6.e.3.  History (8878).  Selected officers will earn a Master's in History from a civilian university in 24 months, followed by a utilization tour as a History Instructor at the US Naval Academy.  Interested officers are required to rank this program within their top three choices on the questionnaire.  Interested officers shall also compose a letter to the board which states a preferred area of historical study and at least three prospective universities.
6.e.4.  A sample letter to the board can be found on the Board Updates webpage under “Applications”.
6.e.5.  Tuition.  MCU will provide funding for officers participating in the 8802 and 8878 programs up to $19,500 per year, for up to two years.  Any tuition cost exceeding this amount will be paid by the officer.
6.f.  Leadership, Education and Development (LEAD) (8803).  LEAD is a three-year assignment at USNA which involves a one-year master's program, followed by a two-year utilization tour as a Company Officer.  The degree offered is a “Master's of Science in Leadership and Education" earned through NPS-Distance Learning while at USNA.
6.g.  Mass Communication and Media Studies at San Diego State University (SDSU).  Limited to 4502 who rank this program within their top three choices for graduate education preferences on the questionnaire.  Applications to SDSU are submitted after board selection. 
6.h.  Advanced Civilian Schools Program (ACSP).
6.h.1.  The purpose of the ACSP is to provide an opportunity for Marine Corps officers to devote a year as a resident student to complete a master's degree of their choice.  The ACSP allows officers the opportunity to earn an advance degree while maintaining career progression.  Participants are highly encouraged to pursue areas of study and research topics of interest to the Marine Corps.  
6.h.2.  If selected, officers must attend as an in-resident student and not as remote learning.
6.h.3.  Interested officers are required to have current GRE scores, submit an application, and rank this program within their top three choices for graduate education preferences.
6.h.4.  The board can select up to five officers to participate in this education program lasting no longer than 12 months.  This program qualifies as partially funded education per reference (a).  The participating officers will receive their regular pay and allowances, but application fees, tuition and matriculation fees, cost of textbooks and materials, and all similar fees and expenses will be borne by the officer.  The area of study and research is at the discretion of the officer and no utilization tour is required.  The participant’s follow-on assignment will be based on the needs of the Marine Corps and the participant's career progression.
6.h.5.  Marines who complete ACSP are required to have their diplomas and transcripts included in their OMPF.
6.h.6.  Marines may be awarded a secondary AMOS (i.e., 88XX) for their master's degree if approved by the Occupational Field Manager for that discipline.
6.h.7.  Selectees must send an official acceptance letter to MMOA-3 via smbmmoagradedu@usmc.mil no later than 1 April 2024.  Failure to produce an acceptance letter or failure to communicate a potential delay in receiving an acceptance letter by this deadline will result in removal from the program.
6.h.8.  The ACSP application detailing all requirements is found at the CCLEB/CPIB website provided in paragraph 5.f.  Questions may be directed to MMOA-3 via e-mail at smbmmoagradedu@usmc.mil, subject titled, “Advanced Civilian Schools Program.”
6.i.  Congressional Fellowship Program (CFP).  Officers applying for CFP must submit their applications via the questionnaire no later than 2359 EST on 6 August 2023.  For more information, guidance, and FAQ reference:  https:(slash)(slash)www.hqmc.marines.mil/Agencies/Office-of-Legislative-Affairs/Congressional-Fellowship-Program/
6.j.  Foreign Area Officer Program (FAO).
6.j.1.  Officers interested in the FAO program must have less than 11 years of commissioned service by June 2024.
6.j.2.  Interested officers must annotate the program as one of their top three preferences, submit proof of current Defense Language Aptitude Battery (DLAB) score, and must submit a memorandum to the board in naval letter format with:  
6.j.2.a.  Current DLAB score (and Defense Language Proficiency Test score if applicable).
6.j.2.b.  Statement highlighting interest in the FAO program, to include international experience, foreign language exposure, desire to serve as a FAO, and clarification on region preference. Additional information about the FAO Program can be found in reference (c). 
6.j.3.  Upload a letter via the questionnaire as a file titled “edipi_FAO_lastname.”
6.k.  Olmsted Scholar Program (OSP).
6.k.1.  Limited to officers with no more than 13 years and 6 months of total service as of 1 April 2024 (time at service academies does not count).
6.k.2.  The selection process involves two steps:  (1) CCLEB “nominates” up to 10 applicants for further consideration; (2) the Olmsted Foundation evaluates those nominated, conducts interviews in January 2024 and makes selections in March 2024.  Nominees not selected will be slated for other PME opportunities by their monitor.
6.k.3.  Only certain PMOSs are eligible for the OSP as determined by the Foundation in coordination with HQMC:  02xx, 03xx, 0402, 0602, 0802, 1302, 1702, 1803, 3002, 4502, 5803, 60xx, 66xx, 72xx, 73xx, 75xx.  See https:(slash)(slash)olmstedfoundation.org/what-we-do/career-fields-eligible-to-apply/
6.k.4.  Officers interested should list OSP within their top three preferences and submit an “Initial” application to the board questionnaire, using the naming protocol: “edipi_OSP_lastname”.  
6.k.5.  If nominated on the CCLEB, selectees then will submit a completed “Final” application within 30 days of CCLEB results MARADMIN publishing.  Both “Initial” and “Final” application templates are provided at the CPIB/CCLEB updates website provided in paragraph 5.f.  
6.k.6.  Certain requirements such as the GRE score, college, transcripts, command photo etc. are listed as part of the final OSP application.  Applicants should begin scheduling, as needed, for the GRE and obtaining other administrative requirements to meet the final application submission deadline.  With prior coordination, some requirements can be listed as pending in the final application.
6.k.7.  The Olmsted Scholar Foundation is the only program that requires the submission of a high-quality digital file command photo taken in Service "A" with National Ensign and Service flag in the background for the final application (only if nominated).  If applicants desire to submit the photo early, it must be less than 
8 MB in file size and should be submitted separately from the application.  Name the file “edipi_OSP_Photo_lastname".
6.k.8.  Additional program information may be found at:  http:(slash)(slash)www.olmstedfoundation.org/what-we-do/eligibility requirements
6.l.  Junior Officer Strategic Intelligence Program (JOSIP), Junior Officer Cryptologic Career Program (JOCCP), and Junior Officer Geographic Geospatial Intelligence Program (JOGP).
6.l.1.  Limited to 02XX PMOS.
6.l.2.  Interested officers should submit completed applications to the questionnaire, naming the file such as “edipi_JOSIP_lastname” by the questionnaire deadline.
6.l.3.  Officers can apply to one or all the programs.
7.  Coordinating Instructions.
7.a.  Officers desiring a certain graduate education program should mark it within their top three preferences for available programs listed on the questionnaire.  
7.b.  Graduate education programs are not a service equivalent for PME.  Marines participating in graduate education program are required to pursue completion of a PME program commensurate with their grade on their own initiative.
7.c.  All service PME schools are one academic year in length.  Graduate programs vary from one to two years of education followed by a three-year utilization billet.  For additional information on program lengths and descriptions, see reference (a) or contact the program officer in paragraph 8 below.  Program information can also be found under “Grad Ed Programs Info” section on the “CPIB/CCLEB Updates” webpage:  https:(slash)(slash)www.manpower.usmc.mil/webcenter/portal/OA3CEB/pages_cpibcclebupdates
7.d.  Board Correspondence.  All correspondence to the board must originate from the officer being screened.  All submissions (letters of recommendation, clarifying statements of service, etc.) must be uploaded into the Letters to the Board file on the FY24 Commandant's Education Board questionnaire such as “edipi_LTB_lastname” no later than 2359 EST on 6 August 2023.
7.e.  Remove by Request (RBR).
7.e.1.  Officers who are eligible but do not desire to screen must complete the online questionnaire and attach an AA form requesting RBR.  The AA form must state the reason the officer desires to RBR and be endorsed by the first O-6 in the Marine's chain of command. All requests must be forwarded regardless of positive or negative endorsement and label the file “edipi_RBR_lastname”.  
7.e.2.  MMOA-3 must receive RBRs via the online questionnaire no later than 2359 EST on 6 August 2023.
7.f.  Non-Compliance.  Officers are considered non-compliant with the above instructions:
7.f.1.  If they have a note 1 next to their name on the eligibility roster and fail to apply and submit transcripts to NPS.
7.f.2.  If they have a note 1 or 2 next to their name and do not complete the questionnaire and upload a legible copy of their transcripts to OMPF.
7.f.3.  Officers who fail to complete the questionnaire, fail to apply to NPS or submit transcripts will still screen and may be slated to a program at the board's discretion. 
7.f.4.  A list of non-compliant officers will be provided to commands on 7 August 2023 for those officers who have not yet applied to NPS.
7.g.  A subsequent MARADMIN will announce FY24 CCLEB results.  The results MARADMIN will serve as notification of orders for all primary selectees.  
8.  Program Points of Contact
8.a.  Career-Level Schools (CLS)
        Contact your PMOS monitor.
8.b.  Naval Postgraduate School
        Admissions Office
        Comm:  (831) 521-2190
        Email:  admissions@nps.edu
8.c.  Olmsted Scholar Program
         Mr. Michael Cooper (Marine Corps University)
         DSN:  378-0696, Comm:  (703) 432-0696
         Email:  michael.cooper@usmcu.edu
8.d.  Congressional Fellowship Program
         Maj Charles T.  Byers Jr. (OLA)
         Comm:  (703) 692-0197
         Email:  HQMC_OLA_CFP@usmc.mil
         Email:  charles.t.byers@usmc.mil
8.e.  International Affairs Program (IAP)
         Mr. Clayton Fisher (PLU-8)
         DSN:  222-0322, Comm:  (703) 614-0322
         Email:  clayton.fisher@usmc.mil
8.f.  Master's of Education
         Maj Nathan M. Clark (TECOM)
         Comm:  (703) 784-4726
         Email:  nathan.clark@usmc.mil
8.g.  Environmental Engineering - 8831 (AFIT)
         Maj Marc Blair
         Comm:  (571) 256-2789
         Email:   marc.blair@usmc.mil 
8.h.  Master's of History
         Maj Benjamin Brewster (USNA)  
         Comm:  (410) 293-6288
         Email:  bbrewste@usna.edu
         LtCol Tracy Maese (USNA)
         Comm:  410-293-6305
         Email:  maese@usna.edu
8.i.  LEAD Program
         Capt Paola Phipps (USNA)
         Comm:  (410) 293-6304
         Email:  pphipps@usna.edu
         LtCol Tracy Maese (USNA)
         Comm:  410-293-6305
         Email:  maese@usna.edu
8.j. San Diego State University (SDSU) 
        LtCol John Armistead
        Comm:  (703) 692-1825
        Email:  michael.armistead@usmc.mil
8.k. JOSIP/JOCCP/JOGP
         Capt Nathan Rogers
         DSN:  278-9277, Comm:  (703) 784-9277
         Email:  nathan.c.rogers@usmc.mil
9.  This MARADMIN is not applicable to the Marine Corps Reserve.
10.  Release authorized by BGen Ryan S. Rideout, Director, Manpower Management Division.//