R 181545Z DEC 24
MARADMIN 613/24
MSGID/GENADMIN/USMTF 2024/CG MCRC QUANTICO VA//
SUBJ/FISCAL YEAR 2026 (FY26) ENLISTED TO CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER 2
(CWO2) MARINE GUNNER SELECTION BOARD//
REF/A/MSGID:MCO/CMC MPP/YMD:20190716//
REF/B/MSGID:DOC/CMC C 466/YMD:20230609//
REF/C/MSGID:DOC/CMC MIFD/YMD:20000714//
REF/D/MSGID:RMG/CMC MCUB/YMD:20240412//
REF/E/MSGID:DOC/CMC C 469/YMD:20220323//
REF/F/MSGID:DOC/CMC C 469/YMD:20211207//
REF/G/MSGID:DOC/BUMED/YMD:20050812//
REF/H/MSGID:DOC/CMC MMEA-6/YMD:20100908//
REF/I/MSGID:DOC/CMC MRA/YMD:20140204//
REF/J/MSGID:DOC/CMC MMRP-30/YMD:20180501//
REF/K/MSGID:DOC/CMC MRA/YMD: 20200825//
NARR/REF (A) IS MCO 1040.42B, WARRANT OFFICER (WO) AND LIMITED DUTY 
OFFICER (LDO) ACCESSION PROGRAMS.  REF (B) IS NAVMC 1200.1J, 
MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES MANUAL.  REF (C) IS MCO P1070.12K, 
W/CH 1 MARINE CORPS INDIVIDUAL RECORDS ADMINISTRATION MANUAL (SHORT 
TITLE: IRAM).  REF (D) MCBUL 1020, MARINE CORPS TATTOO POLICY.  REF 
(E) IS MCO 6100.13A W/CH 4, MARINE CORPS PHYSICAL FITNESS AND COMBAT 
FITNESS TESTS (PFT/CFT).  REF (F) IS MCO 6110.3A CH 3, MARINE CORPS 
BODY COMPOSITION AND MILITARY APPEARANCE PROGRAM.  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 1610.7A, PERFORMANCE 
EVALUATION SYSTEM (SHORT TITLE: PES).  REF (K) IS MARADMIN 491/20, 
REMOVAL OF PHOTOGRAPHS FROM CONSIDERATION BY PROMOTION BOARDS AND 
SELECTION PROCESSES PERTAINING TO ASSIGNMENT, TRAINING, EDUCATION 
AND COMMAND//
POC/BRENT R. REIDENBACH/MCRC ON-E/TEL: (571) 559-4396/EMAIL: 
BRENT.REIDENBACH@MARINES.USMC.MIL//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  The purpose of this MARADMIN is to announce the 
FY26 Enlisted to Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CWO2) Marine Gunner 
Selection Board.  Qualified Marines are encouraged to submit 
applications in accordance with the guidelines provided by reference 
(a) and this MARADMIN.
2.  Dates
    a.  Marine Corps Recruiting Command (MCRC) will convene the 
FY26 WO Marine Gunner Selection Board at Headquarters, U.S. Marine 
Corps on or about 8 July 2025 for approximately three days.  
    b.  Application Deadline.  The deadline for submission of 
applications is 2 June 2025.  Marines should complete their 
applications and submit them before the established deadline.    
3.  Per references (a) and (b), the Marine Gunner Selection Board is 
designed to provide the Marine Corps with technical specialists who 
perform duties that require extensive knowledge of MOS 0306 and can 
be assigned successive tours of duty.  MOS credibility is a key 
factor for selection.  The Commandant has directed that Marine 
Gunners come from the ranks of infantry senior staff noncommissioned
officers in the grade of gunnery sergeant or above.  These Marines 
must possess combat arms skills, operational experience, extensive 
knowledge of infantry weapons, combat marksmanship, and other such 
expertise that will make a significant contribution to the 
warfighting capability of their future units and to the 
infantry/ground combat element advocacy process as a whole.  As 
Marine Gunners, 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 orders upon graduation and 
spend a large amount of time deployed.  
4.  Marine Gunners will advise commanders 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 to improve the employment and 
maintenance of infantry weapons, and to instill and foster combat 
marksmanship skills throughout the force.  Therefore, only 
experienced Marines with a primary MOS of 0321, 0363, 0369, or 0372 
will be considered.  Specific prerequisites and caveats for 
eligibility are addressed in reference (b).  Should E-8 and E-9 
Marines in the 8999 MOS choose to apply they must have held the 
0321, 0363, 0369, or 0372 MOS prior to the 8999 MOS or be eligible 
and meet the prerequisites and caveats addressed in reference (b).  
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 to produce an officer qualified to carry out the duties 
of a Marine Gunner.  Following the Warrant Officer Basic Course 
(WOBC), newly commissioned Marine Gunners will attend the Infantry 
Weapons Officer Course. Interested Marines are highly encouraged to 
contact their primary MOS monitors prior to formally submitting an 
application.
5.  Marines are encouraged to contact the 0306 Occupational Field 
Manager, Marine Gunner, CWO5 Jeremy Barone for more information to 
help determine their qualifications, at commercial (703) 614-8498, 
DSN prefix 278 or via email at jeremy.barone@usmc.mil.      
6.  Electronic Applications.  All CWO applications will be submitted
electronically in accordance with the instructions provided in the
following paragraphs.  All submitted documents shall be legible.  
Marines who have questions regarding the technical use of the 
electronic application may contact the MCRC point of contact listed 
in paragraph 28 of this message.  Qualified Marines are required to 
obtain a commanding officer (CO) endorsement at each level of 
command up to the first general officer (GO) in their chain of 
command, and submit their complete applications through DoD SAFE 
(Secure Access File Exchange), https:(slash)(slash)safe.apps.mil/, 
to the following email address: warrantofficerboard@marines.usmc.mil.  
Marines are to follow all instructions within DoD SAFE when uploading 
and submitting their applications.  Hard copy applications will be 
accepted on a case-by-case basis.  Marines must send their complete 
applications to the electronic mail address listed above prior to the 
application deadline.  Each CO must ensure that his or her 
endorsement, denoting the level of confidence in the applicant, is 
promptly returned to the Marine so that the Marine may submit the 
application prior to the deadline.  Commands must ensure that Marines 
receive original copies of all endorsements. 
7.  If an applicant is assigned to a command or institution of 
another Service or country that will locally provide endorsements 
and evaluations based on their own Service or national perceptions 
and values, consultation with a field grade Marine Corps officer or 
higher is encouraged.  This will ensure clarification of the 
inclusion or exclusion of Service unique information.  Endorsements 
from these senior Marines should be included, if appropriate.  This 
does not exclude the requirement of a GO-level endorsement.  COs 
must ensure applications are forwarded via the chain of command and 
include a GO-level endorsement. 
8.  Applications received without all endorsements from the Marine's 
chain of command will not be considered by the board.  Ineligible 
Marines will not be considered by the board.  COs should not 
recommend appointment for Marines who do not meet the eligibility 
criteria and do not qualify for a waiver.  Waivers are granted on a 
case-by-case basis only to the exceptionally qualified.  If the 
senior endorser deems a Marine "not recommended" for appointment, 
the Marine is ineligible for board consideration.   Marines who 
receive an endorsement of "not recommended" from the senior endorser 
and forward their application to MCRC will have their application 
removed from consideration and not forwarded to the board.  COs are 
directed to pass this information to eligible Marines in their 
commands, review applications for completeness, ensure that Marines 
requesting waivers receive comprehensive justification on all 
endorsements from the chain of command (including the senior 
endorser), and make definitive recommendations regarding all Marines 
who submit an application.  COs must specifically address the 
technical proficiency of the Marine in each MOS(s) for which they 
are applying.  Endorsements and applications must be screened 
closely to ensure that only technically and professionally qualified 
Marines are submitted for consideration.
    a.  Submit appropriate Marine Corps Total Force System (MCTFS) 
screens for Service Record Book (SRB) pages that have been replaced 
per reference (c) by MCTFS.  Marines must ensure SRB pages which 
have been removed and replaced by MCTFS are updated, and these pages 
must be made part of their application.  Due to operational 
necessity, all Marines are required to provide their full Social 
Security Number (SSN) and other Personally Identifiable Information 
(PII) on the data sheet only.  PII is required to track, identify 
and evaluate applicants throughout the application process. 
    b.  Reference (d) covers the Marine Corps tattoo policy.  
All Marines will complete 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:(slash)(slash)www.mcrc.marines.mil
/Marine-Officer/Officer-Naval-Enlisted-Applicants. Marines and 
certifying commissioned officers are required to fill out the entire 
form except the re-verification portion.  Commands must ensure that 
color photos are included and forwarded with the application.  
Marines 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, Marines must submit full length 
photos in Physical Training (PT) gear (green shorts-green t-shirt) 
from the left, right, front and back.  For body markings located in 
private areas, Marines will submit a drawing and a written 
description detailing the criteria cited by this paragraph in lieu 
of a photograph.  Private areas are 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 Marines' 
OMPFs, nor will the photos be seen by the board. All 
photos/drawings are used for tattoo waiver and review purposes only.
    c.  Per reference (c), Unit Punishment Book (UPB) entries are 
only filed in the SRB if applicable.  For those Marines 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 non-judicial punishment or other disciplinary action." 
    d.  Marines must possess unquestionable character and exercise 
sound judgment at all times. Accordingly, applicants must disclose 
all instances of disciplinary and/or investigative actions taken 
against the Marine, regardless of the outcome. This includes but is 
not limited to: court martial proceedings, civilian court 
proceedings, administrative separation processing, non-judicial
punishment, command investigations, Prohibited Activities and 
Conduct investigations, and any other investigation conducted by a 
government agency. This includes court proceedings of any kind 
resulting in an acquittal, a dismissal, or a deferred prosecution; 
and any investigation or proceeding in which the basis is unfounded 
or unsubstantiated. Marines reporting such instances must provide a 
detailed statement with any associated documentation explaining the 
circumstances of the matter and the disposition.     
    e.  Per reference (e), Marines are required to have a current 
Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test (PFT) on file.  The PFT induction 
standard for The Basic School (TBS) is a first class PFT defined in 
reference (e).  Per reference (f), all Marines are required to 
adhere to Marine Corps body composition and military appearance 
standards.
    f.  Marines must submit a 100 - 500-word essay that must 
address the following subjects:
        1.  What is the most compelling reason I desire to become a 
CWO2 Marine Gunner in the Marine Corps.
        2.  What I feel my duties will entail on a daily basis.
        3.  How I intend to make the transformation to a CWO2.  
    g.  Pre-commissioning physical examination documents must be 
submitted per chapter 15 of reference (g).  Reference (g) can be 
accessed via the following website: https:(slash)(slash)www.med.
navy.mil/directives/pages/navmedp-mandmed.aspx.  See paragraph 15 
of this MARADMIN for additional information regarding submission of 
medical documents. 
9.  Qualifications.  In addition to the requirements contained in 
references (a) and (b), Marines must meet the basic reenlistment 
prerequisites per reference (h). Applying to the Marine Gunner 
selection board does not justify an extension of an End of Active 
Service (EAS) date or a reenlistment as the sole basis.  If a 
Marine will EAS prior to the commissioning date on or about 1 
February 2026, the Marine will need to coordinate with their 
respective career planners and COs for guidance.
10.  Per reference (a), no age restriction is established.  Marines 
must meet service eligibility requirements established by reference 
(a).  Marines must have at least one year time in grade at GySgt and 
not more than 23 years of service by the convening date of the board.  
Use the convening date of the board when computing the amount of 
active naval service, 8 July 2025. Active duty in the U.S. Army or 
U.S. Air Force is not creditable as naval service.  
11.  Per reference (a), Marines 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.  Marines 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 the 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 an 
official score of record for all Marines.   
12.  Those Marines whose test scores do not satisfy the minimum 
requirements are encouraged to retest immediately to ensure scores 
are posted 30 days prior to the board convening date, 8 July 2025.  
Marines will not be allowed to retest without first obtaining 
written authorization from their commands at the battalion/squadron 
level via the command authorization letter found within reference 
(i).  These requests may be signed "by direction" from the unit 
Career Retention Specialists or any staff officers with "by 
direction" authority from the CO.  Marines are highly encouraged 
to follow the Command Authorization Letter template found within 
reference (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:(slash)(slash)
www.manpower.usmc.mil/webcenter/portal/MPA/Testing.  Marines 
should then schedule an Armed Forces Classification Test (AFCT) 
retest with the nearest base or installation Education Center or an 
authorized Marine Corps test site.  Marines are not authorized to 
take an AFCT retest at a Military Entrance Processing Station or 
Military Entrance Test Site.  Marines may only take the AFCT twice 
in a 12-month period.  In addition, Marines will not be retested 
earlier than six months following the most recent retest.  Marines 
who fill recruiter billets must follow special instructions which 
require approval from MPA.  This authority is not delegated.  
Recruiters can contact MCRC G-3 Enlisted Operations, Deputy Head, 
Enlisted Recruiting Comm: (703)432-9650 or contact MPA Test Control 
DSN 278-9368 or Comm: (703)784-9368.  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.  Marines may submit applications with a 
pending AFCT retest if they are using their GT scores to meet the 
aptitude test score requirements established by reference (a) 
provided the following conditions are met:  
    a.  In order for the applications to be accepted, commands must 
endorse applications with a projected date for testing availability 
and test results. 
    b.  To ensure test scores can be recorded and reflected in 
MCTFS, testing must be completed no later than 60 days prior to the 
convening of the selection board.  The convening date of the board 
is on or about 8 July 2025; therefore, testing must be completed 
by 9 May 2025.      
    c.  If a qualifying score is not reflected in MCTFS 30 days 
prior to the convening of the board, 8 July 2025, the application 
will be determined ineligible. Marines must provide a copy of 
their updated scores as soon as they receive them.
13.  Reference (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 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.
14.  Waivers.  Requests of waivers for eligibility requirements 
and exceptions to policy, except those established as non-waivable 
by law or those specified as non-waivable by this MARADMIN, may be 
considered on a case-by-case basis by the CG, MCRC.            
15.  Per references (c) and (j), each Marine is personally 
responsible for ensuring the accuracy and completeness of their 
OMPF and Master Brief Sheet (MBS).  If deficiencies such as missing 
fitness reports, date gaps or unreadable documents are present in 
the OMPF, Marines are personally responsible for correcting the 
problem officially with Manpower Management Records and Performance 
Branch (MMRP).  The deadline to submit OMPF related information is 
no later than 10 calendar days prior to the board convene date.  All 
emails submitted to MMRP-20 related to this Board must be indicated 
on subject line.  Ex: FY26 ENLISTED TO CWO2 Marine Gunner Selection 
Board.  Emails not including said information on subject line or 
submitted after said date may not be reviewed in time for said board.  
Marines are advised that the OMPF and MBS are distributed to the 
board room prior to the convening date.   
16.  Medical Qualifications.  A complete medical exam must be 
completed and submitted separately from the application.  Medical 
documents must include a Report of Medical Examination (DD Form 
2808), Report of Medical History (DD Form 2807-1), Annual 
Certification of Physical Condition or current Periodic Health 
Assessment (PHA) if applicable, and any supporting documentation as 
needed.  Physicals must have been completed within 24 months prior 
to anticipated date of appointment, 1 February 2026.  Marines 
currently deployed to 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 
September 2025.  Applicants must pay particular attention to the 
following items:   
    a.  Marks and scars must be listed.   
    b.  Dental class type 1 or 2, documented on the DD Form 2808 in 
block 43, and have block 83.a. signed by a dentist or submit a 
dental examination as a separate enclosure.  Dental records should 
be updated to reflect the most current dental examination. 
    c.  HIV results must be within 24 months of check-in to include 
date tested and roster number.     
    d.  Distance vision must be documented in block 61 of the DD 
Form 2808.  If vision does not correct to 20/20, a current manifest 
refraction and ophthalmology evaluation is required.  Applicants 
with a history of vision correction surgery must have all 
pre-operative and post-operative reports included with the medical 
documents.  
    e.  The results of an updated audiogram must be included in DD 
Form 2808 block 71.a. or as a separate enclosure.  If any of the 
results are outside the normal range, per reference (h), section 38, 
submit an Ear, Nose, Throat (ENT) or Audiology 
consultation/evaluation and interpretation. 
    f.  Female Marines over the age of 21 must have a current 
Papanicolaou (PAP) test within the past 36 months.  The pathology 
report from the most recent test must be submitted.       
    g.  Ensure all "Yes" answers on DD Form 2807-1 are explained by 
the physician in block 29.  All pertinent medical clearance 
documents for each condition disclosed in the DD Form 2807-1 should 
be provided.
    h.  Ensure all answers on DD Form 2808 blocks 17-42 (excluding 
block 41 for males) are marked normal or abnormal.  "NE" is not an 
acceptable answer. 
17.  Medical documents 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 Marine Gunner selectees to contact MCRC to 
ensure that medical requirements are met for commissioning.  Select 
grade to Marine Gunner will not be reflected in MCTFS until 
selectees have met all medical requirements to accept commission.  
Orders to the WOBC will not be initiated until selectees are 
determined to be medically qualified by Bureau of Medicine and 
Surgery via MCRC. 
18.  Ensure proper filing of separate correspondence addressed to 
the president of the board for inclusion with an application, 
include the Marines' names, EDIPI numbers, and MOS choices.  
Letters of recommendation from officers outside the normal COC who 
have knowledge of the Marines' leadership qualities and their 
potential for appointment may be submitted electronically to 
warrantofficerboard@marines.usmc.mil up until 30 June 2025 in order 
to be considered.  Correspondence arriving after this date will not 
be seen by the board.     
19.  Selection results are considered confidential and will not be 
released under any circumstances until approved by the Commandant of 
the Marine Corps (CMC).  Once CMC has approved the select list, 
results will be published by a MARADMIN message.  Selectees are 
scheduled to be commissioned on or about 1 February 2026.  The 
selectees will attend the WOBC.  By separate orders, selectees will 
be ordered to report to the CG, Training and Education Command, to 
attend the WOBC at TBS in January 2026. 
20.  Selectees from the FY26 Enlisted to CWO2 Marine Gunner selection 
board are tentatively scheduled for commissioning on 1 February 2026.  
Those selected to Marine Gunner will be appointed by commission, by 
the President, to the grade of CWO2, designated Marine Gunner, and 
authorized to wear the bursting bomb insignia.  
21.  Lineal control numbers will be determined by the class standing 
upon completion of the WOBC. 
22.  Per Title 10, U.S. Code, Section 1165, CMC may recommend 
termination of any permanent regular warrant officer at any time 
within 3 years after the date when the officer accepted 
commissioning as a CWO2.  Accordingly, the CO, TBS or any required 
MOS follow-on school shall request that CMC terminate the commission 
of a warrant officer who fails the WOBC or any required MOS follow-on 
school.  
23.  Selection results are considered confidential and cannot be 
released under any circumstances until approved by the CMC. Results 
will be published via MARADMIN immediately upon CMC approval.  
Selection results will not be released telephonically or via email.   
24.  Recurring application discrepancies noted on past selection 
boards include: 
    a.  Senior endorsers neglecting to make definitive 
recommendations regarding a Marine's application
    b.  Marines applying for an MOS for which they are not qualified
    c.  COC neglecting to vet Marines for MOS qualification
    d.  Gaps in fitness reports
    e.  Missing statements supporting NJPs and page 11 entries 
(i.e. fraternization statement)
    f.  Incomplete statements regarding initiation, completion, or 
type of security investigation/clearance
    g.  Missing current physical fitness or combat fitness test 
score 
    h.  Missing proof or verification of citizenship (if Basic 
Individual Record reflects Alien)
    i.  Letters of recommendation neglecting to address the 
Marines' experience in the MOS for which they are applying
    j.  Missing documents from the OMPF:
        1.  Fitness reports
        2.  Award citation write-ups 
        3.  Any information not documented in the OMPF  
25.  COs should notify MCRC ON-E in writing, of any changes 
affecting enlistment status or disciplinary action which occur after 
submission of an application. 
26.  This MARADMIN is not applicable to the Marine Corps Reserve. 
27.  This MARADMIN is cancelled 28 February 2026. 
28.  The point of contact (POC) for the MARADMIN is Mr. Brent 
Reidenbach.  Please refer to the POC information at the beginning of 
this MARADMIN for telephone number or email 
brent.reidenbach@marines.usmc.mil. 
29.  Release authorized by Major General William J. Bowers, 
Commanding General, Marine Corps Recruiting Command.//