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:  [email protected]// 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 [email protected].       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: [email protected].   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  [email protected] 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  [email protected].  29.  Release authorized by Major General William J. Bowers,  Commanding General, Marine Corps Recruiting Command.//