Marine Corps Command Screening Process The Most Important

Marine Corps Command Screening Process “The Most Important Boards in the Marine Corps” National Naval Officers’ Association 9 January 2008

Purpose • Screen and slate officers for command at Lt. Col and Col levels. • Ensure that Marines receive the best possible leadership and provide all eligible officers with a fair and equitable opportunity to command. • Objective system that eliminates subjective bias from the process. 2

Four Tenets • Ensure Marines are being led by the “Best and Most Fully Qualified”. • Ensure officers are afforded an equal opportunity to compete for command. • Formalize command assignments. • Eliminate sponsorship/cronyism. 3

Old System • • Commanders chosen from within MSCs Individual Generals’ choices Perception of “Ol’ Boy Network” Little opportunity for smaller MOS’s 4

Current Program • • Reference: MCO 1300. 64 A dtd 23 Jun 04 Board selection process “Sponsored” by MMOA Selects list of officers equal to commands available • Selects list of alternates that will allow for an adequate number of officers to meet the command requirements 5

Commands in the CSP • Approved by CMC • Formal process to include more commands • Review currently being staffed • Command Equivalents 6

Commands Available • Annual validation by Mar. Fors/MCCDC • Attempts to ensure equitable distribution of specific types of commands • Length of tour determined by CGs • Varies annually (MSGs/RTRs/Schools) 7

Tour Lengths • Determined by CGs • Guidelines – – Operating Forces 18 -24 months Supporting Establishment 24 months Camp Fuji 12 months 36 months • • Recruiting Districts Air Stations DLA MCTSSA 8

Board • Members: Gens/Cols – Col Board 9 general officers – Lt. Col Board 3 general officers, 14 colonels • Backgrounds – Desired Mix • Nominated by Mar. Fors/MCCDC • Difficulties with membership 9

Board Mechanics • Non-statutory board but run like promotion boards – Exceptions • • No above/below zones Change rules Board can vary year to year Acceptance of material • OMPF/MBS • Full brief then vote • Vote determines command type 10

Opportunity for Selection • • 15 -18% selection rate Based on commands available Varies by year (schools) Varies by MOS 11

Eligibility • Lt. Cols/sels • No TOS except – Joint tours – Critical Acquisition – SEP • Ineligible – – Est sep/ret date Mandatory ret date Previous command at same grade Currently in command 12

Requests for Exclusion • Request before the board convenes – Email to monitor – No record/information passed to board – No letter to OMPF – “No harm, no foul” * 13

Issues to consider • • • Seniority Commands available Competition Personal/Family Situation Current Assignment 14

Stringing • Process by which commands are aligned and slated from specific MOS’s or MOS groupings. • Creates opportunity/equity amongst MOS populations competing for commands • MOS groupings – Size of population – Similar types – T/Os • Goal – All MOS’s have approximately same opportunity to command! 15

Examples of Stringing • 0180 s – Only one 0180 command – Opportunity each board for MSG/Recruit Battalion – Compete with 5802 s for 9910 commands • 0402/1302/3002 – Individual commands – MSSGs – 9910 commands 16

Examples of Stringing • 0302 s (alone) – MOS: infantry battalions, I-Is – 9910 s: varies annually • Pilots – High opportunity for command within MOS – Little to no opportunity for 9910 s 17

Board Prep • Questionnaire – Opportunity to list preferences – Other information board should know • Review record – OMPF up to date! – MBS and OMPF match • Photos • Determine commands available 18

Declinations • Remember: No harm, no foul before board • After selection – Letter in OMPF – Only one exception in memory • Deadline of Oct • Accepted throughout year 19

Alternates • • Specific number by MOS grouping Ranked by vote count Published by SSN Ranking not published 20

Fleet Ups • • Based on alternate rankings By MOS grouping/stringing Package compiled by MMOA Approval Chain 21

CSP Schedule • • • Board convenes July Released after review by CMC Refusal deadline – Oct Initial Fleet ups Updates throughout the year 22

FY 09 Schedule • Command Review – Spring 08 • Questionnaire – May 08 • Boards Col Lt. Col 14 Jul 08 8 Jul 08 • Results – August 08 • First Change of Command – NET 1 June 09 23

What to do before the Board • • Review/update OMPF and MBS Picture Determine commands available Determine whether or not you want to be screened • Complete questionnaire • Letter to board, if necessary 24

More Information • WWW. MANPOWER. USMC – Active duty Marine – MMOA-3 – Command Screening Program 25

QUESTIONS? 26