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 LtCol 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.

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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.

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Old System

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

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Current Program

• Reference: MCO 1300.64A 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

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Commands in the CSP

• Approved by CMC • Formal process to include more commands • Review currently being staffed • Command Equivalents

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Commands Available

• Annual validation by MarFors/MCCDC • Attempts to ensure equitable distribution of specific types of commands • Length of tour determined by CGs • Varies annually (MSGs/RTRs/Schools)

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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

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Board

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

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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

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Opportunity for Selection

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

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Eligibility

• LtCols/sels 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

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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” *

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Issues to consider

• Seniority • Commands available • Competition • Personal/Family Situation • Current Assignment

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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!

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Examples of Stringing

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

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Examples of Stringing

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

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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

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Declinations

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

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Alternates

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

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Fleet Ups

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

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CSP Schedule

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

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FY 09 Schedule

• Command Review – Spring 08 • Questionnaire – May 08 • Boards Col 14 Jul 08 LtCol 8 Jul 08 • Results – August 08 • First Change of Command – NET 1 June 09

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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

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More Information

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WWW.MANPOWER.USMC

– Active duty Marine – MM – MMOA – MMOA-3 – Command Screening Program

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QUESTIONS?

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