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FY27 Marine Gunner Board: What Active Duty Infantry SNCOs Need to Know

MARADMIN 077/26·March 2, 2026·2 min read·Official source
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The Marine Corps has opened applications for the FY27 Enlisted to CWO2 Marine Gunner Selection Board. The board is aimed at infantry SNCOs with deep weapons and marksmanship expertise. If selected, Marines commission as CWO2 and attend the Warrant Officer Basic Course (WOBC) followed by the Infantry Weapons Officer Course.

Heads up: Paragraph 25 states this MARADMIN is not applicable to the Marine Corps Reserve. Reserve Marines do not apply.

Who it affects

This board is for active duty infantry SNCOs in the grade of Gunnery Sergeant or above, with a primary MOS of 0321, 0363, 0369, or 0372. E-8s and E-9s holding MOS 8999 may apply only if they previously held one of those four MOSs or otherwise meet the prerequisites in NAVMC 1200.1J. Reserve Marines are explicitly excluded.

What you need to do

If you are an active duty infantry SNCO who meets the MOS and grade requirements, here is what to do:

  1. Contact the 0306 Occupational Field Manager, CWO5 Jeremy Barone, at (703) 614-8497 or jeremy.barone@usmc.mil to confirm your qualifications before applying.
  2. Contact your primary MOS monitor before formally submitting.
  3. Build your application package per MCO 1040.42B, including the tattoo screening form, PFT/CFT scores, medical screening, and all required SRB/OMPF documents.
  4. Obtain CO endorsements at every level of your chain of command up to the first general officer.
  5. Submit your complete application via DoD Secure Access File Exchange (SAFE) at https://safe.apps.mil/ to warrantofficerboard@marines.usmc.mil before the deadline.

Common application killers from past boards: missing definitive endorsements, gaps in fitness reports, missing NJP/page 11 supporting statements, incomplete security clearance documentation, and letters of recommendation that do not address MOS-specific experience. Review paragraph 23 of the MARADMIN carefully before submitting.

Key dates

  • 2 June 2026: Application deadline
  • On or about 7 July 2026: Board convenes at HQMC (approximately three days)
  • 1 April 2027: Tentative commissioning date for selectees
  • 28 February 2027: This MARADMIN is cancelled

The official version

MARADMIN 077/26

Referenced orders include MCO 1040.42B (WO and LDO Accession Programs), NAVMC 1200.1J (MOS Manual), and MCO 6100.13A W/CH 4 (PFT/CFT). Contact the MCRC POC for technical application questions: Brent Reidenbach at (667) 893-0874 or brent.reidenbach@marines.usmc.mil.

This is written by a reservist, for reservists. It is not an official publication of HQMC or MARFORRES. Always verify guidance with your command or unit S-1 before acting on any article or summary.

Resources & references

The documents this bulletin points to, with a plain-English note on why each matters. Links marked CAC required need a government login.

  • Warrant Officer and LDO Accession Programs order (MCO 1040.42B)Reference

    This is the governing order for WO and LDO accession programs. The MARADMIN directs applicants to follow its guidelines when submitting a Marine Gunner application.

  • WO Accession Program Updates (MARADMIN 554/25)MARADMIN

    This MARADMIN from November 2025 announced updates to the WO accession program. Applicants should review it alongside the governing order to ensure they are working from current requirements.

  • Military Occupational Specialties Manual (NAVMC 1200.1J)Reference

    This manual defines MOS details and prerequisites. The MARADMIN references it for specific eligibility prerequisites and caveats for the Marine Gunner MOS 0306.

  • Marine Corps Individual Records Administration Manual / IRAM (MCO P1070.12K w/Ch 1)Reference

    This manual governs how individual Marine Corps records are maintained and administered. It is referenced here in the context of ensuring application and personnel records are in order.

  • Marine Corps Tattoo Policy (MCBUL 1020)Reference

    This bulletin establishes the Marine Corps tattoo policy. It is listed as a reference applicants must be aware of to confirm they meet appearance standards for board consideration.

  • Marine Corps Physical Fitness and Combat Fitness Tests (MCO 6100.13A w/Ch 4)Reference

    This order governs PFT and CFT standards. Applicants must meet current physical fitness requirements as part of eligibility for the selection board.

  • Marine Corps Body Composition and Military Appearance Program (MCO 6110.3A Ch 3)Reference

    This order sets body composition and military appearance standards. Applicants must comply with these standards to be eligible for board consideration.

  • Official Photographs Requirement Update for Non-Promotion Selection Boards (MARADMIN 582/25)MARADMIN

    This MARADMIN from December 2025 announced updated requirements for official photographs used in non-promotion selection boards. Applicants need to ensure their photo meets the current standard before submitting.

  • Manual of the Medical Department, Chapter 15 (NAVMED P117)Reference

    This Department of the Navy medical manual, specifically Chapter 15, governs medical standards relevant to accession programs. It is referenced to establish medical eligibility requirements for applicants.

  • Enlisted Retention and Career Development Program (MCO 1040.31)Reference

    This order covers enlisted retention and career development policies. It is referenced in the context of the application and accession process for enlisted Marines seeking a commission.

  • Classification Testing order (MCO 1230.5C)Reference

    This order governs classification testing requirements. It is referenced as part of the eligibility and application requirements applicants must satisfy for the selection board.

  • Performance Evaluation System / PES (MCO 1610.7A)Reference

    This order governs how Marine fitness reports and performance evaluations are prepared. It is relevant to ensuring the applicant's evaluation record submitted to the board is complete and correct.

  • DoD SAFE (Secure Access File Exchange)

    DoD SAFE is a secure file transfer system that lets you send and receive large files using either your CAC or as a guest without a CAC. You might use it to share documents that are too large for email, such as training records or administrative files.

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