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FY27 Marine Gunner (CWO2) Selection Board Open for Applications

MARADMIN 077/26·March 2, 2026·2 min read·Official source
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The Marine Corps has announced the FY27 selection board for enlisted Marines seeking appointment to CWO2 as a Marine Gunner (MOS 0306). The board convenes at HQMC on or about 7 July 2026. Applications are due by 2 June 2026. This is a highly competitive, specialized track for senior infantry SNCOs with deep weapons and marksmanship expertise.

Bottom line: Applications for the FY27 Marine Gunner board are due 2 June 2026, and you need a full chain-of-command endorsement up to the first general officer before you submit.

Who it affects

This board is open only to active and reserve infantry SNCOs in the grade of gunnery sergeant or above with a primary MOS of 0321, 0363, 0369, or 0372. E-8 and E-9 Marines currently in MOS 8999 may also apply if they previously held one of those four MOSs or meet the prerequisites in NAVMC 1200.1J.

This is not a general warrant officer board. If you are not a senior infantry SNCO in one of those MOSs, this board is not for you.

What you need to do

If you believe you qualify:

  1. Contact the 0306 Occupational Field Manager, CWO5 Jeremy Barone, before you formally apply. Phone: (703) 614-8497 / DSN prefix 278. Email: jeremy.barone@usmc.mil
  2. Build your complete application per MCO 1040.42B and this MARADMIN.
  3. Obtain CO endorsements at every level of your chain of command up through the first general officer.
  4. Complete the Tattoo Screening Form (TSF) and Statement of Understanding (SOU). Include required color photos per the instructions in your application package.
  5. If you have no UPB on record, include a signed statement in your application that reads: "No UPB is provided due to no record of non-judicial punishment or other disciplinary action."
  6. Submit your complete package via DoD SAFE at https://safe.apps.mil/ to: warrantofficerboard@marines.usmc.mil

A few hard rules: Applications missing any chain-of-command endorsement will not be seen by the board. If your senior endorser marks you "not recommended," your application is pulled before it reaches the board. Disclose all disciplinary and investigative actions in your history, regardless of outcome, including acquittals and unfounded findings. The board will not grant waivers except to the exceptionally qualified.

After selection, Marine Gunners attend the Warrant Officer Basic Course (WOBC) followed by the Infantry Weapons Officer Course. Expect PCS orders upon graduation and significant time deployed. This is an operating forces billet.

Key dates

  • 2 June 2026: Application submission deadline
  • On or about 7 July 2026: FY27 Marine Gunner Selection Board convenes (approximately three days)

The official version

This is MARADMIN 077/26. The primary governing order is MCO 1040.42B (Warrant Officer and LDO Accession Programs). MOS prerequisites are in NAVMC 1200.1J. For application questions, contact MCRC POC GySgt Brent Reidenbach at brent.reidenbach@marines.usmc.mil or (667) 893-0874.

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 primary governing order for the WO and LDO accession programs. This MARADMIN directs applicants to follow its guidelines when preparing and submitting their Marine Gunner applications.

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

    This MARADMIN announced updates to the WO accession program in November 2025. Applicants should review it alongside the governing order to ensure they understand any recent changes to requirements.

  • Military Occupational Specialties Manual (NAVMC 1200.1J)Reference

    This manual defines MOS structure and prerequisites. This 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. Proper records are essential to a complete and valid board application.

  • Marine Corps Tattoo Policy (MCBUL 1020)Reference

    This bulletin establishes the Marine Corps tattoo policy. Applicants must meet its standards as part of the eligibility requirements for the selection board.

  • Marine Corps PFT/CFT order (MCO 6100.13A w/Ch 4)Reference

    This order governs Marine Corps Physical Fitness and Combat Fitness Test standards. Meeting PFT/CFT requirements is part of the eligibility criteria for the Marine Gunner 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 be in compliance with these standards to be eligible for board consideration.

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

    This MARADMIN announced updated requirements for official photographs submitted to non-promotion selection boards. Applicants need to ensure their photo meets these updated standards.

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

    This Department of the Navy medical manual chapter covers medical standards relevant to accession programs. It is referenced as part of the eligibility requirements for the Marine Gunner board.

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

    This order governs enlisted retention and career development. It is referenced as applicable guidance in the context of this enlisted-to-warrant-officer accession board.

  • Classification Testing order (MCO 1230.5C)Reference

    This order covers Marine Corps classification testing requirements. It is part of the eligibility framework applicants must satisfy for the Marine Gunner selection board.

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

    This order governs how Marines are evaluated and how fitness reports are prepared. Board members will review applicants' performance records under this system.

  • DoD Secure Access File Exchange (DoD SAFE)

    DoD SAFE is a secure file-sharing system that lets you send and receive large files that are too big for standard military email. You can log in with your CAC or as a guest to transfer files within the DoD network.

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