The Marine Corps has announced the CY2026 Gunner Henry L. Hulbert Trophy for Outstanding Leadership selection board. This is an annual award honoring the top Marine Gunner in the force. Nominations are being solicited from across the total force now, with a board convening in early March 2027 to make recommendations to the Commandant.
Bottom line: If you know a standout MOS 0306 Marine Gunner, their chain of command needs to submit a nomination package by 19 February 2027.
Who it affects
This award is narrow. Eligible nominees must meet all of the following:
- MOS 0306 (Infantry Weapons Officer, Marine Gunner)
- Serving as a CWO2 or CWO3 in a Marine Gunner billet during January through December 2026, in either the active or reserve component
- CWO4s and CWO4 selectees are eligible only if the qualifying actions occurred while serving as a CWO3 during the eligibility period. Only those actions will be considered.
- Not a previous recipient of the award
- Previously nominated but non-selected Gunners can be re-nominated if they still meet criteria
- Posthumous nominations are permitted
Nominations come from commands, not individuals. MARFORCOM, MARFORPAC, MARFORRES, MARFORSOC, TECOM, and MCICOM each submit one nomination. MARFORCOM may also consider the Infantry Weapons Officer at Marine Corps Security Forces Regiment when determining their nominee.
What you need to do
If you are a commander or staff officer with a qualifying Marine Gunner, build and submit a nomination package through your chain. If you are a reservist who knows a qualifying Gunner, raise it with their command.
Nomination packages must include:
- An official photograph of the nominee taken within 12 months of the board convening date (early March 2027)
- Biographical information
- A summary of performance during the January through December 2026 eligibility period
Submit packages as a PDF. The entire package must be legible after scanning. Email submissions go to all POCs listed in the MARADMIN simultaneously. Deployed Marines' packages route through their deployed chain of command.
For questions or to submit, contact the POCs listed in MARADMIN 526/26:
- E.A. Benson (CIV):
eugene.a.benson@usmc.mil/ (703) 692-4303 - N.D. Whitefield (COL):
nickolas.whitefield@usmc.mil/ (703) 614-4183 - R.L. Browne (CWO5):
raymond.browne@usmc.mil/ (703) 614-8497 - R.W. Viehmeyer (LTCOL):
robert.viehmeyer@usmc.mil/ (703) 614-4510 - A.L. Darnell (MGySgt):
andy.darnell@usmc.mil/ (703) 614-3432 - K.M. Brown (MSgt):
kevin.m.brown@usmc.mil/ (703) 697-0224
Key dates
- Eligibility period: 1 January through 31 December 2026
- Nomination package due to DC, PP&O: 19 February 2027
- Selection board convenes: Early March 2027
The official version
MARADMIN 526/26 is the source. The governing order is MCO 1650.60, Marine Corps Ground Awards Program.
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.