Select for ---> CURRENT LDO/CWO RECRUITING BRIEF 

Select for ---> CURRENT LDO AND CWO DESIGNATORS​

Select for ---> LDO AND CWO IN-SERVICE PROCUREMENT BOARD (for Application Template, Eligibility Checklist, Interviewer's Form, Discrete Requirements, and more)

Select for ---> CHANGE TO CYBER WARRANT (784X) REQUIREMENTS

Select for ---> FY-24 AC DISCRETE REQUIREMENTS​

Select for ---> CPO EXAM FOR LDO PURPOSES ELIGIBILITY

Select for ---> How to ENCRYPT EMAILS for Application Submission

Select for ---> TSC GREAT LAKES LDO/CWO/WO1 ENLISTED TO OFFICER CONVERSION PROCESS Upon selection, share this with your CCPA to ensure a smooth transition.

Info for -----> AIR VEHICLE PILOT (AVP) (737X)  
                      This is not the Navy's traditional CWO program. This program will target civilians and enlisted sailors who meet Program
                      Authorization 106A requirements. Commander Navy Recruiting Command (CNRC)​ is in charge of taking applications.
                      Selection will be via OCS application criteria as outlined in OPNAVINST 1420.1B CH. 4 and will utilize OPNAV 1420/1. 
                      AVP Program Authorization (PA-106A) **AS OF APRIL 2023**             737X FACT SHEET **AS OF NOVEMBER 2023**
                      AVP Physical Standards Class IV (Pages 15-18)                                  OCS Waiver Memo Template
                      NEXT BOARD: Next AVP Board is tentatively scheduled for AUGUST 2024. Packages are due to Commander Navy Recruiting Command by late July 2024.
                      (Exact Dates will be promulgated at a later date)
                      
ACTIVE DUTY LDO/CWO APPLICATION PROCESS
     (Reservists interested in the Reserve LDO/CWO program, see NAVADMIN (Reserve) 115/23 and OPNAVINST 1120.12A as the process is different.)

FY-25 SAMPLE COMMAND PROGRAM NOTICE FY-25 SAMPLE LIMITED DUTY OFFICER (LDO) AND CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER (CWO) APPLICATION PROCESS

FY-25 LDO_CWO TIS Waiver Template

Read OPNAVINST 1420.1B and NAVADMIN 111/23.  Go over them carefully during your application process, making note of sections applicable to you as an individual candidate.  These are your source documents for submitting an application, only language or policy promulgated by a more current NAVADMIN message for the current application cycle will override what is written in this directive.  The application is your resume to the board demonstrating your potential for selection as a Naval Officer.  The format is standardized as selection board members must sort through hundreds of them, and it is easier if they are all alike.  Think of your package as one of many applications for the same great job -- you have to beat out the competition.  You won't get extra points for excess.  Do not include information that is already in your service record unless required by OPNAVINST 1420.1B or NAVADMIN 111/23. 

There are no "required" or "right" correspondence courses.  A good blend of technical/non-technical courses will help, especially if done over a number of years and not just since you decided to apply.  Consider taking enlisted rating courses of the other source ratings that are also in the normal path of advancement for the designator for which you are applying.  Candidates may submit commendatory correspondence after submission of the application until 15 December of the year in which the board is scheduled to convene.

Know who your Command Coordinator is...  He or she is your primary point of contact for all questions you might have.  Additionally, your Command Coordinator will select the interview appraisal board members and help schedule the applicants’ board.  You are not allowed to “shop” for your own appraisal board members – it will be a controlled process led by your Command Coordinator.

Finally, seek out a Mustang mentor who you can consult with.  An LDO or CWO in your desired designator can assist and ensure your application is ready for submission.  Listen to what they say -- they've been there.  Make sure your Command Coordinator is part of any dialogue when you have discussions that pertain to your package or questions you might have about the application process.

LDO/CWO APPLICATION DEADLINE IS 1 OCTOBER 2023

THE INTERVIEW BOARD

The interview board helps the Commanding Officer (CO) evaluate the candidate's potential as a career officer.  The CO's recommendation should be consistent with the board's comments or an explanation should be provided.  OPNAVINST 1420.1B and NAVADMIN 111/23 are very specific in addressing the board's purpose and composition.  Designator and rank of the interviewer must be entered in the lower right hand block of the Interviewer Appraisal Sheet (NAVCRUIT 1131/5).

Interviewers need to ensure they mark and annotate the "POTENTIAL" and “TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE” blocks on the interview form.  That section applies to LDO/CWO candidates and must be completed.

The OCM's encourage interview board members provide applicants with verbal feedback at the conclusion of the interview then provide the completed interview form to command sponsors for routing with the completed application.

Applications from all qualified applicants shall be forwarded to CHNAVPERS (Pers-803) unless the person is specifically not recommended by their commanding officer.

Commands shall provide applicants with a copy of their entire completed application to include all enclosures after submission.

CO's ENDORSEMENT

The CO's Recommendation is critical.  It must be specific as to why an applicant is better than his/her competition -- hard to do if not true.  Weak praise may hurt the candidate.  If the CO does not recommend a candidate for commissioning, the application should not be forwarded by the command.

An applicant must be recommended by the CO to be eligible for consideration.  If the applicant is applying for two designators, the CO's recommendation must address qualifications for both as outlined in the respective discrete requirements for those designators.  If the candidate is not professionally competitive, he/she should be advised on ways to improve.

Recommendation must be personally signed by the CO, not "By direction".  The CO's recommendation verifies the accuracy of the applicant's statements, as well as all enclosures.

CO's endorsement must contain the following statement.  "Applicant meets all requirements outlined in OPNAVINST 1420.1B, NAVADMIN 111/23, the physical fitness standards of OPNAVINST 6110.1K, and is world-wide assignable."

IN-SERVICE PROCUREMENT BOARD

LDOs and CWOs are selected for appointment by In-Service Procurement Selection Boards.  A new board is convened each fiscal year, usually in January, for approximately three weeks.  The results are normally released to the fleet via NAVADMIN message around February.   Selectees are commissioned monthly, beginning 1 October of the FY selected for.  Details are included in the message.

In addition to senior LDOs, board membership includes officers of the line and various staff corps to allow the senior member of the board to establish internal panels with a good knowledge of the requirements of each occupational specialty.  Each member of the board is sworn to select the best qualified candidates without prejudice or partiality.

In-service boards consider applicants for appointment in the designator (s) they have requested.  If a candidate requests consideration in more than one designator (the maximum that can be requested is two), the board recommends the individual for appointment only in the designator for which he or she is considered best qualified.

The board recommends candidates for appointment in numbers not to exceed the quotas furnished by the Chief of Naval Personnel.  However, the board is not obligated to select to the numbers provided if, in its opinion, sufficient numbers of applicants are not qualified for appointment in a particular designator.

ELIGIBILITY - GETTING STARTED

Again, you must read and be familiar with OPNAVINST 1420.1B (and NAVADMIN 111/23).  Go over it carefully before starting your application, making note of sections applicable to you as an individual candidate.

Review the current NAVADMIN message, updated annually which identifies this year's specific requirements.

Check your Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) for completeness.  Look for missing/misfiled evaluations, qualifications, awards, etc. Make corrections as soon as possible.

Review your OMPF to ensure it is also current.

First Class Petty Officers who wish to apply for LDO must have taken the CPO exam in January of the year the application is due to NPC and be selection board eligible.  The current year exam "profile sheet" must accompany the application.

All inquiries concerning the application, including verification of its receipt, should be directed to PERS-803.

TIME IN SERVICE ELIGIBILITY

Time in Service (TIS) Eligibility is calculated as of 1 October for the year you are applying (ie...if applying for FY25, then 1 October 2024 is the year for which you are applying). TIS Waivers will only be considered in accordance with NAVADMIN 111/23, using the FY-25 LDO_CWO Waiver Template. 

For Active Duty:
Time in Service Waivers will be considered for up to (but no more than) 180 days beyond maximum allowed active naval service:
14 years for LDO, 20 years for CWO2, and 22 years for CWO3.   (No further exceptions will be entertained.)

Time In Service eligibility computed to 1 October 2024.
8-14 yrs for LDO ENS (Non-NUC applicants)          1 October 2010 – 1 October 2016
8-15 yrs for LDO ENS (629X & 651X only)             1 October 2009 – 1 October 2016
8-16 yrs for LDO ENS (NUC applicants)                 1 October 2008 – 1 October 2016
14-20 yrs for CWO2 (E7/E8 applicants)                 1 October 2004 – 1 October 2010
14–22 yrs for CWO3 (E9 applicants)                     1 October 2002 – 1 October 2010
6-14 yrs only for 784X WO1 (E5 & above)             1 October 2010 – 1 October 2018

TIS WAIVER DEADLINE IS 15 JULY  (Late submissions will NOT be considered.)

Time in Service Waivers will NOT be considered for LESS than the minimum number of years for eligibility (748X WO1 - 6 years) (LDOs - 8 years) (CWO - 14 years).
Time in Service Waivers will NOT be considered for off-ramp LDO designators (629X and 651X), or Nuclear Power LDO (620X) or Cyber WO1 (784X).

APPLICATION SUBMISSION

Preferred method of submission of applications and addendums are outlined in NAVADMIN 111/23. Emailed applications must be received no later than (NLT) 1 October in the year you are applying. Routine addendums to applications, including evaluations and awards, must be received no later than 15 December in that same year.

DoD SAFE and ESSBD via BOL are NOT supported or authorized means to submit Applications or Addendums.

GENERAL ELIGIBILITY

Eligibility Requirements common to both Active Duty and Inactive Duty LDO and CWO Programs

    a.  Service requirement:

         (1) Active duty applicants must be serving on active duty at the time application is made, and if selected they must remain on active duty until the appointment is tendered.

         (2) Inactive duty applicants must have been serving in a drilling unit (pay or non-pay) of the Ready Reserve for at least 1 year at the time application is made, and if selected, they must remain in a drill status until the appointment is tendered.  Members who were serving under Regular Navy or TAR enlistment, and who enlist in the Ready Reserve with assignment to a drilling unit (pay or non-pay) within 90 days following release from active duty do not need to complete the prescribed 1-year time period in a drilling unit.

    b.  U.S. citizenship is required and cannot be waived.

    c.  Must be of good moral character and have no record of disciplinary action under Article 15, Uniform Code of Military Justice, no courts martial conviction or civilian felony conviction, or conviction by a civil court for misdemeanors (except minor traffic violations) in the past 3 years as of 1 October of the year application is made.  Any substantiated drug or alcohol abuse within the last 3 years as of 1 October of the year application is made will result in disqualification.

    d.  Must be a high school graduate or possess an equivalency certificate.

    e.  Must be physically qualified for appointment per the physical standards outlined in the Manual of the Medical Department, Chapter 15.

    f.  Must meet physical fitness standards of satisfactory-medium or higher per OPNAVINST 6110.1K at the time of application and appointment.

    g.  Must not exceed High Year Tenure (HYT) requirements outlined in NAVADMIN 111/23.

    h.  Personnel in LIMDU/HUMS (Active Duty) or Not Physically Qualified/Temporarily Not Physically Qualified (NPQ/TNPQ) Status (Inactive Duty).

        (1) Active duty personnel serving in Humanitarian/ Hardship (HUMS) or Limited Duty (LIMDU) assignments will not be permitted to accept their commission until the special situation is completely resolved.  In the event an individual is assigned to HUMS or LIMDU on the effective date of commissioning, the commanding officer will hold the appointment in abeyance and notify PERS-803 by message or official correspondence of the circumstances.  If the HUMS or LIMDU situation is not resolved within 60 days of commissioning date, the commanding officer will request further instructions from PERS-803.

       (2) Inactive duty personnel serving in Not Physically Qualified (NPQ) or Temporarily Not Physically Qualified (TNPQ) status will not be permitted to accept their commission until their status is completely resolved.  In the event an individual is assigned to NPQ or TNPQ status on the effective date of commissioning, the unit commanding officer will hold the appointment in abeyance and notify PERS-92 by message or official correspondence of the circumstances.  If the NPQ or TNPQ status is not resolved within 60 days of commissioning date, the unit commanding officer will request further instructions from PERS-91C.

    i.  Service with the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, and/or Coast Guard may be credited to meet the minimal service requirement when it can be clearly documented, by the applicant, that service in another branch provided the requisite training, knowledge, and expertise that directly relates to and parallels the needs and requirements of the naval service.  If applicable, comments regarding experience gained in another branch of service, to include relation of the experience with the Navy's needs and requirements, should be included in the applicant's application.  The commanding officer will attest to such qualifications in his/her endorsing statement.

    j.  Favorably recommended by their commanding officer.  (Inactive duty applicants must be favorably recommended by their unit commanding officer).

    k.  PIP or Ishihara Color Vision Test.  Defective color perception is disqualifying for appointment in the following designators:

LDO:

611X; 612X; 618X; 620X; 626X

629X; 636X; 639X; 648X

CWO:

711X; 712X; 715X; 717X

718X; 726X; 736X

LDO:

Enlisted eligibility requirements for the active duty and inactive duty LDO Program

In addition to the eligibility requirements listed on the eligibility page, LDO applicants must also meet the following requirements:

    a.  Be serving as a Petty Officer First Class (E-6) or Chief Petty Officer (E-7 through E-9).  An E-6 must have served in that capacity for at least 1 year as of 1 October of the year application is made.  Such service shall be computed from the time-in-rate (TIR) date for an E-6.  If broken service is involved, a PO1 must have served a total of at least 1 year as an E-6 as of 1 October of the year application is made.

    b.  E-6 applicants must complete all eligibility requirements for E-7 (except TIR and LTC) and must successfully compete in the annual Navy-wide examination for advancement to Chief Petty Officer, receiving a final multiple equal to, or greater than, the minimum final multiple for E-7 selection board eligibility.  Personnel accepted to the LDO program attend leadership training via the LDO/CWO Officer Academy.  Therefore Leadership Training Continuum is not required for E-6 taking the E-7 exam for the express purpose of applying for LDO.  E-6 applicants must forward a copy of their most current examination profile sheet with their application.  An E-6 is exempt from the requirements of this subparagraph when notification has been received by the commanding officer that the individual is a selectee for Chief Petty Officer or that advancement to Chief Petty Officer has been authorized.

    c.  Active duty Time-in-Service (TIS) and inactive duty Total Qualifying Federal Service (TQFS) requirements:

        (1) Active duty personnel must have completed at least 8, but not more than 14 years of active naval service (day-for-day) exclusive of Active Duty for Training (ADT) in the Naval, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard Reserve as of 1 October of the year application is made.

        (2) Inactive duty personnel must have completed at least 8, but not more than 14 years of total qualifying Federal service as of 1 October of the year application is made.  Total qualifying Federal service for the purpose of this instruction is defined in Title 10, U.S.C., Section 12732 as time served with a component of the naval service.  In computing the qualifying service eligibility requirement for Ready Reservists, constructive time cannot be credited.

CWO:
    
Enlisted eligibility requirements for the active duty and inactive duty CWO2-CWO3 Program:

    a.  Be a Chief Petty Officer (E-7 through E-9), including E-6 personnel, when notification has been received by the commanding officer that the individual is a selectee for Chief Petty Officer or that advancement to Chief Petty Officer has been authorized, and serving on active duty or as a member of the Ready Reserve in a drilling unit (pay or non-pay) for inactive duty applicants. 

    b.  Active Time in Service and inactive duty total qualifying Federal Service requirements:

        (1) Active duty E7 & E8 personnel must have completed at least 14, but not more than 20 years of active naval service (day-for-day) exclusive of Active Duty for Training (ADT) in the Naval, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard Reserve as of 1 October of the year application is made.  E9 personnel can apply up to 22 years of active naval service.

        (2) Inactive duty personnel must have completed at least 14, but not more than 20 years of total qualifying Federal service as of 1 October of the year application is made.  Total qualifying Federal service for the purpose of this instruction is defined in Title 10, U.S.C., Section 12732 as time served with a component of the naval service.  In computing the qualifying service eligibility requirement for Ready Reservists, constructive time cannot be credited.

        (3) Current Policy for Master Chief Petty Officers/E9:  Personnel advanced to pay grade E-9 as of the day the board convenes, will be appointed to CWO3. Chief Petty Officers, Senior Chief Petty Officers and "Frocked" Master Chief Petty Officers:  Active duty E-7 and E-8 are appointed to CWO2 regardless of TIR.

WO1:

For the 784X Cyber Warrant Program, applications will ONLY be accepted for WO1 from E-5 and above with 6-14 years (no waivers or exceptions). 
There are NO 784X accession quotas for CWO2 or CWO3.