Limited Duty Officer
&
Chief Warrant Officer
Applicant Brief
17 & 21 March 2008
1
AGENDA
• Welcome and Introductions
• Background
• Eligibility
• Application
• Timeline
• References
• Points of Contact
• Guest Speakers/Q&A
2
LDO/CWO Program Overview
• We (are):
- Proven Leaders and Sustained Superior Performers
- Technical experts looking for new and rewarding challenges
- War Fighters who bring our experience to the wardroom
- Define Command policy rather than just execute
• I’m interested. Where’s the gouge?
OPNAV Instruction 1420.1A
- Use an LDO/CWO from the designator you are applying for on your board if
available
NAVADMIN XXX/08 (expect FY10 NAVADMIN to be released Apr/May
08).
WEBSITE with all the info:
- www.npc.navy.mil
- Click on “Selection Boards” and follow the LDO/CWO Link
3
LDO/CWO Program Overview
The Limited Duty Officer and Chief Warrant Officer
Programs provide our Navy with a vital form of experienced
leadership - Officer Technical Specialists and managers who
have extensive expertise and authority to direct the most
difficult and exacting technical operations in given
occupational areas at sea and ashore.
The role of the Limited Duty Officer is strikingly similar to
those of warrant officers. The differences in the formal
definitions of warrant officers and LDOs are subtle, focusing
on the degree of authority and responsibility as well as the
breadth of expertise required.
What is the difference between SCPOs /
MCPOs and LDOs/CWOs?
• Navy emphasizes the supervisory, leadership, and
training roles of senior NCOs within an enlisted
rating. At the highest grade, the NCO’s role may
extend to matters stretching across “the full Navy
rating spectrum.”
• The CWO is a technical leader and specialist who
“directs technical operations.”
• LDOs fill “leadership and management”
positions and, as they reach the higher ranks,
become “more the ‘officer’ and less the
‘technician.’”
Why become an LDO or CWO?
• Your chance to take charge and make a
difference!
• Opportunity to lead Sailors, Chiefs, other
Officers
• Challenging assignments
• Increased responsibility and authority
• Because you’re a highly qualified leader and
subject matter expert who possesses many highly
honed technical skills
LDO
• Provides a commissioning path for outstanding
E6-E9’s and CWO’s
• To perform in management positions requiring
strong technical backgrounds outside the normal
development pattern of Unrestricted Line Officers,
Restricted Line Officers or Staff Corps Officers.
• Has the opportunity to serve as a commanding
officer ashore, depending on the designator,
individual qualifications and billet
requirements.
7
LDO Eligibility
OPNAVINST 1420.1A
• U.S. citizen (legal requirement for all commissioned officers)
• High school graduate or GED
• Meet physical standards. Also, applicants must meet physical
fitness standards of satisfactory-medium or higher at the time of
application and appointment.
• Must be recommended by commanding officer
• No court martial or civilian conviction for other than minor
offenses or NJP for 3 years prior to 1 October of year applying
• At least 8, but not more than 16 years of active naval service prior
to 1 Oct of year of FY for which applying.
• No age restriction
• Serving as a MCPO, SCPO, CPO or PO1. PO1s must complete all
eligibility requirements for E-7 (except TIR and Leadership
Training Continuum) and must successfully compete in the annual
Navy-wide examination for advancement to CPO and receive a
minimum final multiple required for E-7 selection board eligibility.
LDO Designators
SURFACE
AVIATION
611X DECK
612X OPS
613X ENGR/REPAIR
615X SPEC WAR
616X ORDNANCE
618X ELECTRONICS
631X
632X
633X
636X
639X
SUBMARINE
GENERAL SERIES
621X DECK
623X ENG
626X ORD
628X ELECT
640X NUC PWR
641X ADMIN
642X IP
643X BAND
645X INTEL
646X OCEANO
647X PHOTO
648X EOD
644X IW
649X SEC
629X COMM
STAFF CORPS
651X SUPPLY
653X CIVIL ENGINEER CORPS
DECK
OPERATIONS
MAINTENANCE
ORDNANCE
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL
Possible LDO Actions/Mergers
•
Approved Designator Actions:
655X Legal LDO Disestablishment
611X Surface Deck / 621X Sub Deck
•
Possible merger of:
628X Sub Elec / 629X Sub Com
613X Surface Eng / 623X Sub Eng
616X Surface Ord / 618X Surface Elect
6330 Aviation Maint / 1520 Aviation Maint Duty Officer
NOTE: Due to rating mergers and the speed at which they are
occurring, eligible Sailors are encouraged to apply for the
designator they are most qualified, regardless of current rating.
10
CWO
• The “Chief’s commissioning program” for technically
qualified Chief Petty Officers E7 through E9.
• Qualified by extensive technical training, experience and
leadership in a specific occupational field.
• Will serve primarily as division officers and officers in
charge.
• E7/8 promote to CWO2. OCM is staffing possibility of
promoting E8s (with 1 year TIG) and E9 (regardless of
TIG) to CWO3.
11
CWO Eligibility
• Same requirements for LDO except:
• Complete at least 12 but not more than 24
years of active duty prior to 1 Oct of FY year
for which applying.
• CPO-select or above.
12
CWO Designators
SURFACE
SUBMARINE
711X
712X
713X
715X
716X
720X
721X
723X
726X
728X
BOATSWAIN
OPERATIONS
ENGINEER TECH
SPECIAL WARFARE
ORDNANCE
717X SW COMBATANT-CRAFT
CREWMAN
DIVER
BOATSWAIN
ENGINEER TECH
ORDNANCE TECH
ELECTRONICS TECH
GENERAL SERIES
740X NUCLEAR POWER
718X ELECTRONICS
741X ADMIN ASST
742X DATA PROCESSING/COMM
AVIATION
743X BANDMASTER
731X DECK
744X IW
732X OPERATIONS
734X MAINTENANCE
736X ORDNANCE
738X AVIONICS
745X INTEL
748X EOD TECH
749X PHYS SEC
STAFF CORPS
751X SUPPLY
752X FOOD SERVICE
753X CIVIL ENGINEER CORPS
Possible CWO Actions/Mergers
•
Approved Designator Actions:
711X Surface Deck / 721X Sub Deck
•
Possible merger of:
723X Sub Eng / 713X Surface Eng
718X Surface Elec / 716X Surface Ord.
14
LDO/CWO Preparation
• It’s never too early to start!
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Make your seniors aware of your personal goals
Develop a strong career path and “resume”
Diversify ... Sea duty, overseas, and shore tours
Go after and become the LPO, LCPO or CMC
Earn a warfare qualification(s)
Get a college degree
Get out of your comfort zone, take such assignments as Detailing,
Recruiting, Instructor
• Get involved with your command, take on key collateral duties - be
a Career Counselor, Drug/Alcohol Advisor, Command Assessment
Team
• All of these assignments are recognized by the board as
both challenging and demanding
15
Don’t get discouraged!
(It may take 2 or 3 times before you get
selected)
• Keep building your “resume”
• Selection is determined on a numerical process
• Points awarded for:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Applicant’s package and CO’s endorsement
Evaluations
Duty Assignments and Demonstration of Technical Knowledge
Leadership and Maturity
Training and Education (both military and civilian)
Awards and Qualifications
Command and Community Involvement
• There is a maximum number of points for each area. Your
evaluations earn you the most points, so strive to be ranked as
“Early Promote”
16
“The
7
CANDIDATE CHARACTERISTICS or
Habits of Highly Effective Sailors”
•
Sustained superior performance
•
Challenging and diversified assignments
•
Personal and professional education and development
•
Command and community involvement
•
Appearance and physical fitness
•
Leadership and maturity
•
Goal-oriented
17
Performance Evaluations
• What’s important:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Sustained superior performance
Demonstrated leadership
Technical Expertise
Personal accomplishments (quals, education)
Promotion Recommendation (EP w/peer ranking; LDO/CWO potential)
Complete formal education and correspondence/e-Learning courses
Get out of your comfort zone, take such assignments as Detailer, Recruiter,
Instructor
• Get involved. Actively support your command. Take on significant key
collateral duties – (Career Counselor, Drug/Alcohol Programs Advisor,
Command Assessment Team)
Performance Evaluations
• Evaluations should have data and metrics
(numbers):
•
•
•
•
•
•
How many
How fast
How far
How much
Impact
The eval has to explain to the reader why you’re “the best
Sailor/Chief on the waterfront!”
Don’t forget to...
• Review your record to ensure:
• Your awards, completion of college and military schools
are properly documented in your service record and
evaluations
• Prepare for the officer interview board
• Be prepared to answer varied questions about what
assignments you can expect as an officer, goals,
contributions, what tours you should pursue, promotion
opportunity, and retirement laws
• If you are a PO1, you must pass the CPO
exam.
Application
• DO NOT deviate from OPNAVINST 1420.1A
• Use the sample format
• Recommend you have your application reviewed by an
LDO/CWO in the Designator you are applying for
• You are responsible for your portion of the application, but
not your CO’s endorsement
• Applications must be postmarked not later than the date
specified in the annual LDO/CWO program announcement
NAVADMIN. (Typically, 1 October)
• Additional information must be postmarked not later than
the date specified in the annual LDO/CWO program
announcement NAVADMIN. (Typically, 1 December)
“I desire to become an LDO or CWO
because”
• Use your own words
• Skip the “flowery” words and speak from your
heart
• Remember, there will be members on the board
who are LDOs and CWOs and they know what
you should have done in terms of training,
assignments, qualifications, and performance
for the designator you are applying
• You are world-wide assignable and are ready to
tackle the tough jobs
FY-10 TIMELINE
 15 Apr 08: Special Request Chit to CO
 01 May 08: Application package to Admin
 01 Jun 08: Interviewer’s Appraisal Board
 01 Jul 08: CO’s endorsement prepared
 01 Oct 08: Package deadline
 XX Jan 09: FY-10 selection board convenes
 XX Feb 09: Results announced by NAVADMIN
23
Flying CWO Pilot program
• Navy is seeking applications from highly-qualified
and hard-charging Sailors (E5 through E7) to place
in cockpits as pilots and NFOs.
• NAVADMIN 020/08 DTG 250119Z Jan 08
• 5 Pilots and 3 NFO will selected by July 08 SelBd.
• Assigned to VP, VQ(P), VQ(T), HSC, HSL, and FRS
• Sample application with answers to FAQ available
at www.npc.navy.mil/officer/aviation/flying+cwo+program.htm.
•
•
•
•
Must be commissioned by age 27 (waivers avail)
Associate’s Degree or higher
Physically qualified for aviation duty
E5 through E7 are eligible
24
What’s the future?
• The LDO/CWO program is alive and well!
• Competition among applicants will remain keen.
• LDO/CWO applicants continue to make gains in advanced
education. Once commissioned, education will continue to
be emphasized. Don’t get left behind.
• Every newly commissioned LDO Ensign and CWO2 will
have the opportunity to earn selection to LDO Captain and
CWO5.
• The key to selection as an LDO or CWO and advancement
once you are here has never been a secret. Work hard, take
the tough assignments, and continue to improve yourself
both personally and professionally. Be better than your
competition!
• Advancement opportunities will remain healthy. Law
dictates that selection opportunities be “relatively similar”
25
over a five-year period.
Summary
- The competitive selection process that the LDO/CWO
community employs is a significant tool in the Navy’s
“Strategy for the People” and ensures we retain, select,
and promote our strongest performers.
- Selection to LDO or CWO is a benchmark in one’s
career and reflects the Navy’s value in sustained
superior performance, leadership, and integrity.
- Board packages reflect that commands support the
program by only sending the best and brightest for
consideration.
26
“We are now faced with the fact, my
friends, that tomorrow is today. We
are confronted with the fierce urgency
of now. In this unfolding conundrum of
life and history, there is such a
thing as being too late.
Procrastination is still the thief of
time.”
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
27
Boisselle’s Recommended Reading

About Face: The Odyssey of an American Warrior – COL David Hackworth, USA (Ret)

The Killer Angels – Michael Shaara

Quiet Strength: A Memoir – Tony Dungy

How to Win Friends and Influence People – Dale Carnegie

My American Journey – Gen. Colin Powell

Black Hawk Down: A Story of Modern War – Mark Bowden

Faith of My Fathers: A Family Memoir – John McCain

Once an Eagle – Anton Myrer

Leadership is an Art – Max De Pree

It’s Your Ship: Management Techniques from the Best Damn Ship in the Navy – D. Michael Abrashoff

Leadership – Rudolph W. Giuliani

John Paul Jones: Sailor, Hero, Father of the American Navy – Evan Thomas

On Becoming a Leader – Warren Bennis

1776 – David McCullough

The Gift of Valor: A War Story – Michael M. Phillips

The Difference Maker: Making Your Attitude Your Greatest Asset - John C. Maxwell

Read Navy Times, All Hands, and your local newspaper
28
Recommended Reading
• Navy Mustang: From Seaman to Officer, a Quarter Century in the
United States Navy
by Edgar E DeLong, Lt.Cmdr., U.S.N. (Retired)
29
FY-09 LDO/CWO (ACTIVE)
SELECTION BOARD CALL
OUT
CAPT JAMES R. OAKES
BOARD PRESIDENT
14 JAN 08 – 31 JAN 08
30
Board Composition
• 69 Board Members
–
1 Captain (LDO)
– 25 Commanders
– 29 Lieutenant Commanders
– 8 CWO5s
– 6 CWO4s
• 22 Assigned Recorders (2-LCDRs, 16 LTs, and 5 CWOs).
• Minority Membership (28% of total board membership)
–
8 Female Officers
– 12 Minority Officers
• Minority and female representation assigned to all 4 board panels (14-29
members assigned to each panel).
31
Board Precept Guidance
• Selection Standard: “Fully Qualified”: Demonstrated leadership,
professional/technical skill, integrity, and resourcefulness in other
difficult and challenging joint and in-service assignments.
• Selection Standard: “Best Qualified”: The following four items
guiding the recommendations and deliberations:
–
–
–
–
Proven and Sustained Performance.
Individual Augmentee (IA) Consideration.
Education/Personal and Professional Development.
Competency/Skill Information.
32
FY-09 Total Authorized Quotas and Selection
Authorized
Primaries
• Enlisted to ENS (LDO)
283
Authorized
Selected Alternates
283
59
Selected
57 (-2)
(14.6% Primary selection opportunity – 1945 designator applications)
• Enlisted to CWO
163
160 (-3)
32
29 (-3)
(10.3% Primary selection opportunity – 1556 designator applications)
• CWO to LTJG
0
0
0
0
(0% selection opportunity – 1 designator application)
33
FY-08 Total Authorized Quotas and Selection
Authorized
Primaries
• Enlisted to ENS (LDO)
287
Authorized
Selected Alternates
283 (-4)
Selected
99
96 (-3)
(16.2 Primary selection opportunity – 1742 designator applications)
• Enlisted to CWO
174
172 (-2)
82
78 (-4)
(10.6% Primary selection opportunity – 1610 designator applications)
• CWO to LTJG
6
5
0
0
(83% selection opportunity – 6 designator applications)
34
Reasons For Not Selecting
All Quotas
• The Board did not fill all quotas. Shortfalls are listed below:
• LDO
–
6152 (Special Warfare) Selected 4 of 4 Primary and 1 of 2 Alternates
(Note: Insufficient quality for 2nd Alternate)
– 6482 (EOD) Selected 3 of 3 Primary and 0 of 1 Alternate.
(Note: Only 3 Applicants)
• CWO
–
7171 (SW Combatant Crew) Selected 4 of 6 Primary and 0 of 2 Alternates.
(Note: Only 4 Applicants)
– 7481 (EOD Technician) Selected 1 of 2 Primary and 0 of 1 Alternate.
(Note: Only 1 Applicant)
35
Profile of Personnel Selected for LDO
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Age:
Sex:
Total Years of Active Service:
Average Years of Total Education Completed:
Warfare Qualified:
Average Number of Duty Stations:
Prior Recruiting/RTC/Instructor Tours:
Average Number of Sea/Overseas Tours Competed:
Average Number of Training Schools Completed:
Average Number of Correspondence Courses
Completed not related to advancement:
32
Male (91%)
12.2 Years
13.6 Years
92.2%
4.6
32.2%
2.5
6.8
11.9
36
Profile of Personnel Selected for CWO
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Age:
Sex:
Total Years of Active Service:
Average Years of Total Education Completed:
Warfare Qualified:
Average Number of Duty Stations:
Prior Recruiting/RTC/Instructor Tours:
Average Number of Sea/Overseas Tours Competed:
Average Number of Training Schools Completed:
Average Number of Correspondence Courses
Completed not related to advancement:
37
Male (99%)
17.5 Years
13.2 Years
100%
6
40.6%
3
8.6
10.2
37
Six Common Characteristics of FY-09 LDO/CWO
Selectees
• Sustained superior performance in all assignments…
consistent break-outs in fitness reports with top rankings.
• Good Sea/Shore/Overseas rotation for the specific rating
with an emphasis on increased responsibility and
leadership.
• Successfully served in challenging key leadership positions.
• Successfully demonstrated technical proficiency.
• Evidence of continued education, personal, and
professional development.
• Attainment of professional qualifications and experience
relating to the designator applied for.
38
Selection by Paygrade
Total
PO1
160
86
0
CPO
97
11
SCPO
MCPO
283
LDO
CWO
186
60
0
3
0
100
200
300
39
Guidance for applicants
for future boards
• Work to get the top spots on fitness reports/evaluations. Break-outs are
extremely important.
• Continue working on your education and professional qualifications.
• Get out of your comfort zone. Qualify as many watchstations as you can, do
correspondence courses on ratings and work centers other than your own. If
you are an instructor, get your Master Training Specialist (MTS).
• Go after billets in recruiting, instructor duty, recruit division command, etc.
• Board members focus on the strength of the evaluations, promotion rankings,
command endorsement, interview appraisal sheets, leadership traits and the
jobs you have held.
• Good mix of duty stations and jobs held is important. Warfare qualifications,
watchstations qualifications, awards, sustained superior performance in out of
rate assignments such as recruiting, instructor, etc., all earn major points.
40
Guidance for commands
for future boards
• Carefully review applicants for the LDO/CWO program before
forwarding/recommending applicants.
• Ensure applications are complete and accurate (ie., several applications
indicated that the member had no prior civil/legal involvement yet
documentation in the service record showed otherwise.
• Must Promote/Promotable transfer and frocking fitness
reports/evaluations are generally viewed negatively by board members.
• Ensure application highlights experience that make applicant
competitive/qualified for designators outside their traditional career
path.
• Carefully review the announcing NAVADMIN for administrative
guidance in reviewing/completing the applications.
41
References and POCs
• OPNAVINST 1420.1A (Chapt. 7)
• NAVADMIN XXX/08 (approx. May)
• Your Command Career Counselor and local Mustang Officers
• Points of contact:
–
On the Web:
http://www.npc.navy.mil/Officer/CommunityManagers/LDOCWOOCM/
–
LDO/CWO OCM – CAPT Wilkie (901)-874-3042;
david.wilkie@navy.mil
–
LT David Boisselle, U.S. Joint Forces Command;
david.boisselle@jfcom.mil or 836-7935
42