1. Limited Duty Officer & Chief Warrant Officer Applicant Brief 17 & 21 March 2008

2. AGENDA Background Eligibility Application Timeline References
Welcome and Introductions
Background
Eligibility
Application
Timeline
References
Points of Contact
Guest Speakers/Q&A

3. 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 A
- 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: -
- Click on “Selection Boards” and follow the LDO/CWO Link

4. 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.

5. 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.’” 20 20

6. 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 20 20

7. 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.

8. 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. 5 5

9. LDO Designators SUBMARINE GENERAL SERIES SURFACE AVIATION
611X DECK X DECK
612X OPS X OPERATIONS
613X ENGR/REPAIR X MAINTENANCE
615X SPEC WAR X ORDNANCE
616X ORDNANCE X AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL
618X ELECTRONICS
SUBMARINE GENERAL SERIES
621X DECK X COMM X NUC PWR 645X INTEL
623X ENG X ADMIN 646X OCEANO
626X ORD X IP 647X PHOTO
628X ELECT X BAND 648X EOD
STAFF CORPS 644X IW 649X SEC
651X SUPPLY
653X CIVIL ENGINEER CORPS 13 13

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. Same requirements for LDO except:
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.

13. CWO Designators SURFACE SUBMARINE 711X BOATSWAIN 720X DIVER
712X OPERATIONS 721X BOATSWAIN
713X ENGINEER TECH 723X ENGINEER TECH
715X SPECIAL WARFARE X ORDNANCE TECH
716X ORDNANCE X ELECTRONICS TECH
717X SW COMBATANT-CRAFT GENERAL SERIES
CREWMAN X NUCLEAR POWER
718X ELECTRONICS X ADMIN ASST
742X DATA PROCESSING/COMM
AVIATION X BANDMASTER
731X DECK X IW
732X OPERATIONS X INTEL
734X MAINTENANCE X EOD TECH
736X ORDNANCE X PHYS SEC
738X AVIONICS
STAFF CORPS
751X SUPPLY
752X FOOD SERVICE
753X CIVIL ENGINEER CORPS 13 13

14. 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.

15. 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

16. 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”

17. CANDIDATE CHARACTERISTICS or
“The 7 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

18. 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) 8 8

19. 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!” 8 8

20. 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. 10 10

21. 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) 11 11

22. “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 12 12

23. 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

24. 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/ DTG Z 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
Must be commissioned by age 27 (waivers avail)
Associate’s Degree or higher
Physically qualified for aviation duty
E5 through E7 are eligible

25. 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” over a five-year period.

26. 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.

27. “We are now faced with the fact, my friends, that tomorrow is today
“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.

28. 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

29. 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)

30. FY-09 LDO/CWO (ACTIVE) SELECTION BOARD CALL OUT
CAPT JAMES R. OAKES
BOARD PRESIDENT
14 JAN 08 – 31 JAN 08

31. Board Composition 1 Captain (LDO) 8 Female Officers 69 Board Members
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).

32. 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.

33. FY-09 Total Authorized Quotas and Selection
Authorized Authorized
Primaries Selected Alternates Selected
Enlisted to ENS (LDO) (-2)
(14.6% Primary selection opportunity – 1945 designator applications)
Enlisted to CWO (-3) (-3)
(10.3% Primary selection opportunity – 1556 designator applications)
CWO to LTJG
(0% selection opportunity – 1 designator application)

34. FY-08 Total Authorized Quotas and Selection
Authorized Authorized
Primaries Selected Alternates Selected
Enlisted to ENS (LDO) (-4) (-3)
(16.2 Primary selection opportunity – 1742 designator applications)
Enlisted to CWO (-2) (-4)
(10.6% Primary selection opportunity – 1610 designator applications)
CWO to LTJG
(83% selection opportunity – 6 designator applications)

35. 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)

36. Profile of Personnel Selected for LDO
Age:
Sex: Male (91%)
Total Years of Active Service: Years
Average Years of Total Education Completed: Years
Warfare Qualified: %
Average Number of Duty Stations:
Prior Recruiting/RTC/Instructor Tours: %
Average Number of Sea/Overseas Tours Competed: 2.5
Average Number of Training Schools Completed: 6.8
Average Number of Correspondence Courses
Completed not related to advancement:

37. Profile of Personnel Selected for CWO
Age:
Sex: Male (99%)
Total Years of Active Service: Years
Average Years of Total Education Completed: Years
Warfare Qualified: %
Average Number of Duty Stations: 6
Prior Recruiting/RTC/Instructor Tours: %
Average Number of Sea/Overseas Tours Competed: 3
Average Number of Training Schools Completed: 8.6
Average Number of Correspondence Courses
Completed not related to advancement:

38. 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.

39. Selection by Paygrade

40. 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.

41. 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.

42. 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:
LDO/CWO OCM – CAPT Wilkie (901) ;
LT David Boisselle, U.S. Joint Forces Command; or