UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
MARINE FORCES RESERVE
2000 OPELOUSAS AVE
NEW ORLEANS, LA 70146-5400
DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A: Approved for public release,
distribution is unlimited.
IN REPLY REFER TO:
1040
G-1
14 Mar 2012
FORCE POLICY LETTER 14-11
From: Commander, Marine Forces Reserve
To: Distribution List
Subj: CAREER PLANNING IMPROVEMENT INITIATIVE
Ref: (a) MCO 1040.31
(b) MCO 1040R.35
(c) MCO 7220.12P
(d) ForO 5400.3
Encl: (1) Sample PMOS 4821 Career Planner Appointment Letter
(2) Sample Collateral Duty Career Planner Appointment
Letter
1. Purpose. To promulgate guidance for and implement changes
to unit and force-level Career Planner procedures meant to
mitigate the challenges of a geographically dispersed force and
establish a strong leadership focus on this critical component
of our reserve retention initiatives.
2. Background
a. Real and perceived challenges exist in the execution and
delivery of career planning within the Reserve Component (RC),
which may limit the Commander’s ability to positively affect
reserve retention.
b. Changes to the organizational structure of Career
Planners may be necessary to overcome the challenges of a
geographically dispersed force. However, until the conclusion
of Force Structure Review Group (FSRG), such actions would be
premature and only partially considerate of the geographic
locations and distribution of Marines supported because those
locations may change. Therefore, the potential redistribution
of Career Planners is held in abeyance until a complete and
final depiction of the manpower structure of Marine Forces
Reserve (MARFORRES) is available.
Subj: CAREER PLANNING IMPROVEMENT INITIATIVE
2
c. In this period of deferred analysis and action, we have
an opportunity to focus on the fundamentals of the Career
Planning Program within each unit. Improvements to basic
procedures and increased adherence to already established orders
and directives will mitigate the challenges of our geographic
dispersion.
3. Action
a. In accordance with the references, all units will
designate a Marine as the Career Planner who is either (1) an
Active Reserve (AR) or Active Component (AC) Permanent Personnel
Marine assigned the Primary Military Occupational Specialty
(PMOS) of 4821 and assigned to a Career Planner billet on the
Table of Organization (T/O) by HQMC, or (2) a Marine assigned
the Career Planner collateral duty by the unit Commanding
Officer.
(1) Permanent Personnel PMOS 4821 Career Planner
(a) AR or AC PMOS 4821 Career Planners will conduct
daily operations in accordance with the provisions and
responsibilities found in references (a) and (b).
(b) Units that rate and have an assigned AR or AC
PMOS 4821 Career Planner will ensure the Marine is assigned to
the correct Billet Identification Code (BIC) in MCTFS in order
to receive Special Duty Assignment Pay (SDAP). The unit will
certify annually per reference (c) that the Marine is qualified
to serve as the Career Planner and remains eligible for SDAP.
(c) Unit Commanders will ensure a copy of Permanent
Change of Station (PCS) orders for those AR or AC Marines
assigned as Career Planners at their unit is forwarded to the
respective Major Subordinate Commands (MSC) Career Planner.
(d) Unit Commanders will ensure a copy of assignment
letters for those Marines assigned as PMOS 4821 Career Planners
at their unit is forwarded to the respective MSC Career Planner.
Enclosure (1) details the format for the Career Planner
assignment letter.
(2) Collateral Duty Career Planner
(a) Commanders may assign Marines in the grade of
Sergeant through Master Sergeant as Collateral Duty Career
Planners.
Subj: CAREER PLANNING IMPROVEMENT INITIATIVE
3
(b) Collateral Duty Career Planners will attend the
non-MOS producing Collateral Duty Career Planner Course in San
Diego, California. Collateral Duty Career Planners do not rate
SDAP per reference (c). An annual message is released by the
Commander, MARFORRES soliciting nominations to attend the
course.
(c) Collateral Duty Career Planners should have a
minimum of 24 months remaining on their contract upon the
completion of the Collateral Duty Career Planner Course.
(d) Unit Commanders will ensure a copy of assignment
letters for those Marines assigned as Collateral Duty Career
Planners at their unit is forwarded to the respective MSC Career
Planner. Enclosure (2) details the format for Collateral Duty
Career Planner assignment letters. The Screening/Interview
checklist utilized for AR and AC Marines assigned an MOS of 4821
will also be utilized for those who are assigned as the
Collateral Duty Career Planner.
b. In accordance with references (a) and (b), unit Career
Planners will not be assigned an excessive amount of collateral
duties. Certain collateral duties, such as the Substance Abuse
Control Officer (SACO) or the Equal Opportunity Advisor (EOA),
must be avoided entirely. Ensure that the Career Planner has
adequate time to conduct this important function within the
command. They must have enough time to maneuver around both the
unit commander’s and the Marines’ availability. Successful
retention efforts can be inhibited by consistently engaging the
unit Career Planner in duties competing for his/her time. Those
Marines assigned as a Collateral Duty Career Planner will have
primary duties other than career planning. This is unavoidable;
however, they will be working with a smaller population than the
battalion/squadron Career Planner, and will have the support of
the T/O assigned Career Planner.
c. Unit Leaders must conduct their required interviews.
There is no excuse for failing to conduct interviews with our
Marines. Valuable information can be gained regarding the
morale of the command during the conduct of these interviews,
and retention of qualified Marines demands your attention and
involvement. The system of record to document the results of
the interview is the Total Force Retention System (TFRS).
System access and training for TFRS is available from your MSC
Career Planner via the unit Career Planner chain of command.
Subj: CAREER PLANNING IMPROVEMENT INITIATIVE
4
d. All interviews will be documented in TFRS to ensure
their completion and timeliness. MSC Career Planners will
utilize TFRS to monitor subordinate unit actions for completion
and timeliness. On order, MSC Career Planners will provide the
status of interviews for their respective MSC to the MARFORRES
Career Planner for briefing to the COMMARFORRES.
e. Unit Leaders will pay particular attention to those AC
and AR Marines in the unit who will separate at the end of their
contract or tour. All efforts will be made to ensure that these
Marines are aware of the opportunities that exist as a member of
the Selected Marine Corps Reserve (SMCR).
f. In geographic locations with co-located units sharing a
Career Planner, full cooperation and support is expected from
both the supporting and supported unit per reference (d). When
conflict resolution exceeds the abilities of the unit
commanders, the next higher headquarters (through the Career
Planner chain of command) will provide resolution or forward
until the issue is resolved. Higher headquarters will determine
the timing and level of support, or provide Career Planner
augmentation if an adequate solution is unattainable.
g. Commanders will have an open source of information
regarding career retention on the MARFORRES “Stay Marine”
website available on the MARFORRES homepage at the hyper-link
http://www.marines.mil/unit/marforres/Stay/default.aspx#MFR_Bann
er. For immediate support, specific questions may also be
submitted via the MARFORRES Customer Service Center, toll free
1-800-255-5082.
R. E. BRAITHWAITE
Executive Director
DISTRIBUTION D:
Directives issued by this Headquarters are published and
distributed electronically. Electronic versions of the Force
Directives can be found at:
http://www.marines.mil/unit/marforres/MARFORRESHQ/G1/Adjutant/G-
1%20Adjutant%20Directives/index.aspx
SAMPLE PMOS 4821 CAREER PLANNER
APPOINTMENT LETTER
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
(UNIT LETTER HEAD)
Enclosure (1)
I N REPLY REFER TO:
1040
CP
DD MM YY
From: Commanding Officer
To: Sergeant Help A. Marine XXX-XX-1234/4821 USMC
Subj: APPOINTMENT AS CAREER PLANNER AND AUTHORITY TO RECEIVE
SPECIAL DUTY ASSIGNMENT (SDA) PAY
Ref: (a) DoDFMR Vol 7a Para 080101c
(b) MCO P7220.12M
1. Per the references, you are hereby appointed as the Career
Planner for the (spell out unit). The following data is
certified to be current:
a. Unit T/O # -
b. BIC# - (Career Planner BIC # per unit T/O)
c. Billet – Spell out Career Planner Level Billet
(Div, Battalion, etc)
d. Effective date – (Date Joined unit in MCTFS as Career
Planner)
e. Qualified – Yes (Must be AC/AR PMOS 4821 school Trained)
2. This appointment will be certified on an annual basis per
reference (b) to continue receiving Special Duty Assignment
(SDA) pay. Be advised that if you are relieved, transferred or
change billets that your SDA pay will terminate effective the
date the action occurs.
3. While serving in your capacity as the UNIT NAME Career
Planner, you will ensure that all required interviews are
documented in the Total Force Retention System (TFRS). System
Subj: APPOINTMENT AS CAREER PLANNER AND AUTHORITY TO RECEIVE
SPECIAL DUTY ASSIGNMENT (SDA) PAY
Enclosure (1)
2
access and training for TFRS is available from your MSC Career
Planner via the unit Career Planner chain of command.
I. N. CHARGE
Copy to:
HIGHER HEADQUARTERS
SAMPLE COLLATERAL DUTY CAREER PLANNER
APPOINTMENT LETTER
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
(UNIT LETTER HEAD)
Enclosure (2)
N REPLY REFER TO:
1040
CP
DD MM YY
From: Commanding Officer
To: Master Sergeant Help N. Marines 000 00 1234/8999 USMC
Subj: APPOINTMENT AS COLLATERAL DUTY CAREER PLANNER
Ref: (a) MCO 1040.31
(b) MCO 1040R.35
Encl: (1) Commanding Officer’s and Career Planner SNCOIC
Screening/Interview checklist
1. Per the references, you are hereby appointed as the
Collateral Duty Career Planner for SPELL OUT UNIT. This
appointment is made after careful screening and consideration.
Your record and reputation as a responsible Marine, who displays
a positive attitude towards yourself, our unit, and our Marine
Corps will play an important role in this unit’s retention
efforts.
2. The following instructions are provided to assist you in the
performance of your duties to help the Marine of this command
with their careers.
a. Review the references and attend the collateral duty
Career Planner Course within 12 months of the effective date of
this assignment.
b. Contact all the Marines of this unit about their Marine
Corps options.
c. Per the Marine Corps Orders, confirm that all required
interviews are conducted.
d. Ensure that all required interviews are documented in
the Total Force Retention System (TFRS). System access and
training for TFRS is available from your MSC Career Planner via
the unit Career Planner chain of command.
Subj: APPOINTMENT AS COLLATERAL DUTY CAREER PLANNER
Enclosure (2)
2
e. Ensure that Marines who desire further service, their
requests are submitted in a timely manner per the references.
f. A retention tool that you and the Marines in your
command may utilize is the MARFORRES “Stay Marine” website
http://www.marines.mil/unit/marforres/stay/default.aspx#MFRbanne
r.
3. (UNIT T/O CAREER PLANNER’S NAME) will assist you with any
questions you may have as well as the submission of requests for
further service and results of conducted interviews into the
electronic database system. She/He can be reached at DSN,
commercial phone number, and email address.
4. These instructions serve as a minimum guidance directing you
as you assist us with the retention efforts of this command.
Should special circumstances arise, or should you discover new
ways to help our Marines, please bring them to my attention as
well as the T/O career planner.
5. You have been assigned to help the retention efforts of the
Marine Corps team. This is an important assignment, as your
attitude and conduct will most certainly set the example for
each Marine you contact. I have every confidence that you will
respond accordingly.
I. N. CHARGE
Copy to:
HIGHER HEADQUARTERS
MCO 1040.31
Appendix B
Commanding Officer’s and Career Planner SNCOIC Screening/
Interview Checklist for Lateral Move to MOS 4821 (Career Planner)
FOUO - Privacy sensitive when filled in.
THIS CHECKLIST WILL BE DESTROYED UPON COMPLETION OF CAREER PLANNER SCHOOL OR AS
LISTED IN DESTRUCTION INSTRUCTIONS. A COPY OF THIS CHECKLIST WILL BE SENT TO CMC
(MMEA-6) PRIOR TO THE MARINE DETACHING, STIPULATING SUCCESSFUL OR UNSUCCESSFUL
SCREENING BY THE COMMANDING OFFICER AND CAREER PLANNER SNCOIC.
Background
. The Career Planner is vital to the process of retaining Marines.
The Career Planner assists the commander in maintaining a stable career force.
Marines will emulate the Career Planner’s actions. Therefore, a potential
Career Planner must possess a high degree of maturity, leadership, judgment,
professionalism, and the ability to work in an independent capacity. Furthermore,
potential Career Planners must thoroughly embrace and exemplify our core values.
The Career Planner School will provide prospective Career Planners with the
required entry-level knowledge for career planning duties and responsibilities.
The school will teach Marines effective communication skills and the fundamentals
and methods of career planning. The potential Career Planner must be able to
project a positive disposition and exemplify those traits associated with utmost
professionalism. Career Planners will represent the type of Marine we desire
to retain in the career force.
Action
. One copy of the completed Commanding Officer's and Career Planner
SNCOIC Screening/Interview Guide and Medical Screening Guide will be placed on
the left side of the Marine's Service Record Book prior to the Marine's transfer
to Career Planning School. Thirty days prior to transfer, the Commanding
Officer will re-certify that the Marine is still qualified for career planning duty.
One copy of the completed Commanding Officer's and Career Planner SNCOIC
Screening/Interview Guide, and current photograph, along with certified copies
of the Marine's page 11, 12 and 13 will be forwarded to CMC (MMEA-8). The Marine’s
command will contact CMC (MMEA-8) via naval message when there is a change in
the Marine's status.
Upon request, certain criteria may be waived by CMC (MMEA).
_____ ________________________________ ______________________
RANK NAME L4 SSN/MOS
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
B-1 Enclosure (1)
MCO 1040.31
_____ ________________________________ ______________________
RANK NAME L4 SSN/MOS
PREREQUISITE
INITIAL
SCREENING
RECERTIFICATION
1. Career Marine. Must have successfully
completed one or more enlistments/reenlists or
reenlist as part of the FTAP.
QUAL /
NOT QUAL
QUAL /
NOT QUAL
2. Career Potential. Must meet or exceed all
standards required for retention (MCO 1040.31K,
Chap 4). Have completed the appropriate PME
(resident and non-resident) for grade.
QUAL /
NOT QUAL
QUAL /
NOT QUAL
3. Grade. Sergeant through Staff Sergeant.
(Corporals may submit if they have at least one year
time in grade.)
QUAL /
NOT QUAL
QUAL /
NOT QUAL
4. Integrity/Judgment. Marines must
demonstrate sound integrity and judgment due to
the fact that these Marines often work in an
independent duty capacity.
QUAL /
NOT QUAL
QUAL /
NOT QUAL
5. Core Values. Marine thoroughly embraces and
exemplifies our core values and leads by example in
this area.
QUAL /
NOT QUAL
QUAL /
NOT QUAL
6. High School Grad/GED. Career Planners
should have an educational background equal to
that of the majority of Marines who they will
be assisting. Marines with a reading level
below the 10th grade may experience some
difficulty assimilating Career Planner School
course material. The Marine must be a high
school graduate.
QUAL /
NOT QUAL
QUAL /
NOT QUAL
7. GT score must be 100 or above.
GT score:_______
QUAL /
NOT QUAL
QUAL /
NOT QUAL
8. DISCIPLINARY RECORD AND DRUG OR ALCOHOL RELATED INCIDENT(S).
a. Courts-Martial - - No courts-martial.
QUAL /
NOT QUAL
QUAL /
NOT QUAL
b. NJP - - Not more than one NJP in the
last 5 years preceding the class reporting
date. No NJP in the last 24 months
preceding the date of request.
QUAL /
NOT QUAL
QUAL /
NOT QUAL
c. Pg 11 - - No adverse page 11 entries
(i.e., MARCORSEPMAN para 6105 counseling)
in the last 24 months preceding the reporting
date.
QUAL /
NOT QUAL
QUAL /
NOT QUAL
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
B-2 Enclosure (1)
MCO 1040.31
_____ ________________________________ ______________________
RANK NAME L4 SSN/MOS
PREREQUISITE
INITIAL
SCREENING
RECERTIFICATION
d. Drug and Alcohol - - No drug-related
incidents. No alcohol related incidents
within the last 3 years preceding the
class reporting date. A waiver granted for
reenlistment is not valid for assignment
to Career Planning duty. A separate waiver
must be requested from CMC (MMEA-8).
QUAL /
NOT QUAL
QUAL /
NOT QUAL
9. Stable Family.
a. The Marine is not currently enrolled
in a command-directed Family Advocacy
Program as verified by the local Family
Services Center.
QUAL /
NOT QUAL
QUAL /
NOT QUAL
b. Divorce/Separation. Divorce or
Separation standing alone does not disqualify
someone for assignment to Career Planner
Duty. However, a Marine is not qualified
when his/her bonafide
separation/divorce/custody proceedings may
interfere with training requirements and
assigned duties. “The Marine is/is not
currently separated or undergoing divorce
proceedings.”
QUAL /
NOT QUAL
QUAL /
NOT QUAL
10. Physically qualified. The Marine
experiences no difficulty in passing all events
of the PFT/CFT.
Upon recertification, Marines must pass a
PFT within 30 days of detaching for school.
PFT Score/Class/Date:_____/____/_____
QUAL /
NOT QUAL
QUAL /
NOT QUAL
11. Meets minimum obligated service. Marines
must have a minimum of 2 years of active service
remaining upon completion of school.
EAS:_____________
QUAL /
NOT QUAL
QUAL /
NOT QUAL
12. Communications. The ability to communicate
is essential to career planning. Marines should
be able to converse in a clear manner. A
Career Planner should be persuasive and
personable, comfortable among Officers, SNCOs, and
peers.
QUAL /
NOT QUAL
QUAL /
NOT QUAL
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
B-3 Enclosure (1)
MCO 1040.31
_____ ________________________________ ______________________
RANK NAME L4 SSN/MOS
PREREQUISITE
INITIAL
SCREENING
RECERTIFICATION
13. Meets personal appearance and height and weight standards. The Marine
must be within the Marine Corps height and weight standards IAW reference (s).
No history of assignment to weight control or personal appearance programs
is authorized. The Marine must be weighed/measured in P.T. gear, no shoes.
HT:_____________
WT:_____________
NECK:___________
WAIST:__________
Hips:___________
(FEMALES ONLY)
BODY FAT: ______
(indicate body fat if
Marine is over weight)
DATE:________
HT:_____________
WT:_____________
NECK:___________
WAIST:__________
Hips:___________
(FEMALES ONLY)
BODY FAT: ______
(indicate body fat if
Marine is over weight)
DATE:________
QUAL /
NOT QUAL
QUAL /
NOT QUAL
14. Medically qualified for duty: A physical
examination by a medical officer must be conducted
within 12 months of the class reporting date and
state “qualified for Career Planning duty” in block
77 of DD Form 2808.
The Commanding Officer and Medical Officer will
also screen the Marine and the Marine's medical
records per the Commanding Officer's Medical
Screening Guide (See page 5 of Appendix B).
QUAL /
NOT QUAL
QUAL /
NOT QUAL
15. Disqualifying factors
In less than full duty status.
QUAL /
NOT QUAL
QUAL /
NOT QUAL
Failed selection to next grade.
QUAL /
NOT QUAL
QUAL /
NOT QUAL
Disenroll/Failure to complete Special
Assignment School/Duty. To include recruiter
school communication skills drop.
QUAL /
NOT QUAL
QUAL /
NOT QUAL
Failure to complete formal school (e.g.
Sergeants Course, SNCO Career Course, SNCO
Advanced Course, and Career Planning (Career
Planner Course).
QUAL /
NOT QUAL
QUAL /
NOT QUAL
Currently serving on a B-billet or with 24
months of assignment to the Career Planner
Force.
QUAL /
NOT QUAL
QUAL /
NOT QUAL
Relieved from a Special Duty Assignment due to
misconduct.
QUAL /
NOT QUAL
QUAL /
NOT QUAL
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
B-4 Enclosure (1)
MCO 1040.31
_____ ________________________________ ______________________
RANK NAME L4 SSN/MOS
This Marine does/does not meet the requirements listed in MCO 1040.31K. If the
Marine does not meet the requirements, explain below.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
(Ensure the following signature page is attached.)
_________________________________________________
Battalion/Squadron SgtMaj's Printed Name Date
_________________________________________________
Battalion/Squadron SgtMaj's Signature Date
_________________________________________________
Commanding Officer's Printed Name Rank
_________________________________________________
Commanding Officer's Signature Date
Commanding Officer's Re-certification: (To be completed 30 days prior to the
Marine's school report date.) This Marine's qualifications for assignment to
Career Planning duty have/have not changed since my initial interview and screening
of his/her records. The Marine does/does not meet the requirements listed in MCO
1040.31K. (If the Marine no longer meets the requirements, contact CMC (MMEA-8)
via naval message.)
_________________________________________________
Commanding Officer's Signature Date
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
B-5 Enclosure (1)
MCO 1040.31
_____ ________________________________ ______________________
RANK NAME L4 SSN/MOS
II. MEDICAL SCREENING GUIDE FOR CAREER PLANNING DUTY
Attention Commanding Officer's and Medical Representatives.
DD forms 2807-1
and 2808 must be completed. A medical officer will certify block 77 of DD
Form 2808 confirming that the Marine is physically qualified for duty as a Career
Planner. Medical representatives must have a thorough appreciation of the physical
demands of a Career Planner, specifically:
1. All Marines are expected to be physically/medically fit and able to pass
the required school PFT.
2. Additionally, any medical documentation indicating problems with stress or
psychological dysfunction may be disqualifying and must be identified in the
remarks section below.
3. Marines found unqualified for these reasons may be directed to appear before
a Physical Evaluation Board to determine their fitness for worldwide assignment.
I found him/her medically qualified/unqualified. The finding of UNQUALIFIED
is explained in the remarks below.
_________________________________ __________ _____________
Medical Officer's Printed Name Grade Billet
_________________________________ __________
Medical Officer's Signature Date
Remarks by Medical Officer:
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
B-6 Enclosure (1)
