March 2020 The March 2020 edition of The Mustang Lariat provides critical updates for the Limited Duty Officer (LDO) and Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) community. This issue covers key changes to the promotion system, the importance of mentorship, physical fitness requirements, leadership transitions, and upcoming events. It also emphasizes professional development, selection board participation, and the ongoing efforts to strengthen the LDO/CWO pipeline.
New Promotion System Implemented – The Revised Competitive Category is now the standard promotion system for LDOs and CWOs.
Mentoring Needed to Reduce Declinations – Rising declination rates among selected LDOs/CWOs highlight the need for improved mentoring.
Designator Merger Approved – The merger of 6160 to 6180 and 7161 to 7181 designators was approved via NAVADMIN 280/19.
Fitness Standards Enforced – New accessions must meet Body Composition Assessment (BCA) standards before attending LDO/CWO Academy.
Leadership Transition Announced – The current Officer Community Manager (OCM) will be relieved by CAPT Dave Dwyer on May 1.
Selection Board Participation Encouraged – Officers are encouraged to participate in selection boards to gain insight into the promotion process.
Education Not Required but Recommended – No formal degree requirement exists for LDO/CWO promotions, except for specific off-ramp designators.
Community Engagement Increasing – The LDO/CWO engagement team is working to boost program awareness and applicant numbers.
Training and Schoolhouse Updates – Officer Training Command Newport welcomes new staff and continues adapting to modern Navy training needs.
Roadshows Delayed Due to COVID-19 – Due to COVID-19 concerns, some scheduled visits (e.g., Hawaii and Guam) have been postponed.
The Mustang Lariat continues to serve as a valuable resource for the LDO/CWO community, providing timely information and guidance on career progression, leadership opportunities, and professional development. As the Navy evolves, staying informed and engaged is essential to ensuring the continued success of Mustangs across the fleet.
