October 2020 This issue highlights recruitment, mentorship, promotion planning, and leadership updates within the LDO/CWO community. Officers are encouraged to actively mentor future Mustangs, manage career expectations, and stay informed on promotion processes and requirements.
Community Health & Manning – LDO manning is at 100%, and CWO manning is at 91%, with strong billet growth projected over the next five years.
Promotion Board Process – Approval involves multiple reviews, including the Senate Armed Services Committee, impacting the timing of results.
Revised Competitive Categories (RCC) – Designed to align career progression, ensure fair promotions, and support the URL/RL community.
Critical Skill Requirements – The Navy prioritizes officers with technical expertise, but RCC aims to reduce reliance on critical skill language in promotions.
Promotion Flow Points & Control Grades – Flow points determine career progression, with CAPT, CDR, LCDR, and CWO5 being control grades limited by law.
Merit-Based Promotions – Up to 15% of officers may be promoted ahead of schedule based on merit, impacting the overall promotion phasing plan.
6290/1820 Off-Ramp Update – Transitioning Submarine Communications (6290) officers to the Information Professional (1820) community continues.
OPNAVINST 1420.1B & Policy Updates – Changes to commissioning program guidelines are in progress and expected to be released soon.
COLE Remembrance & Navy Birthday – Honors the USS COLE attack anniversary and celebrates the Navy’s 245th birthday with a "Victory at Sea" theme.
Silver Eagle & SWON Transition – CAPT Heather Walton and CWO5 Philip Gilbert assume leadership roles, continuing mentorship and professional development efforts.
Promotion Record Management – Officers are responsible for maintaining accurate records, ensuring FITREP continuity, and submitting Letters to the Board (LTB) if needed.
Reserve & Nuclear Community Updates – Increased efforts to mentor reserve applicants and ensure community briefs guide career development.
LDO/CWO Academy & Training Enhancements – Expansion of the program is under discussion to provide additional academic training.
Lateral Transfer & Redesignation Boards – Transfers are case-by-case, with strict eligibility requirements for officers seeking reassignment.
