Can Boatswain become MARS Officers?

[YourFriendLandon]

In the same way that an infantry soldier can be, I do believe it's called, Commissioned From The Ranks to become an Infantry Officer?  Or is specifically joining the MARS job the only way to actually become a MARS officer?
Thanks,
Landon I. 

 

[dimsum]

In the same way that an infantry soldier can be, I do believe it's called, Commissioned From The Ranks to become an Infantry Officer?  Or is specifically joining the MARS job the only way to actually become a MARS officer?
Thanks,
Landon I. 

You can CFR to MARS, but will still need to do the courses.

 

[YourFriendLandon]

Thanks for the quick answer.  I was just wondering if that was possible and I couldn't find it anywhere.
Thanks again!
Landon I.

 

[Pusser]

Folks who commission from the ranks (CFR - which is distinctly different from becoming an officer with previous NCM service) from the non-engineering/technical trades are usually commissioned as MARS officers, but not employed as such.  We used to call them "71Z."  In other words, they are MARS officers in name only and are usually employed as instructors in schools (often in the field of their previous NCM trade - e.g. An ex communications chief instructing junior officers at VENTURE in communications), Area Cadet Oficers, recruiters, various staff positions, etc.  They can do many things where there experience is valuable, but where they don't have to be able to navigate or con ships.  Only if they want to do the traditional MARS stuff, will they  have to take the courses.

 

[dapaterson]

There are three primary entry plans for NCMs to become officers:  CFR, UTPNCM and SRCP.

Depending on the plan you follow, your subsequent employment will vary, as will your subsequent training (if any).

 

[gcclarke]

Folks who commission from the ranks (CFR - which is distinctly different from becoming an officer with previous NCM service) from the non-engineering/technical trades are usually commissioned as MARS officers, but not employed as such.  We used to call them "71Z."  In other words, they are MARS officers in name only and are usually employed as instructors in schools (often in the field of their previous NCM trade - e.g. An ex communications chief instructing junior officers at VENTURE in communications), Area Cadet Oficers, recruiters, various staff positions, etc.  They can do many things where there experience is valuable, but where they don't have to be able to navigate or con ships.  Only if they want to do the traditional MARS stuff, will they  have to take the courses.

Isn't that more so the case for the Special Requirements Commissioning Plan? (IAW CFAO 11-14, DWAN only link because god forbid we put information on the internet that doesn't conform to TB's common look and feel)

Admittedly, I can probably count the number of CFRs I know of on my fingers (granted, there's probably a few kicking around whose commissioning plan I wasn't aware of), but every one that I know of proceeded through the regular trades training that DEOs, UPTs and ROTP folks get. Including CAL's last Commanding Officer, who was a PO1 Nav Comm in a previous life. And at least one other Commander, this one an engineer, if I recall correctly.

 

[Lumber]

Short answer, yes. But you will not in any way by a boatswain any longer. It's not like an "upgrade", it's a complete change in your occupation.