Can a Marine voluntarily request to be placed on the Meritorious CPL Board?

A Marine cannot unilaterally decide to be placed on the Meritorious Corporal Board; such requests are at the discretion of the commanding officer. This ensures that the decision aligns with the needs of the unit and the evaluation of the individual Marine's performance and qualifications. The commanding officer assesses readiness and eligibility, contributing to a fair and equitable selection process.

Other options suggesting that Marines can request placement at any time, with a written request, or that it is dependent on service time do not account for the role of the commanding officer in the selection process. The focus on command discretion helps maintain the integrity and standard of the board, ensuring that those who are considered are truly deserving based on established criteria and the needs of the Marine Corps.