What are the applicable statutes/regulations?
The right of all Marine Corps/Navy members to directly communicate grievances to, or seek assistance from, their commanding officer(s) is established in U.S. Navy Regulations, Articles 0820c and 1151.1, and the Marine Corps Manual, paragraph 2805. This right is exercised through the formal process of Request Mast promulgated in MCO 1700.23G.
What is Request Mast?
Requesting Mast includes both the right of the member to personally talk to the commanding officer and the requirement that the commanding officer consider the matter and personally respond to the member Requesting Mast. Request Mast provides a member the opportunity to communicate not only with his or her immediate commanding officer, but also with any superior commanding officer in the chain of command up to and including the member's immediate commanding general. Request Mast also provides commanding officers firsthand knowledge of the morale and general welfare of the command.
Who Can request mast?
All Marine Corps/Navy members have the right to Request Mast to his or her commanding officer. Although not required, it is a best practice to seek guidance and possible resolution utilizing your chain of command prior to officially Requesting Mast.
can a Commanding officer deny a request mast application?
A commanding officer may deny a Request Mast application if there is another specific avenue of redress available to the member. Disciplinary action, whether contemplated, pending, or in progress, final and pending involuntary administrative separations are two of the most common reasons for denying Request Mast. However, the commanding officer should explain to the member why he/she denied the Request Mast application and explain the proper avenue of redress.
what are some issues that are not appropriate for request mast?
Generally, a military member can speak to their commanding officer about any subject; however, the member cannot use Request Mast for the following reasons:
•Request Mast should not be used as a means of attacking the proceedings, punishment, or findings of sentence resulting from a disciplinary action brought under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).
•Request Mast may not be used to harass, avoid duty, or intentionally interfere with the commanding officer's ability to carry out the functions and mission of the command.
•Request Mast cannot be used if the member is being processed for involuntary separation or if the subject of the complaint is an ongoing Article 138, UCMJ, or Article 1150, Navy Regulations complaint.
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how do i submit a request mast application?
Complete the Request Mast Application form NAVMC 11296 (Rev. 05-19) in accordance with the procedures outlined below, and by following the example in enclosure (3); then submit it through the chain of command to the commanding officer.
To view and fill out the Request Mast form, click the link above and download the pdf from the browser.
Step 1: Preparing to Request Mast. If all efforts to resolve an issue or complaint have been exhausted, a Request Mast should be initiated. Not all issues or complaints can be resolved via a Request Mast.
There are many issues that Marines consider Request Mast issues that can be resolved by other means. Read MCO 1700.23G for assistance and clarification concerning what issues are appropriate for Request Mast.
Immediate commanders should be afforded an opportunity to address an open Request Mast. If the complaint is concerning the immediate commander, then the next higher commander should be addressed in the NAVMC 11296 Request Mast Application. The applicant may also seal the Request Mast to be seen by a higher commander. Although not knowing the content, the immediate commander is required to offer his/her assistance prior to delivering it to the next higher commander.
Step 2: Fill out a copy of NAVMC 11296 (Rev. 05-19). If assistance is required in filling out the NAVMC 11296, use your immediate supervisor or chain of command.
Block 1-5: Provide your name, rank, EDIPI and your unit.
Block Sa: Provide the rank and full name of the commanding officer/general with whom you desire to communicate via Request Mast. Include the commander's unit in block Sb.
Block 6: Describe the nature of the issue or complaint. Include any information relevant to your issue or complaint, including names, dates, witnesses and whether the complaint has been previously reported.
Block 7: Tell the commander the specific resolution you are seeking from him/her regarding your issue or complaint.
Block 8: Print your name in the box provided, then sign and date. This will confirm that you understand and certify the statement to be true.
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