Change of Command Turnover Overview

What This Section Is

The turnover section is a phased operational checklist for Battalion and Squadron command transitions at the O-4 to O-5 level. It binds USN Regulations Article 0807 statutory obligations, CMC White Letter 3-17 SOCL and brief requirements, and the unit-level administrative actions that must execute on a strict timeline.

This is not a best-practices guide. Article 0807 obligations are statutory. Failing them creates legal exposure on the proceeding and on the records you sign or fail to sign.

Six Phases of CoC

Move through these in order. Each has its own page in this section with specific required actions and references.

OSTC covered offenses are documented separately. They are non-delegable and cross every phase.

Critical Path

These six items are the highest-leverage actions across the entire turnover. Miss them and the proceeding has legal or fiscal exposure.

1. Joint inspection per Art. 0807.1.a. The outgoing and incoming CO physically inspect the command together. Defects in safety, operational readiness, training, habitability, and material conditions are identified verbatim.
2. Report of Transfer of Command per Art. 0807.3. Outgoing CO prepares it. Incoming CO endorses. Adverse findings route via chain of command and direct to fleet or force commander.
3. DD Form 577DD Form 577 sweep. All fiscal appointments terminate at CoC. Incoming CO re-appoints all via new DD Form 577DD Form 577 within Day 0-7.
4. OSTC case identification. Every covered offense case is identified by name and STC POC during outgoing brief. Once OSTC exercises authority, neither CO can dispose of the case.
5. DEOCS within 90 days prior and within 90 days post. Outgoing CO initiates DEOCS NLT 90 days before relief. Incoming CO conducts CCA with DEOCS within 90 days of assumption. Annotated in FITREP.
6. First GO notification within 72 hours. First General Officer in the reporting chain notifies CMC (MRA MM and PP&O) within 72 hours of CoC. Applies any time XO assumes command.

Document Authority Stack

This checklist aggregates statutory and policy obligations from multiple sources. The reference sequence on each page is:

1. Statutory. US Navy Regulations Article 0807. UCMJ articles for OSTC covered offenses.
2. HQMC policy. CMC White Letter 3-17 for SOCL and Status of Command Brief.
3. Marine Corps Orders. MCO 4400.201MCO 4400.201, MCO 5800.16MCO 5800.16, MCO 1500.60AMCO 1500.60A, MCO 5100.29CMCO 5100.29C, MCO 5210.11FMCO 5210.11F, MCO 1752.5CMCO 1752.5C, MCO 3000.13BMCO 3000.13B.
4. MARADMINs. Operational guidance, including 165/07 (notification), 633/24 (OSTC), 199/26 (CMT), 350/11 (fund control), 468/23 (DEOCS), 199/26 (biennial CMT).
5. Bulletins. MCBul 5210 (29 Aug 2025) for CROSS records management.

When unit SOP conflicts with the references above, the higher authority controls. When references conflict, the most recent MARADMIN or Bulletin governs unless superseded.

Joint Certification Block

The final page of the unit Master Turnover Checklist is a two-CO certification block. Both COs sign separately. The outgoing CO certifies legal foundation, pre-departure admin, supply turnover, military justice, and readiness turnover. The incoming CO certifies pre-CoC preparation, Day 0-7, 30-day, 90-120 day, and battle rhythm.

The outgoing CO signs at or before the ceremony. The incoming CO signs after the 120-day window closes. The two together constitute the official record of command turnover.

What This Section Is Not

This section is not exhaustive. The unit Master Turnover Checklist v4.0 explicitly states: verify all policy against MCPEL before use. Contact supporting SJA, G-1 or S-1, and Inspector General for current guidance.

Use this section as the operational floor, not the ceiling. Higher headquarters and unit-specific SOPs add requirements on top.

Related Roles

• Admin (S-1). Prepares the SOCL package, drafts policy letters and appointment letters, processes DD Form 577DD Form 577 actions, and routes the Report of Transfer of Command.
• Leader. SNCOs and section heads prepare desktop procedures, turnover binders, and supply sub-custody handoffs that feed the Certificate of Relief.
• OSTC and SJA. Direct coordination on covered offenses and pretrial confinement timelines from Day 0-7 forward.