NAVMC 11296: Marine Corps Request Mast
The current request mast application: who you are asking to see, the subject matter, the resolution you want, the affidavit, each commander's engagement, final disposition, and your acknowledgment.
Every block on the NAVMC 11296 (EF)
Laid out block for block like the official MARINE CORPS REQUEST MAST (Rev. 05-19 edition), with the instruction for each block. Name, rank, and unit prefill from your service profile.
Part i: request: completed by the applicant
- 1NAME: (Last, First, MI)
- 2RANK
The form offers a dropdown of Marine ranks, Pvt through Gen.
- 3EDIPI
- 4UNIT
- 5aI REQUEST MAST WITH: NAME OF COMMANDER (Rank, Full Name)
The commander with whom you desire to communicate. You may go as high as your immediate commanding general.
- 5bCOMMAND
- 6SUBJECT MATTER: (Describe your grievance or problem. Include details and facts about the matter. Provide dates and names of any individuals involved, possible witnesses, and to whom this matter may have been previously reported. Attach additional sheets, as needed.)
Facts in time order: what happened, when, who was involved, who saw it, and who you already told and what they said.
- 7REQUESTED RESOLUTION: (Clearly describe the resolution you seek from the Commander named in block 5a.)
- 8AFFIDAVIT: I, ____, certify the statements in blocks 6 and 7 are true.
- Date
Preparation notes
- Steps already taken at the lowest level (preparation notes, not a printed block)
Not on the form. Use it to organize who you asked, when, and what happened, then carry the key points into block 6.
Part ii: commanders' engagement: completed by commander within the chain of command
- 9REQUEST MAST: commanders' engagement
Disclosure is voluntary, but every commander in the chain must offer the applicant a personal audience and record the engagement here. Only the commander ultimately selected completes block 10.
Part iii: final disposition: only by the commander ultimately selected by the applicant
- 10FINAL DISPOSITION: (Detail any actions or attempts to resolve the grievance/problem. Include any referrals for further personnel actions. If an inquiry or investigation was conducted, provide relevant findings. If the request was denied by the Commander specified in block 5a, explain why.)
- Commander signature / Date
Part iv: applicant's acknowledgement of final disposition
- 11Applicant's acknowledgement
Pick the statement that fits and sign: disclosed to and resolved by a subordinate commander; granted and heard by the commander in 5a; denied by the commander in 5a; or voluntarily withdrawn. Each statement affirms there was no intimidation, coercion, or fear of retaliation where applicable.
- Name / Command / Signature / Date
- Print Name (Witness) / Signature / Date
How to fill out the NAVMC 11296 (EF)
Every Marine has the right to communicate a grievance or ask for help directly from any commander in the chain of command up to the immediate commanding general. The NAVMC 11296 is how you ask. Each commander on the way must offer you a personal audience, and only the commander you name can deny it. When: When you have a problem your chain of command has not solved and it is within the commander's power to address: pay, assignments, treatment, welfare. It is not for appealing NJP or court-martial results, or matters that have their own process (Article 138, PAC complaints, separation proceedings).
Step by step
- Try to resolve it informally first, with your NCO, SNCO, or officer. The form asks to whom it was previously reported.
- Complete Part I: your name, rank, EDIPI, unit, and the commander you want to see (5a name, 5b command).
- Block 6: describe the problem with facts, dates, names, witnesses, and who you already told. Attach supporting documents.
- Block 7: state the resolution you want from the commander in 5a.
- Sign the affidavit in block 8 and submit the form to your first commander. Each commander records their engagement in block 9.
- After the commander rules (block 10), complete block 11 to acknowledge the final disposition or to withdraw.
What a strong one looks like
- Be specific in block 7. A clear, achievable request is easier to act on than "make it right".
- You do not have to reveal the subject to intermediate commanders. For a CG request you may seal it "to be opened by the CG only" and say why.
- There should be no more than one working day's delay at each level; any delay must be explained in writing on the form.
- Anyone who interferes with or retaliates against a request mast can be punished. Communications to a command IG are also whistleblower-protected.
Common mistakes
- Using request mast for NJP appeals or to relitigate a legal action. It will be denied and pointed to the proper process.
- Skipping the attempt to resolve it at the lowest level.
- Leaving block 7 blank, which leaves the commander guessing what you want.