DA Form 4309: US Army Marine License (Wall) Guide – DA Form 4309 is the official U.S. Army Marine License (Wall) issued primarily to Marine Warrant Officers. It serves as a formal credential verifying qualifications to operate and command Army watercraft. This document is displayed prominently aboard vessels and plays a key role in the Army’s maritime operations program under AR 56-9.
What Is DA Form 4309?
DA Form 4309 is the wall-size version of the U.S. Army Marine License (USAML). It is issued by the Marine Qualification Division (MQD) at the U.S. Army Transportation School, Fort Eustis, Virginia (now part of Joint Base Langley-Eustis). A companion pocket version exists as DA Form 4309-1.
The wall license confirms that the holder (typically a Warrant Officer in MOS 880A Marine Deck Officer or 881A Marine Engineer Officer) has met rigorous training, experience, and examination requirements for specific vessel classes and skill levels. It is distinct from U.S. Coast Guard licenses but supports pathways to Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMC).
Purpose and Importance of the US Army Marine License
The DA Form 4309 ensures safe and standardized operation of Army Intratheater Watercraft Systems. It verifies competency in navigation, engineering, vessel-specific tasks, and maritime regulations. Key purposes include:
- Authorizing personnel to serve in licensed positions aboard Army vessels.
- Supporting operational readiness for logistics, cargo transport, and terminal operations.
- Providing a visible credential for inspections and command verification.
- Facilitating transitions to civilian maritime careers through documented sea service and qualifications.
Warrant Officers display the wall license aboard the vessel, while the pocket version is carried for personal reference.
How to Obtain DA Form 4309?
Obtaining the license involves the following process (governed by AR 56-9 and managed by the Maritime Intermodal Training Department – MITD):
- Meet Prerequisites — Complete required training, physical standards, sea service (documented on DA Form 3068-1), and pass the Marine Training Evaluation (MTE) or equivalent courses.
- Apply — Submit through command channels to the Marine Qualification Division.
- Evaluation and Issuance — MQD reviews documentation, validates qualifications, and issues the DA Form 4309 upon approval.
The U.S. Army Transportation School’s Maritime Operations and Engineering Branches provide the necessary training. Warrant Officers often complete specific certification courses for A1 or A2 skill levels.
Contact for Issuance/Support:
US Army Transportation School
ATTN: ATSP-OCT
Fort Eustis, VA 23604-5000 (as referenced on the form).
Who Needs the DA Form 4309?
- Marine Warrant Officers (primarily 880A and 881A) — Required for command and engineering roles on Class A and other watercraft.
- Qualified enlisted personnel may receive the pocket version (DA Form 4309-1) for operator positions.
It is not typically issued to civilians or non-Army personnel, though training pathways exist for credentialing assistance toward USCG MMC.
Validity, Renewal, and Revalidation
- The USAML is generally valid for continuous assignment periods and requires annual revalidation through vessel-specific tasks.
- It expires one year after departure from the vessel or upon US Army Marine Certification (USAMC) expiration.
- Renewal aligns with certification renewal and may involve additional training or examinations.
- Suspension or revocation can occur for cause (e.g., incidents, safety violations) via the Marine Qualification Board.
Commanders must ensure personnel maintain qualifications for operational safety.
Relation to US Army Marine Certification and Merchant Mariner Credentials
DA Form 4309 works alongside the U.S. Army Marine Certification (DA Form 5673). The Army’s MITD assists Active Duty, Reserve, National Guard, and veterans in converting military experience and licenses toward USCG Merchant Mariner Credentials. This includes sea service verification and packet submission to the National Maritime Center.
Official Resources and Downloads
- U.S. Army Transportation School MITD — Primary source for training and credentialing information.
- AR 56-9 (Watercraft Operations) — Governing regulation for policies on licensing and operations.
- Army Publishing Directorate (armypubs.army.mil) for related forms like DA 3068-1 (Marine Service Record) and DA 7434 (Application for US Army Marine Certification).
For the most current form or guidance, contact the Transportation School directly or visit official Army transportation websites. Always use .mil sources for official information.
Note: This article is for informational purposes. Requirements can change; verify with official Army channels for your specific situation. Army Mariners should consult their unit Marine Standardization Examiner or the MQD for personalized assistance.