HQMC released the February 2026 SNCO promotion figures and the March 2026 projections on 28 January 2026. Promotions are effective no earlier than 1 February 2026. This bulletin covers active duty promotions only, but reserve SNCOs watching the lists or advising junior Marines should know these numbers.
Heads up: Marines must have an EAS of 31 January 2028 or later to be promoted, and must meet Obligated Service requirements before their seniority number is reached.
Who it affects
Active duty SNCOs selected for GySgt, SSgt, SgtMaj, MGySgt, 1stSgt, and MSgt on the FY25 or FY26 promotion lists. Reserve SNCOs are not directly promoted by this MARADMIN, but it is relevant context for IMA and SMCR SNCOs tracking their active duty counterparts or advising selectees.
What you need to do
If you are an active duty selectee: confirm your EAS and OBS compliance with your S-1 before your seniority number comes up. If you miss OBS compliance, your date of rank shifts to the 1st of the month after you comply.
If you are a reserve SNCO with no selectees in your unit, this is awareness only. Nothing to do.
Key dates
- 1 February 2026: Earliest date commanders may effect promotions
- EAS requirement: 31 January 2028 or later (must be met to promote)
- FY25 GySgt list: Cleared. Alternates without a seniority number will be reconsidered on FY26 boards.
- FY26 SgtMaj/MGySgt and 1stSgt/MSgt lists: Clear projected for September 2026. Alternates reconsidered on FY27 boards.
Promotion numbers at a glance
FY25 lists (February 2026 promotions)
| Grade | Total Selected | Senior No. Promoted Jan 26 | Feb 26 Promotions | Last Senior No. Promoted | Projected Mar 26 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GySgt | 2,105 | 1,570 | 250 | 1,816 | List cleared |
| SSgt | 4,265 | 2,843 | 300 | 3,156 | 300 |
FY25 SSgt projected promotions
| Grade | Apr | May | Jun |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSgt | 300 | 300 | 300 |
FY26 lists (February 2026 promotions)
| Grade | Total Selected | Senior No. Promoted Jan 26 | Feb 26 Promotions | Last Senior No. Promoted | Projected Mar 26 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SgtMaj/MGySgt | 346 | 0 | 9 | 9 | 9 |
| 1stSgt/MSgt | 1,177 | 0 | 32 | 34 | 32 |
FY26 projected promotions
| Grade | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SgtMaj/MGySgt | 9 | 9 | 77 | 77 | 77 | List clears |
| 1stSgt/MSgt | 32 | 32 | 261 | 261 | 261 | List clears |
The official version
This information comes from MARADMIN 030/26. The governing references are MCO P1400.32D with Change 2 (Enlisted Promotion Manual) and the MPP-20 SNCO Promotions policy dated 12 January 2025.
For questions, contact the Manpower Enlisted Promotions section at SMB_Manpower_Enlisted_Promotions@usmc.mil or by phone at (703) 784-3982. Additional OBS and PME requirement details are at https://www.manpower.marines.mil (navigate to Divisions / Manpower Management / Performance Branch / Promotion Section / Enlisted Promotions / SNCOs / Monthly Promotion Requirements).
This is written by a reservist, for reservists. It is not an official publication of HQMC or MARFORRES. Always verify guidance with your command or unit S-1 before acting on any article or summary.