The Marine Corps has published the promotion authority for April 2026 SMCR, IRR, and AR Cpl and Sgt promotions. LCpls competing for Cpl and Cpls competing for Sgt with a 1 April 2026 effective date are covered by this message. Commands are responsible for pulling cutting scores from MCTFS and confirming each Marine's JEPES promotion score meets or exceeds the published threshold before promoting anyone.
Heads up: The command cutoff for April 2026 promotions was 28 February 2026. Entries after that date will not count toward an April promotion score.
Who it affects
All LCpls and Cpls in the SMCR, IRR, and AR who are in the zone for promotion to Cpl or Sgt. Also directly affects commanders, S-1s, and unit administrative personnel responsible for effecting those promotions.
What you need to do
If you are an S-1 or commander:
- Pull the current month's cutting scores from MCTFS after select grades post.
- Verify each select grade Marine's JEPES promotion score meets or exceeds the cutting score.
- Retain the cutting scores alongside this MARADMIN for your records.
- Effect promotions with a date of rank and effective date of 20260401.
If you are an LCpl or Cpl waiting on this promotion, check with your S-1 to confirm your JEPES score clears the cutting score. The admin work falls on the command, but knowing your own numbers never hurts.
For questions, email: smb_manpower_enlisted_promotions@usmc.mil
For cutting score details, time in grade, time in service, PME requirements, and the remedial process, go to manpower.marines.mil and navigate: Divisions > Manpower Management > Performance Branch > Promotion Section > Enlisted Promotions > Sergeants and Below Promotions.
Key dates
- 28 February 2026: Command cutoff. Entries after this date do not count toward an April 2026 promotion score.
- 1 April 2026: Select effective date, date of rank, and promotion effective date for both Cpl and Sgt selects.
The official version
This is MARADMIN 115/26. It references MCO P1400.32D w/CH 2 (Enlisted Promotion Manual) and MCO 1616.1 (Junior Enlisted Performance Evaluation System). POCs at MMPB-11: Maj William C. Griffin (703-784-3440), MSgt Dathan T. Mills (703-784-2765), and Seth D. Evans (civilian, 703-784-9635).
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.