Three promotion policy changes are coming for the Sergeant and Staff Sergeant populations. The biggest one affects all components: the TIS requirement for promotion to Sergeant drops from 48 months to 30 months, effective 1 October 2026. The other two changes (the PME window and the alternate list) apply only to Active Component and Active Reserve Marines.
★ Affects all reservists: Starting 1 October 2026, Corporals need only 30 months TIS to be eligible for promotion to Sergeant, down from 48.
Who it affects
All SMCR, IMA, and IRR Corporals are affected by the TIS change. If you have been passed over or are sitting outside the promotion zone because of the 48-month wall, that changes on 1 October 2026.
The PME window change and the elimination of the Staff Sergeant alternate list apply only to Active Component and Active Reserve Marines. Reserve Sergeants selected for Staff Sergeant through the standard board process are not subject to the 270-day sequenced PME window described in this MARADMIN.
Also note: the Small-Unit Leader Initiative (SULI), established by MARADMIN 225/23, is cancelled effective 1 October 2026.
What you need to do
If you are a Corporal in the reserves, check your TIS now. If you will have 30 months by the next promotion cycle, talk to your S-1 about whether you will be in a competitive zone. No paperwork is triggered by this MARADMIN itself, but getting ahead of your record review makes sense.
If you are an NCO leader or admin chief, update your eligibility tracking for Corporals who were previously outside the window.
Key dates
- 1 October 2026: 30-month TIS requirement takes effect; SULI cancelled
- FY27 Staff Sergeant board: No alternate selections will be made (Active Component / Active Reserve only)
- FY26 Staff Sergeant selectees (AC/AR only): 270-day PME completion clock starts on release of board results
The official version
This policy is covered in MARADMIN 222/26. It references MARADMIN 612/19, MARADMIN 225/23, and the updated EPME requirements from MARADMIN 549/24. Questions can be directed to the POCs at MPP-20 or MMPB-11 listed in the message.
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.