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PromotionPolicy change

New rules for requesting an exception to enlisted promotion policy

MARADMIN 263/26·June 9, 2026·2 min read·Official source
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The Marine Corps has issued new, standardized procedures for submitting Exception to Policy (ETP) requests against the Enlisted Promotion Manual (ENLPROMMAN), MCO P1400.32D. This replaces and cancels MARADMIN 520/15, which covered PME exemptions for promotion to Corporal and Sergeant. The change is effective immediately and applies to the total force.

Heads up: ETP requests now require a General Officer endorsement, and "by direction" signatures won't cut it. Anything not endorsed at that level stays at the unit and never goes to HQMC.

Who it affects

This applies to the total force: active, SELRES, IMA, and IRR. In practice, it's most relevant to commands and S-1s processing a promotion waiver for a Marine who doesn't meet a specific requirement in the ENLPROMMAN, such as a PME or time-in-grade issue.

What you need to do

If your unit has a Marine who needs an ETP to the ENLPROMMAN, here's the process:

  1. Build the request package. Clearly identify the exact provision of the ENLPROMMAN you're requesting an exception to, and include a detailed written justification.
  2. Route through the chain of command to the first General Officer for endorsement. "By direction" is not authorized at this level.
  3. If the General Officer endorses it favorably, submit to CMC (MMPB-11) via email at smb_manpower_enlisted_promotions@usmc.mil.
  4. If approved, record the authorization with a NAVMC 118 (Page 11) entry in the Marine's OMPF. MMPB-11 will update MCTFS as needed.

Two things to note: requests the General Officer does not endorse go no further, they do not get forwarded to HQMC. Also, commands outside the Marine Corps (such as MEPS) cannot submit ETP requests directly. They must route through the Marine's administrative chain of command.

Key dates

  • Effective immediately upon release (5 June 2026)
  • MARADMIN 520/15 is cancelled as of the same date

The official version

Full text at MARADMIN 263/26. The governing order is MCO P1400.32D with Change 2, the ENLPROMMAN.

POCs at MMPB-11: Maj William C. Griffin at william.c.griffin@usmc.mil and MSgt Dathan Mills at dathan.mills@usmc.mil.

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.

Resources & references

The documents this bulletin points to, with a plain-English note on why each matters. Links marked CAC required need a government login.

  • Enlisted Promotion Manual (MCO P1400.32D w/ Ch 2, ENLPROMMAN)Reference

    This is the governing order for enlisted promotions that ETP requests are submitted against. Any reservist seeking an exception to enlisted promotion policy needs to identify the specific provision of this manual their request addresses.

  • Exemption to Enlisted PME Policy for Promotion to Corporal and Sergeant (MARADMIN 520/15)MARADMIN

    This previously issued MARADMIN covered exemptions to enlisted PME requirements for promotion to Corporal and Sergeant. It is cancelled by this new MARADMIN, so reservists who relied on it should be aware it is no longer in effect.

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New rules for requesting an exception to enlisted promotion policy — Reservable