The Marine Corps is accepting meritorious promotion nominations for FY26, with one slot available each for Corporal and Sergeant. This applies only to AR Marines serving at commands not under Commander, Marine Forces Reserve (meaning not under DIV, MLG, WING, or FHG). If fewer than two packages are submitted for either rank by the deadline, that slot is pulled and the board is cancelled.
Bottom line: There is exactly one meritorious promotion slot per rank. If your command doesn't submit at least two competitive packages for a given rank, that board gets cancelled entirely.
Who it affects
AR Marines currently serving at commands outside MARFORRES-subordinate units. Examples include HQMC, TECOM, Expeditionary Warfare Training Group Pacific (EWTGPAC), MARFORCOM/PAC/EUR/AF/SOUTH, and MCRC (non-SDA billets). If you're at a DIV, MLG, WING, or FHG unit, this message is not for you.
What you need to do
If you think you're competitive, talk to your chain of command now. Your commander submits the package, not you. The nomination goes directly to CMC (RA) via email.
Minimum eligibility (none of these are waiverable):
- Meets time-in-service requirements per MCO P1400.32D
- No NJP or court-martial during current contract
- PME complete for current grade
- Current first-class PFT and CFT
- Qualified with T/O weapon (if applicable)
- No positive urinalysis or drug/alcohol-related incident
What the package must include:
- Nomination letter (standard naval letter format) with the commander's recommendation covering leadership, civic activities, and relevant military or civilian background.
- Training and service data current in Marine Corps Total Force System (MCTFS), specifically BIR/BTR.
- Certified true copies of page 3 and page 11, plus a Unit Punishment Book (NAVMC 10132) and page 13 if applicable.
- Data sheet.
- CMC Reading List book report, formatted with an introduction, body, analysis, evaluation, and conclusion.
Sample formatting for the data sheet and book report is at: https://www.manpower.marines.mil/Divisions/Reserve-Affairs-Division/Reserve-Affairs-Policy-Plans-Programming-Branch/Reserve-Affairs-Plans/
Email completed packages to the Reserve Affairs Division Sergeant Major at SMB_Reserve_Affairs_SgtMaj@usmc.mil with the subject line:
FY26 AR NCO Meritorious Promotion Package ICO [Rank] [Last Name], [First Name]
Key dates
- 10 July 2026 at 1630: Nomination deadline to CMC (RA)
- 2 August 2026: Effective date for meritorious promotion to Sergeant
- 2 September 2026: Effective date for meritorious promotion to Corporal
- Board results will be published via MARADMIN after the board meets
The official version
This guidance comes from MARADMIN 276/26. The governing reference is MCO P1400.32D with Changes 1-2, Marine Corps Promotion Manual, Volume 2, Enlisted Promotions.
POCs at CMC (RA): SgtMaj Brian J. Hibbard at brian.hibbard@usmc.mil (703-784-9100) and MSgt Joel S. Austin at joel.austin@usmc.mil (703-784-9879).
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.