The Marine Corps published the promotion authority for LCpls and Cpls in the SMCR, IRR, and AR to advance to Corporal and Sergeant effective 1 July 2026. This is a routine monthly release, but commands are responsible for verifying each selectee's JEPES promotion score meets or exceeds the published cutting score before the promotion goes through.
Heads up: Cutting scores are in MCTFS once the current month's select grades post. Commands must check them before effecting any promotion.
Who it affects
LCpls and Cpls in the SMCR, IRR, and AR who are in the zone for promotion to Corporal or Sergeant this cycle. Also directly affects any leader, SNCO, or admin responsible for effecting promotions at the unit level.
What you need to do
If you are a selectee: nothing on your end. Confirm with your unit S-1 that your record is clean and your JEPES score is reflected correctly in MCTFS.
If you are a commander or NCOIC effecting promotions, follow these steps:
- Pull cutting scores from MCTFS after the current month's select grades post.
- Verify each selectee's JEPES promotion score meets or exceeds the cutting score.
- Retain the cutting scores alongside this MARADMIN for your records.
- Effect the promotion with an effective date and date of rank of 1 July 2026.
For questions on viewing cutoff scores, time in grade, time in service, PME requirements, commander responsibilities, or the junior enlisted remedial process, go to https://www.manpower.marines.mil and navigate to: Divisions / Manpower Management / Performance Branch / Promotion Section / Enlisted Promotions / Sergeants and Below Promotions.
For specific enlisted promotion inquiries, email: smb_manpower_enlisted_promotions@usmc.mil
Key dates
- 31 May 2026: Command cutoff. Entries dated after this do not count toward a 1 July 2026 promotion score.
- 1 July 2026: Effective date, date of rank, and select effective date for both Corporal and Sergeant promotions.
The official version
This is MARADMIN 290/26. It references MCO P1400.32D w/CH 2 (Enlisted Promotion Manual) and MCO 1616.1 (JEPES).
POCs at MMPB-11:
- Maj William C. Griffin:
william.c.griffin@usmc.mil/ 703-784-3440 - MSgt Dathan T. Mills:
dathan.mills@usmc.mil/ 703-784-2765 - Seth D. Evans (Civ):
seth.d.evans.civ@usmc.mil/ 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.