The Marine Corps is running its second E8 Redesignation Board pilot, giving a narrow pool of GySgts and recently promoted MSgts the chance to lateral into the First Sergeant (8999) MOS. The board convenes 20 October 2026. If you think you might be eligible, the application deadline is well before that: 31 August 2026.
Heads up: This MARADMIN applies to the Active Component only. Reserve Marines are not eligible for this board.
Who it affects
Active Component GySgts and MSgts who meet all of the following:
- Selected as a primary selectee (not alternate, unless already activated for promotion) on either the FY25 or FY26 Active Duty GySgt-to-MSgt Promotion Selection Board.
- MSgt date of rank is no earlier than 1 April 2025, or the Marine is still serving as a GySgt.
- Able to incur a minimum of 24 additional months of obligated service upon acceptance.
Any MOS can apply. MOS health will be used as a selection discriminator, not a disqualifier.
What you need to do
If you're eligible and interested, submit a complete package electronically to SMB_8999_MMEA@usmc.mil by 2359 EST on 31 August 2026. Incomplete packages will not be considered. NAVMC 11537 will not be accepted in place of the required naval letter format.
Your package must include:
- A naval letter in the correct format, addressed to the President, FY27 E8 USMC Redesignation Board, routed via your O-5 commander, O-6 commander, and first commanding general in the chain of command. The commanding general must provide a positive endorsement.
- A first paragraph (100 words or fewer) stating why your application should receive favorable consideration.
- A final paragraph stating verbatim: "I understand that if selected for redesignation I will not be eligible for promotion to Sergeant Major until I have served two years time in grade as a First Sergeant and that I may receive permanent change of station orders requiring me to obligate additional service."
- A 500-word essay to the President of the Board explaining your reason for redesignation, why you should be selected, and how it serves the Marine Corps.
- A Page 11 entry documenting counseling by your CO that redesignation requires a 24-month obligated service commitment, plus acknowledgment of the SGM promotion restriction and potential PCS orders.
- Your electronic or hard copy signature on the letter.
Letters of recommendation are optional but may be included as enclosures.
A sample application format is available at the MMEA-2 website.
Before the board convenes, audit your record. Make sure your data in the Marine Corps Total Force System is accurate: date of rank, pay entry base date, armed forces active-duty base date, PME, service school completions, billet description, PMOS, training scores, and personal awards. Confirm your Official Military Personnel File and Master Brief Sheet are correct. Fitness Reports are due per MCO 1610.7B.
Key dates
- 31 August 2026, 2359 EST: Application submission deadline. Late packages will not be considered.
- 10 October 2026, 2359 EST: Record cutoff for all data elements reviewed by the board.
- 20 October 2026: FY27 E8 Redesignation Board convenes (immediately following the 1stSgt-to-SgtMaj PSB).
The official version
Referenced order: MCO 1610.7B, Performance Evaluation System (PES).
POC for submissions: SgtMaj James Foster at SMB_8999_MMEA@usmc.mil, (703) 784-9899, or GySgt Israel J. Stanislaus at the same email, (703) 784-9217/9955.
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.