HQMC published the October 2026 SNCO promotion message for AR, SMCR, and IRR Marines on 24 September 2026. Commanders are authorized to effect promotions on or after 1 October 2026. This MARADMIN also includes projected promotion numbers for November and December 2026.
Bottom line: Commanders may promote selected SNCOs starting 1 October 2026, but check your contract end date first. If your Expiration of Active Service or Reserve Expiration of Current Contract is before 30 September 2028, you are not eligible.
Who it affects
Any AR, SMCR, or IRR Marine currently on a FY26 SNCO promotion list (SSgt through SgtMaj/MGySgt). Commanders at all levels who are responsible for effecting those promotions.
What you need to do
If you are on the list: confirm your contract extends to at least 30 September 2028. If it does not, you need to extend before your seniority number comes up or your promotion will be delayed to the first of the month after you comply with obligated service (OBS) requirements.
If you are a commander: do not promote anyone before 1 October 2026. Cite MARADMIN 446/26 as your authority.
For questions about OBS, sequenced PME requirements, commander requirements, or promotion backdate requests, visit the Enlisted Promotions page at https://www.manpower.marines.mil and navigate to Divisions / Manpower Management / Performance-Branch / Promotion-Section / Enlisted Promotions / SNCOs.
Key dates
- 1 October 2026: Earliest date commanders may effect promotions
- 30 September 2028: Minimum contract end date required to be promoted
- November and December 2026 numbers are projections only and may change
Promotion numbers
AR (FY26 list):
| Grade | Selected | Senior No. Prom Sep 26 | Oct 26 Prom | Last Senior No. Prom | Projected Nov 26 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MGySgt | 7 | 5 | Note 1 | Note 1 | Note 1 |
| MSgt | 26 | 18 | Note 1 | Note 1 | Note 1 |
| GySgt | 69 | 36 | 6 | 41 | 6 |
| SSgt | 140 | 116 | 4 | 120 | 4 |
SMCR (FY26 list):
| Grade | Selected | Senior No. Prom Sep 26 | Oct 26 Prom | Last Senior No. Prom | Projected Nov 26 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SgtMaj/MGySgt | 19 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| 1stSgt/MSgt | 115 | 0 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| GySgt | 237 | 0 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| SSgt | 384 | 0 | 32 | 32 | 32 |
IRR (FY26 list):
| Grade | Selected | Senior No. Prom Sep 26 | Oct 26 Prom | Last Senior No. Prom | Projected Nov 26 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MGySgt | Note 2 | Note 2 | Note 2 | Note 2 | Note 2 |
| MSgt | 3 | 0 | 2 | 2 | Note 1 |
| GySgt | 17 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| SSgt | 56 | 0 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
December 2026 projections (all components):
| Grade | AR | SMCR | IRR |
|---|---|---|---|
| SgtMaj/MGySgt | Note 1 | 2 | Note 2 |
| 1stSgt/MSgt | Note 1 | 10 | Note 1 |
| GySgt | 6 | 20 | 2 |
| SSgt | 4 | 32 | 6 |
Note 1: No promotions due to TIG requirements or grade caps. Note 2: No selections for this component.
The official version
MARADMIN 446/26 released 24 September 2026. References MCO P1400.32D w/Ch 2 (Enlisted Promotion Manual).
POCs at MMPB-11 and RAP-2: Maj William C. Griffin at william.c.griffin@usmc.mil (703-784-3440), MSgt Dathan Mills at dathan.mills@usmc.mil (703-784-2765), and MSgt Joel Austin (RAP-2) 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.