Starting with FY27, HQMC is no longer publishing a separate MARADMIN each month for NCO promotions. This message replaces all of those and sets the annual framework. The promotion authority for LCpl and Cpl promotions is now MCO P1400.32D W/CH 2, effective for all promotions from 1 October 2026 forward.
Heads up: This MARADMIN is active-duty focused, but reserve commands processing active-duty-attached or mobilized Marines promoting to Cpl or Sgt should confirm their process against MCO P1400.32D W/CH 2.
Who it affects
This is primarily an active-duty message covering LCpls and Cpls in the active component. Reserve Marines (SMCR, IMA, IRR) are not the primary audience. That said, commands with Marines on active orders near a promotion window, or units processing promotion warrants, should be aware of the changed publication process and the FY27 cutoff dates.
What you need to do
For most reservists, this is awareness only. If your command generates promotion warrants for active-component Marines or you have Marines mobilized near a promotion window, check these items:
- Stop expecting a monthly MARADMIN. This annual message is now the controlling document.
- Reference MCO P1400.32D W/CH 2 when building promotion warrants.
- Pull cutting scores from MCTFS after each month's select grades post, and keep a copy on file. They are also posted on the Enlisted Promotions website.
- For detailed requirements (time in grade, time in service, PME, commander responsibilities, the junior remedial process), navigate to the Enlisted Promotions page at
https://www.manpower.marines.milunder Divisions / Manpower Management / Performance Branch / Promotion Section / Enlisted Promotions / Sergeants and Below Promotions.
Key dates
Promotions are effective the first of each month. The record cutoff date is always the last day of the month two months prior. The full FY27 schedule:
| Promotion Effective Date | Record Cutoff Date |
|---|---|
| 1 October 2026 | 31 August 2026 |
| 1 November 2026 | 30 September 2026 |
| 1 December 2026 | 31 October 2026 |
| 1 January 2027 | 30 November 2026 |
| 1 February 2027 | 31 December 2026 |
| 1 March 2027 | 31 January 2027 |
| 1 April 2027 | 28 February 2027 |
| 1 May 2027 | 31 March 2027 |
| 1 June 2027 | 30 April 2027 |
| 1 July 2027 | 31 May 2027 |
| 1 August 2027 | 30 June 2027 |
| 1 September 2027 | 31 July 2027 |
The official version
Source: MARADMIN 502/26
Referenced orders: MCO P1400.32D W/CH 2 (Enlisted Promotion Manual) and MCO 1616.1 (Junior Enlisted Performance Evaluation System).
POC for enlisted promotion matters: (703) 784-9635 or SMB_Manpower_Enlisted_Promotions@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.