HQMC just released the November 2026 SNCO promotion numbers for AR, SMCR, and IRR Marines. This MARADMIN authorizes commanders to promote selected Marines on or after 1 November 2026. It also publishes projected numbers for December 2026 and January 2027 so you can see roughly when your seniority number will be reached.
Heads up: Promotions cannot happen before 1 November 2026, and you must have an active contract expiring 31 October 2028 or later to be eligible.
Who it affects
Any AR, SMCR, or IRR Marine currently on an FY26 SNCO promotion list (SSgt, GySgt, MSgt, MGySgt, 1stSgt, or SgtMaj). Commanders executing those promotions are also directly affected.
What you need to do
If you're on a list, check your seniority number against the tables below and confirm with your S-1 that your contract end date is 31 October 2028 or later. If your Obligated Service (OBS) isn't squared away before your number comes up, your date of rank and effective date will slip to the first of the month after you meet OBS. No action needed if you're not on a list.
For details on OBS requirements, sequenced PME, commander requirements, and promotion backdate requests, visit the Enlisted Promotions page at https://www.manpower.marines.mil and navigate: Divisions > Manpower Management > Performance-Branch > Promotion-Section > Enlisted Promotions > SNCOs.
Key dates
- 1 November 2026: Earliest date commanders may effect promotions
- December 2026: Next projected promotion cycle (numbers in tables below)
- January 2027: Projections also published (see table below)
Promotion numbers
4.a. AR SNCO Promotion List (FY26)
| Grade | # Selected | Senior No. Promoted Oct 26 | Nov 26 Promoted | Last Senior No. Promoted | Projected Dec 26 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MGySgt | 7 | Note 1 | Note 1 | Note 1 | Note 1 |
| MSgt | 26 | Note 1 | Note 1 | Note 1 | Note 1 |
| GySgt | 69 | 41 | 6 | 47 | 6 |
| SSgt | 140 | 120 | 4 | 124 | 4 |
4.b. SMCR SNCO Promotion List (FY26)
| Grade | # Selected | Senior No. Promoted Oct 26 | Nov 26 Promoted | Last Senior No. Promoted | Projected Dec 26 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SgtMaj/MGySgt | 19 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 2 |
| 1stSgt/MSgt | 115 | 10 | 10 | 20 | 10 |
| GySgt | 237 | 20 | 20 | 40 | 20 |
| SSgt | 384 | 32 | 32 | 64 | 32 |
4.c. IRR SNCO Promotion List (FY26)
| Grade | # Selected | Senior No. Promoted Oct 26 | Nov 26 Promoted | Last Senior No. Promoted | Projected Dec 26 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MGySgt | Note 2 | Note 2 | Note 2 | Note 2 | Note 2 |
| MSgt | 3 | 2 | Note 1 | Note 1 | Note 1 |
| GySgt | 17 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 2 |
| SSgt | 56 | 6 | 6 | 12 | 6 |
4.d. Projected January 2027 Promotions (All Components)
| Grade | AR | SMCR | IRR |
|---|---|---|---|
| SgtMaj/MGySgt | Note 1 | 2 | Note 2 |
| 1stSgt/MSgt | Note 1 | 9 | Note 1 |
| GySgt | 6 | 20 | 1 |
| SSgt | 4 | 32 | 6 |
Note 1: No promotions due to Time in Grade requirements or grade caps. Note 2: No selections exist for this component.
The official version
Full text: MARADMIN 516/26
Reference order: MCO P1400.32D w/CH 2, Enlisted Promotion Manual.
POCs at MMPB-11 and RAP-2:
- Maj William C. Griffin:
william.c.griffin@usmc.mil/ 703-784-3440 - MSgt Emily R. Welch:
welch.r.emily@usmc.mil/ 703-784-2765 - MSgt Joel S. Austin (RAP-2):
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.