Marine Corps Promotions

There is one question that any good Marine will ask on a regular basis. "How can I get promoted?" That answer will vary depending on the rank of the Marine. We will keep it simple and stick to the basics of getting promoted. If anyone wants to read a more in-depth description of the promotion system, click here to read the Marine Corps Promotion Manual.

Promotions to Private First Class and Lance Corporal

Marines who have served 6 months active duty as a Private are eligible for promotion to Private First Class (PFC), as long as their service is deemed satisfactory by the Commander. Time spent in boot camp does count towards the required 6 months. The same requirement exists for reservists as well. Marines who have served 8 months active duty as a PFC and 9 months time in service (TIS) are eligible for promotion to Lance Corporal (LCpl), again as long as their service is deemed satisfactory by the Commander. As a reservist, the same requirements apply.

Meritorious Promotions to Private First Class and Lance Corporal

A Commander can meritoriously promote a Marine to PFC if they believe they have shown outstanding leadership and performance. This applies to Reserve commands as well. A similar procedure occurs for meritorious promotion to LCpl. However, a command may hold a meritorious promotion board for LCpl each quarter; which will occur in December, March, June, and September.

Promotions to Corporal and Sergeant

Promotions to Corporal (Cpl) and Sergeant (Sgt) are slightly more complicated. The eligibility for promotions to these ranks is based on a composite score. The components that go into computing this score are:

• Rifle Score-Determined by the Marine's score on the rifle range.
• Physical Fitness Test-Based on the Marine's physical fitness test score.
• Combat Fitness Test-Based on the Marine's combat fitness test score.
• Proficiency Rating-A rating given quarterly by the Marine's supervisor based on the Marine's performance, ranging from 0 to 5.0.
• Conduct Rating-A rating given quarterly by the Marine's supervisor based on the Marine's conduct, ranging from 0 to 5.0.
• Time in Service-The total number of months of service.
• Time in Grade-The total number of months served in their present grade/rank.
• Drill Instructor/Recruiter/Security Bonus Points-Commands can add 100 bonus points for Marine's serving as Drill Instructors, Recruiters, and Marine Security Guards.
• Education-Marine's can receive up to 100 points for military and civilian education.
• Command Recruiting Referrals- E-3's and E-4's can refer individuals to recruiters. If those individuals enlist in the Marine Corps those Marine's will earn 20 bonus points per individual with a maximum of 100 points.