Failure of Selection and Non-Selection

Start Here If You Are New to Failure of Selection

Non-selection at a selection board means the board did not select the Marine for promotion. This typically results in a "failure of selection" (FOS) on the Marine's record unless specific exceptions apply. The TWICE-PASSED policy historically meant Marines passed twice (not selected at two consecutive boards) became ineligible for further consideration. The twice-passed policy is currently WAIVED for many Reserve cases through 1 October 2025. Several categories of Marines are REMOVED from consideration and incur a failure of selection BEFORE the board (e.g., refusal of PCS or UDP orders, requesting non-selection). The Alternate Selection List allows shortfall management without incurring failure of selection. Post-board career counseling through MMEA-64 helps Marines understand competitiveness for future boards. MMPB-11 cannot disclose specific reasons for non-selection (the board's deliberations are confidential). Per MCO P1400.32DMCO P1400.32D and MMPB-11 published guidance.

This page walks you through failure of selection from your seat as a Marine who was not selected. By the end you will know.

• What non-selection means and what failure of selection means
• The twice-passed policy and current waivers
• Removal from consideration and administrative deletion
• Voluntary non-selection requests
• Alternate selection (no failure of selection)
• Why MMPB-11 cannot disclose non-selection reasons
• Post-board career counseling through MMEA-64
• The path forward (improving competitiveness or alternative paths)

Every fact on this page comes from MCO P1400.32DMCO P1400.32D, MMPB-11 published guidance, and MMEA-64 published guidance.

Non-Selection vs Failure of Selection

Non-Selection

The board considered your record and did not select you for promotion. The board reaches this conclusion through majority vote of board members.

Failure of Selection (FOS)

A formal record-keeping designation that the Marine was not selected at a board. FOS may affect future eligibility (twice-passed policy historically) and is reflected in personnel records.

Relationship

Most non-selections result in FOS. Some non-selections do NOT result in FOS (e.g., alternate selects, voluntary non-selection requests where applicable, removed-from-population categories).

The Twice-Passed Policy

Historically, Marines who were "twice passed" (not selected at two consecutive boards in their zone) became INELIGIBLE for further consideration in that grade.

Current Waiver

Per MMPB-11 guidance, the twice-passed policy is currently WAIVED for most Reserve Marines through 1 October 2025. Reserve First Sergeants are excluded from the waiver.

Why the Waiver

The waiver allows continued promotion consideration during periods of force structure adjustment.

After the Waiver Expires

The twice-passed policy may apply differently after the current waiver expires. Marines should monitor MMPB-11 guidance for updates.

Active Duty Twice-Passed Framework

Active duty twice-passed framework varies by grade and program. Coordinate with MMPB-11 for current rules.

Removal From Consideration and Administrative Deletion

The following categories of Marines are NOT considered for promotion. They are REMOVED from the population and INCUR a failure of selection.

Category 1. Marines Previously Selected Who Refused

Marines previously selected for promotion who refused to accept the appointment.

Category 2. PCS or UDP Order Refusal

Marines who declined to reenlist or extend to carry out PCS or Unit Deployment Program (UDP) orders.

Cross-Component Reset

Refusal to accept PCS or UDP orders makes a Marine ineligible for future PSBs within the SAME component but does NOT transfer between active to reserve components.

Category 3. EAS Within 30 Days of Adjournment

Marines with an end of service or reserve end of current contract date within 30 days of the adjournment of the board, UNLESS they submit a letter to the board stating their intent to reenlist.

Category 4. Voluntary Non-Selection Request

Marines who request non-selection via correspondence to the board president.

Category 5. Established Retirement Date

Marines with established retirement dates.

Submission Window

Submit requests for retirement or transfer to FMCR or Retired Reserve between 6 and 18 months before the requested separation date.

Special Promotion Consideration

To minimize selection of Marines who plan to separate, submit request to MMSR (Manpower Management Separations and Retirement) as soon as possible but NLT 2359 EST 10 days prior to the board convening.

Marines may request special promotion consideration via correspondence to MMSR with copy to MMPB-11.

To qualify for special promotion consideration, the FMCR transfer date must be approved NLT 2359 EST 10 days prior to the board convening AND the effective date of transfer must be after the board adjournment date.

Special promotion consideration does NOT authorize a Marine to go beyond enlisted career force controls.

For all reserve Marines (except for reserve First Sergeants), the twice-passed policy is WAIVED until 1 October 2025.

Voluntary FMCR Transfer Without Mandatory Separation

Marines who submit a voluntary request to transfer to FMCR but are NOT required to transfer are NOT eligible for special promotion consideration.

Category 6. LATMOV Approved After Board

LATMOV Marines with requests approved AFTER the board convenes are NOT eligible for consideration in their new MOS and are deleted from the population. These Marines do NOT incur a failure of selection and compete on the following year's board, if eligible.

Category 7. Selected With Incorrect IMOS

Marines selected with the incorrect IMOS are administratively deleted from the selection list, do NOT incur a failure of selection, and may rate remedial consideration for promotion in their correct MOS.

Voluntary Non-Selection Request

A Marine may request non-selection via correspondence to the board president.

Why a Marine Might Request Non-Selection

• Personal circumstances (family, medical, separation plans).
• Career planning (e.g., extending current grade for specific reasons).
• Other personal reasons.

Procedural Requirements

Per MMPB-11, the request must.

• Be submitted via naval correspondence to the board president.
• Arrive NLT 2359 EST 10 days prior to the board convening.

What Voluntary Non-Selection Means

The board honors the request. The Marine incurs a failure of selection. The Marine is NOT ineligible for subsequent PSBs (the failure does not bar future consideration absent other restrictions).

Why You Might Reconsider

Voluntary non-selection counts as an FOS. If you change your mind, you cannot reverse the request after the deadline.

Alternate Selection List

Per the SNCO Selection Boards leaf and Selection MARADMIN paragraph 6.

What an Alternate Is

A Marine selected by the board as an alternate to the primary select list.

Why Alternates Are Selected

To minimize shortfalls in the force when the full allocation for a PMOS cohort is fulfilled.

Alternates Do NOT Incur Failure of Selection

Per Selection MARADMIN paragraph 6.c, alternates do NOT incur a failure of selection. A letter annotating selection as an alternate posts to the OMPF.

How Alternates Are Notified

• Marine Online (MOL) message.
• Alphabetized list posted on the Enlisted Promotions Unit website.

When Alternates Promote

When activated. After the primary select list clears (e.g., when primary selects refuse, separate, or are otherwise removed from the list).

OBS Within 30 Days of Activation

Alternates must gain OBS within 30 days of activation notification.

SSgt Alternate List DISCONTINUED Effective FY27 (MARADMIN 222/26)

Per MARADMIN 222/26MARADMIN 222/26 paragraph 3.c (14 May 2026), the SSgt Promotion Board Alternate Selection List is DISCONTINUED effective FY27. The FY27 SSgt Promotion Selection Board will NOT select alternates. Promotion allocations are adjusted based on population shortfall forecasts. Per paragraph 4.b, the change applies only to the Active Component and Active Reserve.

The Alternate Selection List framework remains in effect for GySgt, MSgt/1stSgt, SgtMaj/MGySgt, and Reserve SNCO boards. The framework also remains in effect for the SSgt board through the FY26 cycle. Marines selected as alternates by those boards continue to NOT incur a failure of selection.

The SNCO Selection Boards (SSgt and Above) leaf covers alternate framework and the FY27 transition in detail.

Why MMPB-11 Cannot Disclose Non-Selection Reasons

Per MMPB-11 guidance.

Confidentiality of Board Deliberations

The Enlisted Promotion Section does NOT know why a Marine is not selected. A reason for non-selection is NOT noted beside an individual's name.

The Bottom Line

In a majority opinion of the members of the selection board, the records of those Marines NOT selected for promotion were NOT as competitive as those records of the Marines selected.

Why Confidentiality Matters

• Protects the integrity of board deliberations.
• Protects board members from retaliation or pressure.
• Maintains the candor of board discussion.

Implication for Non-Selects

You cannot get a specific reason for non-selection. You can get general counseling on improving competitiveness.

Post-Board Career Counseling (MMEA-64)

Marines who were considered and not selected may contact MMEA-64 (Enlisted Career Counseling and Performance Evaluation Unit).

What MMEA-64 Provides

• Insight on improving competitiveness.
• Evaluation of the Marine's OMPF.
• Career path counseling.

How to Reach MMEA-64

• DSN. 278-9241.
• Commercial. (703) 784-9241.

What MMEA-64 Cannot Provide

• Specific reasons for non-selection (confidential).
• Guarantees about future selection.

Why You Should Use MMEA-64

Counseling helps you understand what aspects of your record may be holding you back. Honest assessment from MMEA-64 helps you focus on improving the right elements before the next board.

The Path Forward

Improving Competitiveness for the Next Board

If you remain eligible, focus on.

Performance

• Continue strong FITREP performance.
• Take on challenging billets.
• Demonstrate leadership and capability.
• Earn awards and recognition.

Records

• Audit your record annually.
• Address any errors before the next board.
• Submit personal correspondence to the board president if appropriate (10-day deadline).

PME

• Complete required PME well in advance.
• Consider voluntary education (degrees, certifications).

MBS

• Verify the MBS reflects all FITREPs and awards correctly.
• Address date gaps and errors.

Alternative Paths

If non-selection is final or repeated, consider.

• Lateral move (LATMOV) to a different MOS where you may be more competitive.
• Special Duty Assignment (B-billet).
• Active to Reserve transition (DAP if selected).
• Reserve to Active transition.
• Voluntary separation or retirement.

Career Counseling

Engage with MMEA-64 to discuss alternative paths.

Common Failure of Selection Scenarios

Scenario 1. Active Duty SSgt Not Selected on First Board

Marine eligible for SSgt board, not selected at first board.

• Result. Failure of selection.
• Path Forward. Continue strong performance. Audit records. Engage MMEA-64. Eligible for next year's board.

Scenario 2. Reserve Marine Twice-Passed Through 1 October 2025

Reserve Marine not selected at two consecutive boards.

• Twice-Passed Waiver. Currently waived through 1 October 2025 (except Reserve First Sergeants).
• Result. Failure of selection but NOT ineligibility (during waiver period).
• Path Forward. Continue eligibility through subsequent boards.

Scenario 3. Marine Refused PCS to UDP

Marine declined to reenlist or extend to carry out PCS or UDP orders.

• Result. Removed from population. Failure of selection. Ineligible for future PSBs in same component.

Scenario 4. Marine Selected as Alternate

Marine selected as an alternate, not primary.

• Result. NO failure of selection. Letter to OMPF noting alternate selection.
• Path Forward. Wait for activation. Gain OBS within 30 days of notification. Compete on next year's board if not activated.

Scenario 5. Marine With Established Retirement Date

Marine has approved retirement date during the board's eligibility window.

• Result. Removed from population. May qualify for special promotion consideration if FMCR transfer is approved NLT 10 days before board AND effective date is after adjournment.

Scenario 6. Marine Submitted Voluntary Non-Selection Request

Marine submitted voluntary non-selection request to the board president.

• Result. Failure of selection. NOT ineligible for subsequent PSBs.

Scenario 7. LATMOV Approved After Board

Marine had LATMOV approved after the board convened.

• Result. Administratively deleted from population. NO failure of selection. Compete on next year's board in new MOS.

Common Mistakes

Mistake 1. Refusing PCS Without Understanding Consequences

Refusing PCS or UDP orders to avoid OBS extension creates failure of selection AND ineligibility for future PSBs in the same component. Major career consequence.

Mistake 2. Not Engaging MMEA-64 After Non-Selection

Career counseling helps you understand your competitiveness. Many non-selects do not seek this counseling.

Mistake 3. Submitting Voluntary Non-Selection Request Then Reconsidering

The 10-day deadline applies. After the deadline, the request cannot be reversed.

Mistake 4. Assuming Specific Non-Selection Reason Will Be Provided

MMPB-11 cannot provide specific non-selection reasons. The deliberations are confidential.

Mistake 5. Missing the FMCR Special Promotion Consideration Window

To qualify for special promotion consideration, the FMCR transfer must be approved 10 days before the board with effective date after adjournment.

Mistake 6. Not Updating Records After Non-Selection

The next board sees your record. Update records continuously, not just at selection time.

Common Questions Marines Ask

What is failure of selection?

A formal record-keeping designation that the Marine was not selected at a board. Typically results from non-selection at the board.

Does non-selection always result in failure of selection?

Not always. Alternates do not incur FOS. Marines deleted for some reasons (LATMOV approved after board, incorrect IMOS) do not incur FOS.

What is the twice-passed policy?

Historically, Marines passed twice in zone became ineligible. Currently waived for most Reserve cases through 1 October 2025 (except Reserve First Sergeants).

What does removal from consideration mean?

Categories of Marines REMOVED from the eligible population BEFORE the board. They incur a failure of selection.

What categories trigger removal?

Refusal of prior selection. Refusal of PCS or UDP. EAS within 30 days of adjournment. Voluntary non-selection request. Established retirement date. LATMOV approved after board (no FOS). Incorrect IMOS (no FOS).

Why can MMPB-11 not tell me why I was not selected?

The board's deliberations are confidential. The bottom line is that the majority of board members determined other Marines' records were more competitive.

What is post-board career counseling?

Through MMEA-64. Provides insight on improving competitiveness and evaluates your OMPF. Does not provide specific non-selection reasons.

How do I reach MMEA-64?

DSN 278-9241 or COM (703) 784-9241.

What is the difference between alternate selection and non-selection?

Alternates are NOT non-selected. Alternates are selected by the board as a buffer to the primary list. Alternates do not incur FOS.

What is voluntary non-selection?

A Marine's request to the board president to not be selected. Submitted via naval correspondence by 10 days before the board. Counted as FOS but not ineligible for subsequent PSBs.

What is special promotion consideration?

For Marines with FMCR transfer approved, the framework allows promotion consideration even though the Marine plans to separate. Strict timing applies (10 days before board, effective date after adjournment).

What if I cannot get my LATMOV approved before the board?

If your LATMOV is approved after the board, you are deleted from the population without FOS. You compete on the next year's board in your new MOS.

How do I improve my competitiveness for the next board?

Continue strong FITREP performance. Audit records. Complete PME. Address MBS errors. Engage MMEA-64 for counseling.

Should I consider alternative career paths after non-selection?

Coordinate with MMEA-64. Options include LATMOV, SDA, active-to-reserve, reserve-to-active, separation, retirement.

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• Career counseling for non-selects. MMEA-64 (DSN 278-9241 or COM 703-784-9241).
• Voluntary non-selection request. Submit to board president via MMPB-11 by 10 days before board.
• Special promotion consideration. Submit to MMSR with copy to MMPB-11.
• Twice-passed policy questions. MMPB-11 at enlistedpromotions@usmc.mil.
• Alternate Selection List status. MOL message and Enlisted Promotions Unit website.
• LATMOV. Through MMEA monitor.
• Removal from consideration questions. MMPB-11 at enlistedpromotions@usmc.mil or DSN 278-9717.

Where to Go Next on This Site

• Promotions landing page lists all topics.
• Promotions Overview and Authorities covers the framework.
• SNCO Selection Boards (SSgt and Above) covers the board procedure and Alternate Selection List.
• Officer Promotion Boards covers officer non-selection.
• Selection Board Preparation (Records and Materials) covers record audits.
• Remedial Selection (ERSB and Junior Enlisted) covers ERSB process.
• Obligated Service (OBS) and Reenlistment for Promotion covers PCS and UDP refusal.
• Performance Evaluation Overview covers FITREPs as the primary input to selection competitiveness.
• Reenlistments and Extensions covers reenlistment paths.

Related Roles

• Leaders coach Marines through non-selection and the path forward (continuing performance, MMEA-64 engagement).
• Admin at S-1 supports voluntary non-selection requests, special promotion consideration, and removal-from-consideration documentation.
• Commanders provide candid feedback on competitiveness and support the Marine's path forward.

Non-selection at a board typically results in failure of selection (FOS) unless specific exceptions apply. The twice-passed policy is currently waived for most Reserve cases through 1 October 2025. Multiple categories trigger removal from consideration with FOS (PCS or UDP refusal, voluntary non-selection request, retirement, etc.). Alternate Selection does NOT incur FOS. MMPB-11 cannot disclose specific non-selection reasons (confidential deliberations). MMEA-64 provides post-board career counseling. Path forward includes improving competitiveness or alternative paths (LATMOV, SDA, separation). Per MCO P1400.32DMCO P1400.32D and MMPB-11 published guidance.