Junior Enlisted Promotions (Pvt to Sgt)
Plain-language walkthrough of junior enlisted promotions for Pvt through Sgt. Junior enlisted promotions are based on JEPES (Junior Enlisted Performance Evaluation System) cutting scores published monthly in MCTFS. Cutting scores by IMOS determine who promotes each month. Marines compete against the cutoff. PFC, LCpl, and Cpl promotions are score-driven. Sgt promotion combines JEPES score with reenlistment requirement and the standard TIS minimum. Per MARADMIN 222/26, the Sergeant TIS minimum drops from 48 months to 30 months effective 1 October 2026 (total force) and SULI is cancelled. PME flag must be 'Y' for select grade. School honor graduates may receive meritorious promotion (5 percent rule). Junior remedial process per MARADMIN 559/23 is automatic in MCTFS for late training entries. Per MCO P1400.32D, MARADMIN 222/26, and MARADMIN 559/23.
Start Here If You Are New to Junior Enlisted Promotions
Junior enlisted promotions cover Pvt through Sgt. The system is JEPES-based. Marines earn objective scores from training (PFT, CFT, Rifle, MCMAP, PME, Self-Education) and command input (Character, MOS or Mission Accomplishment, Leadership). Monthly cutting scores by IMOS are published in MCTFS through the JEPA screen. Marines whose JEPES score meets or exceeds the cutoff for their IMOS are selected for promotion if they meet all other requirements (PME complete, TIG, TIS). PFC and LCpl are largely automatic if you meet TIG/TIS and PME. Cpl and Sgt require strong JEPES scores AND PME. Sgt also requires reenlistment commitment and the standard TIS minimum. Per MARADMIN 222/26 paragraph 1.a, effective 1 October 2026, the Sergeant TIS minimum drops from 48 months to 30 months (total force) and the Small-Unit Leader Initiative (SULI) per MARADMIN 225/23 is cancelled. School honor graduates rate meritorious promotion under the 5-percent rule. Late training entries trigger automatic remedial promotion per MARADMIN 559/23MARADMIN 559/23. Per MCO P1400.32DMCO P1400.32D, MARADMIN 222/26MARADMIN 222/26, and MARADMIN 559/23MARADMIN 559/23.
This page walks you through junior enlisted promotions from your seat as a General Marine. By the end you will know.
- The JEPES cutting score system
- TIG and TIS minimum requirements
- The four pillars of JEPES (covered fully in the JEPES leaf)
- How cutting scores are published in MCTFS (JEPA screen)
- The MCTFS score vs MOL JEPES Dashboard distinction
- PME requirements (the flag must be "Y")
- School honor graduate meritorious promotion (5 percent rule)
- Junior remedial promotion per MARADMIN 559/23MARADMIN 559/23
- The monthly promotion cycle
Every fact on this page comes from MCO P1400.32DMCO P1400.32D, MARADMIN 222/26MARADMIN 222/26, MARADMIN 612/19MARADMIN 612/19, MARADMIN 559/23MARADMIN 559/23, MARADMIN 474/21MARADMIN 474/21, MCO 1616.1MCO 1616.1, and MMPB-11 published guidance.
TIG and TIS Minimum Requirements
Per MCO P1400.32DMCO P1400.32D and MARADMIN 222/26MARADMIN 222/26, the minimum time in grade (TIG) and time in service (TIS) requirements for junior enlisted promotions.
Regular Promotion (USMC and USMCR) - Effective 1 October 2026
Per MARADMIN 222/26 paragraph 1.a and paragraph 4.a, the Sergeant TIS minimum is 30 months. The change applies to the total force.
| Promotion to | TIG | TIS |
|---|---|---|
| Sgt | 12 months | 30 months |
| Cpl | 12 months | 12 months |
| LCpl | 8 months | 9 months |
| PFC | 6 months | 6 months |
Regular Promotion (USMC and USMCR) - Through 30 September 2026
The legacy TIS framework remains in effect for the transition period.
| Promotion to | TIG | TIS |
|---|---|---|
| Sgt (with reenlistment) | 12 months | 3 years |
| Sgt (without reenlistment) | 12 months | 4 years |
| Cpl | 12 months | 12 months |
| LCpl | 8 months | 9 months |
| PFC | 6 months | 6 months |
Meritorious Promotion (USMC and USMCR)
| Promotion to | TIG | TIS |
|---|---|---|
| Sgt | N/A | 18 months |
| Cpl | N/A | 6 months |
| LCpl | N/A | N/A |
| PFC | N/A | N/A |
The meritorious TIS framework for Sgt (18 months) is not modified by MARADMIN 222/26.
Why TIG and TIS Matter
These minimums are required for promotion eligibility. Marines who do not meet TIG and TIS are not eligible for promotion that month, regardless of JEPES score.
Sergeant TIS Change (MARADMIN 222/26)
Per MARADMIN 222/26 (14 May 2026), the standard TIS requirement for promotion to Sergeant drops from 48 months to 30 months effective 1 October 2026. The change applies to the total force per paragraph 4.a.
Why the Change
Per MARADMIN 222/26 paragraph 2.a, the FY20 increase from 24 to 48 months under MARADMIN 612/19 favored longevity over performance. The new 30-month TIS strengthens competition among high-performing Corporals and ensures Marines are promoted based on merit and performance.
What Stays the Same
Per MARADMIN 222/26 paragraph 3.a.3, all other eligibility requirements for promotion to Sergeant remain unchanged.
- 12 months TIG.
- JEPES cutting score requirement.
- PME flag "Y" requirement.
- Reenlistment (OBS) requirement per the Obligated Service (OBS) and Reenlistment for Promotion leaf.
- Commander discretion.
- All other existing policies.
SULI Cancellation
Per MARADMIN 222/26 paragraph 3.a.2, the Small-Unit Leader Initiative (SULI) per MARADMIN 225/23 is cancelled effective 1 October 2026. The new 30-month standard TIS supersedes the function SULI served. The Non-Competitive Cpl-to-Sgt Promotions leaf covers the transition. SULI execution mechanics under the prior framework sit in PAA 02-23PAA 02-23 (criteria) and PAA 06-23PAA 06-23 (automation).
What This Replaces
The 30-month TIS replaces the 48-month TIS standard set by MARADMIN 612/19.
The JEPES Cutting Score System
What a Cutting Score Is
Per MCO P1400.32DMCO P1400.32D, a cutting score is the JEPES score threshold for promotion in a specific IMOS for a specific month. Marines whose JEPES score meets or exceeds the cutoff for their IMOS are selected for promotion if otherwise eligible.
Where Cutting Scores Are Published
In MCTFS through the JEPA screen.
How to Access JEPA
- Log in to MCTFS.
- Type "JEPA" from the main menu.
- Select the desired option.
- Use F5/F6 to toggle active/drilling reserve/active reserve.
- Use F7/F8 to scroll up/down.
- Use F10/F11 to navigate previous/next month.
Cutting Score of 9999
A cutting score of "9999" indicates the specified MOS to that rank is closed. No promotions to that rank in that MOS for that month.
Promotion Recommendation Certification Cadence
Per PAA 03-21PAA 03-21, promotion recommendations (recommended and not recommended) certify through the MOL PromRec module each month prior to the recommendation certifications due date. Validation of the eligibility roster on the PromRec module is a monthly unit battle rhythm event. Not-recommended entries certified through the Semi-Annual JEPES occasions (periods ending 31 January and 31 July) do not influence the next-month promotion cycle. Marines marked not recommended in a Semi-Annual JEPES remain ineligible for promotion through the next month and subsequent months until a favorable recommendation certifies in a later JEPES occasion or through the MOL PromRec module. The 30-day minimum observation time per MCO 1616.1 applies, with exemptions for specific reporting occasions including Transfer (TR) for Initial Skills Training of qualifying duration.
When Cutting Scores Release
Per MMPB-11, cutting scores are normally released no later than the 25th of each month. After the mid-month update and extract.
MCTFS vs MOL Dashboard
The MCTFS JEPES score is the AUTHORITY for promotion purposes. The MOL JEPES Marine Reported On Dashboard may show a different score because.
- MOL Dashboard reflects the current state including data entered after the command cutoff.
- MCTFS calculates the score using data prior to the command cutoff for each promotion period.
For promotion, the MCTFS score is what counts.
The Command Cutoff Date
The command cutoff is the deadline for data to count toward a given month's promotion. For active duty, changes are made to the promotion parameters and cutoff scores during the third week of each month. For reserve Marines, changes occur during the end of the second month of each promotion quarter.
How JEPES Score Is Computed
Per MCO 1616.1MCO 1616.1, JEPES has four pillars equally weighted at 25 percent each.
- Warfighting (25 percent). Rifle (12.5%) + MCMAP (12.5%).
- Physical Toughness (25 percent). PFT (12.5%) + CFT (12.5%).
- Mental Agility (25 percent). MOS Courses (50% of pillar), MARINENET (20%), Degrees (10%), Self-Education in Grade (10%), Self-Education in Service (10%).
- Command Input (25 percent). Character (8.3% of total), MOS or Mission Accomplishment (8.3%), Leadership (8.3%).
The JEPES (Junior Enlisted Performance Evaluation System) leaf in the Performance Evaluation parent group covers the four-pillar framework in detail.
How a Marine Is Selected for Promotion
Per MCO P1400.32DMCO P1400.32D and MMPB-11.
- Marine accumulates JEPES score components throughout the period.
- Command Input Marks are entered by the Reporting Official.
- Command cutoff date arrives.
- MCTFS computes the JEPES score using all data prior to cutoff.
- MMPB-11 publishes cutting scores by IMOS for the month.
- Marines whose JEPES score equals or exceeds the cutoff AND who meet other requirements (PME complete, TIG, TIS) are selected.
- Select grades post on the unit's Diary Feedback Report (DFR).
- The promotion MARADMIN authorizes the unit to effect the promotion.
- The IPAC promotes the Marine on the 1st of the month.
PME Requirements
Per MARADMIN 474/21MARADMIN 474/21 and MCO P1400.32DMCO P1400.32D.
PME Flag
The PME flag in MCTFS must be "Y" for the Marine to be selected for promotion.
What "PME Complete" Means
The Marine has completed the required PME for the next grade.
- For LCpl. Required PME for Cpl.
- For Cpl. Required PME for Sgt.
- For Sgt promotion to SSgt. Required PME for SSgt (different framework, covered in PME Requirements for Promotion leaf).
PME Incomplete Marines
Marines who meet the cutting score but are not PME complete will NOT be selected for promotion. The PME flag must be "Y."
Late PME Entries
If PME is completed but not entered in MCTFS by the cutoff, the Marine may be eligible for junior remedial promotion (covered below).
School Honor Graduate Meritorious Promotion (5 Percent Rule)
Per MCO P1400.32DMCO P1400.32D, school honor graduates may receive meritorious promotion.
The 5 Percent Rule
The number of meritorious promotions from a class is based on 5 percent of the class size.
Who Is Eligible
- The 1st place graduate (honor graduate) typically rates promotion if they are eligible for the next grade.
- The 2nd place graduate rates promotion ONLY if the class size is 40 or more (5 percent = 2 promotions).
Calculating the Number of Promotions
- Class of 40 or more. 5 percent = 2 or more promotions. 1st and 2nd place rate consideration.
- Class of 30. 5 percent = 1.5. Round DOWN. 1 promotion. Only 1st place rates consideration.
- Class of 20. 5 percent = 1.0. 1 promotion. Only 1st place rates consideration.
Why Round Down
Per MCO P1400.32DMCO P1400.32D, you cannot carry the decimal point or round up. Always round down.
Eligibility for Honor Graduate Promotion
The Marine must.
- Be the appropriate grade to receive the meritorious promotion.
- Meet TIS minimum.
- Meet other meritorious promotion requirements per MCO P1400.32DMCO P1400.32D.
If 1st place is already a higher grade than the meritorious promotion authorized, the slot may pass to 2nd place, and so on.
Junior Remedial Promotion Process
Per MARADMIN 559/23MARADMIN 559/23, the junior enlisted remedial promotion process is largely automatic in MCTFS.
How It Works
- Late entry of training data or command input marks occurs (after command cutoff).
- MCTFS automatically recomputes the JEPES score.
- MCTFS screens whether the new score meets a previous month's cutoff.
- If yes and the Marine is otherwise eligible, MCTFS automatically promotes the Marine in the next promotion cycle with the remedial date of rank.
- A message is sent to the unit's JEPES module in MOL.
What Triggers Auto-Remedial
Late entry of training data or command input marks that retroactively brings the Marine's score above a past month's cutoff.
When Formal Request Is Required (MARADMIN 559/23)
Most junior enlisted remedial promotions are automatic. Formal request from the commanding officer via naval correspondence is only required for.
- Correcting entry-level grades associated with a contracted PFC.
- Non-competitive IMOS promotions.
- Marine Corps Embassy Security Group PME waivers.
- Musician Enlistment Option Program promotions.
- Reservists who changed components after the requested remedial promotion date.
- Correcting a previous DOR for a Marine already promoted.
IPAC's Role
The unit IPAC can run remedial selection entries in UD/MIPS with TTC 287-003 between the 1st of the promotion month and the day before select grades are run for the following promotion month.
The Monthly Promotion Cycle
Active Duty
- Mid-month. Update and extract in MCTFS.
- Third week. Manpower Plans and Policy provides cutting scores.
- 25th of month. Cutting scores released.
- 1st of next month. Promotions effective.
Reserve
- End of 2nd month of each promotion quarter. Reserve cutting scores released.
- 1st of next month. Promotions effective.
Things to Remember
Cutting Scores Change Monthly
The cutting score for your IMOS may change month to month based on actual vacancies and the eligible population. Past cutting scores are not predictors of future cutting scores.
Below Cutoff but Close
Marines with JEPES scores close to but below the cutoff should focus on improving the score (re-running events, completing courses, earning qualifications) for the next month.
MCTFS Is the Authority
The MCTFS JEPES score (computed using data prior to command cutoff) is the authority for promotion. Not the MOL Dashboard.
Re-Running Events
Marines can re-run the PFT or CFT to improve their score. Re-running rifle qualification can also improve. The Mental Agility pillar can be improved by completing more MOS courses, MARINENET courses, or self-education.
Common Questions Marines Ask
What is JEPES?
Junior Enlisted Performance Evaluation System. Replaces the legacy Pro/Con marks for E-1 through E-4. Four pillars equally weighted (Warfighting, Physical Toughness, Mental Agility, Command Input).
What is a cutting score?
The JEPES score threshold for promotion in a specific IMOS for a specific month. Marines whose score meets or exceeds the cutoff are selected if otherwise eligible.
How do I see my JEPES score?
Through the MOL Marine Reported On Dashboard. The dashboard shows your current score and peer comparison.
How do I see the cutting score for my IMOS?
Through MCTFS. Type "JEPA" in MCTFS and select the desired option.
Why is my MCTFS score different from my MOL Dashboard score?
The MOL Dashboard reflects the current state. The MCTFS score for promotion uses data prior to the command cutoff. The MCTFS score is the authority for promotion.
What does "9999" cutting score mean?
The MOS to that rank is closed. No promotions in that MOS that month.
When are cutting scores released?
Active duty. By the 25th of each month. Reserve. End of the 2nd month of each promotion quarter.
What if I meet the cutting score but my PME flag is "N"?
You will NOT be selected for promotion. The PME flag must be "Y." Complete the required PME and have it entered in MCTFS.
Can I be meritoriously promoted as a school honor graduate?
Yes, under the 5-percent rule. 1st place rates consideration. 2nd place rates if class size is 40 or more.
What is junior remedial promotion?
Per MARADMIN 559/23MARADMIN 559/23, automatic remedial promotion in MCTFS when late training or PME entries retroactively bring your JEPES score above a past month's cutoff. MCTFS automatically promotes you in the next promotion cycle.
When is a formal remedial request required?
Per MARADMIN 559/23MARADMIN 559/23, only for specific situations (entry-level grade corrections, non-competitive IMOS, MCESG PME waivers, MEOP, component changes, DOR corrections).
What happens if I refuse promotion?
A Marine cannot be forced to accept promotion if it requires an extension or reenlistment they are not willing to make. However, refusal of promotion to gain OBS may make the Marine ineligible for future promotions in the same component. Coordinate with the chain of command.
How does TIG/TIS apply?
TIG (time in grade) and TIS (time in service) minimums must be met. Without TIG/TIS, you are ineligible for promotion regardless of JEPES score.
What happens at promotion to Sgt?
Per MCO P1400.32DMCO P1400.32D and MARADMIN 222/26MARADMIN 222/26, Sgt promotion requires the standard TIS minimum (30 months effective 1 October 2026 per MARADMIN 222/26 paragraph 1.a) and the reenlistment (OBS) requirement per the Obligated Service (OBS) and Reenlistment for Promotion leaf. The OBS requirement is unchanged per MARADMIN 222/26 paragraph 3.a.3.
When does the 30-month Sergeant TIS take effect?
Per MARADMIN 222/26 paragraph 3.a, the 30-month TIS takes effect 1 October 2026. The change applies to the total force (active component, active reserve, and SMCR).
Is SULI still in effect?
Per MARADMIN 222/26 paragraph 3.a.2, SULI is cancelled effective 1 October 2026. The new 30-month standard TIS supersedes the function SULI served. The Non-Competitive Cpl-to-Sgt Promotions leaf covers the transition.
Where to Go for Help
Routing by Issue
- JEPES score questions. The unit S-1 PES Manager.
- MCTFS JEPA access. The unit administrative office.
- MOL Dashboard. https://www.mol.usmc.mil/.
- PME questions. MarineNet, the unit S-1, MMPB-11.
- Junior remedial promotion. The unit IPAC.
- 5-percent rule for school honor graduates. The school's S-1 and the gaining unit's S-1.
- Enlisted Promotions (MMPB-11). 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.
- Non-Competitive Cpl-to-Sgt Promotions covers SULI (cancelled effective 1 October 2026 per MARADMIN 222/26), Recruiter, and Non-Competitive IMOS paths.
- PME Requirements for Promotion covers PME framework.
- Obligated Service (OBS) and Reenlistment for Promotion covers Sgt OBS.
- Failure of Selection and Non-Selection covers JEPES below-cutoff.
- Selection Board Preparation (Records and Materials) covers MCTFS data accuracy.
- JEPES (Junior Enlisted Performance Evaluation System) in the Performance Evaluation group covers the four-pillar score breakdown.
Related Roles
- Leaders coach junior Marines on improving JEPES score components and meeting PME and OBS requirements.
- Admin at S-1 supports MCTFS data accuracy, JEPA verification, and remedial promotion processing.
- Commanders ensure command input marks are entered timely and Marines understand the JEPES framework.
Junior enlisted promotions (Pvt to Sgt) are JEPES-based. Cutting scores by IMOS published in MCTFS via JEPA. MCTFS score is the authority (not MOL Dashboard). PME flag must be "Y" for select grade. School honor graduates rate meritorious promotion under the 5 percent rule. Junior remedial promotion automatic in MCTFS per MARADMIN 559/23MARADMIN 559/23 for late training entries. TIG/TIS minimums per MCO P1400.32DMCO P1400.32D. Per MARADMIN 222/26MARADMIN 222/26 effective 1 October 2026, the standard Sergeant TIS drops from 48 months to 30 months (total force) and SULI is cancelled.
How other roles handle this
- Admin view - the processing side
- Leader view - your NCO and SNCO oversight
- Commander view - command authority and decisions
References
- MCO P1400.32D W/CH 2 (Enlisted Promotion Manual)
- MARADMIN 222/26 (Forthcoming Changes to Time in Service Requirement for Promotion to Sergeant and Changes to the Staff Sergeant Promotion Process) - 14 May 2026
- MARADMIN 612/19 (Announcement of Authority for Early Reenlistment, Delegation of Reenlistment Approval Authority, and Changes to Promotion Requirements Policy) - 30 October 2019
- MARADMIN 559/23 (Junior Enlisted Remedial Promotion Process)
- MARADMIN 474/21 (PME Required for Promotion)
- MCO 1616.1 (JEPES Order)
- Marine Corps Total Force System (MCTFS)
- Marine Online (MOL) JEPES Marine Reported On Dashboard
- PAA 03-21 - Clarification to Promotion Recommendation Process and Minimum Observation Time Exceptions
- PAA 02-23 - Amplifying Guidance for MARADMIN 225/23 (Small Unit Leader Initiative)
- PAA 06-23 - Automation of the Small Unit Leader Initiative Junior Enlisted Promotions
- MARADMIN 263/26 (Guidance for Exception to Policy ETP Requests to the Enlisted Promotion Manual) - 5 June 2026
Related Pages
- Marines
Non-Competitive Cpl-to-Sgt Promotions (SULI, Recruiter, IMOS)
MCO P1400.32D - 4 shared references
- Marines
PME Requirements for Promotion
MCO P1400.32D - 3 shared references
- Marines
Failure of Selection and Non-Selection
MCO P1400.32D - 2 shared references
- Marines
SNCO Selection Boards (SSgt and Above)
MCO P1400.32D - 2 shared references
- Marines
Meritorious Promotions
MCO P1400.32D