Non-Competitive Cpl-to-Sgt Promotions (SULI, Recruiter, IMOS)

Start Here If You Are New to Non-Competitive Cpl-to-Sgt Promotions

The Marine Corps has non-competitive Cpl-to-Sgt promotion paths that bypass the JEPES cutting score competition. Marines on these paths get promoted based on meeting specific eligibility criteria rather than competing against an IMOS cutoff. Per MARADMIN 222/26MARADMIN 222/26 paragraph 3.a.2, the Small-Unit Leader Initiative (SULI) per MARADMIN 225/23MARADMIN 225/23 is CANCELLED effective 1 October 2026. The new 30-month standard Sergeant TIS (per MARADMIN 222/26 paragraph 1.a) supersedes the function SULI served. Three non-competitive paths remain after 1 October 2026. Active Duty Recruiter Promotion per MARADMIN 103/25MARADMIN 103/25 effective 1 March 2025. Reserve Component Recruiter Promotion per MARADMIN 229/25MARADMIN 229/25. Non-Competitive IMOS Promotion per MARADMIN 515/25MARADMIN 515/25 effective 1 October 2025 covering eight specific MOSs (0211, 0372, 1751, 2336, 3044, 4133, 4821, 5821). Every path requires PME complete. Each path has specific TIG, TIS, reenlistment, and other criteria. Per MCO P1400.32DMCO P1400.32D, MARADMIN 222/26MARADMIN 222/26, and the path-specific MARADMINs.

This page walks you through the four non-competitive Cpl-to-Sgt paths from your seat as a General Marine. By the end you will know.

• The non-competitive paths and what makes each unique
• SULI status under MARADMIN 222/26MARADMIN 222/26 (CANCELLED effective 1 October 2026, transition to the 30-month standard TIS)
• SULI eligibility through 30 September 2026 (MARADMIN 225/23MARADMIN 225/23)
• Active Duty Recruiter promotion eligibility (MARADMIN 103/25MARADMIN 103/25)
• Reserve Component Recruiter promotion eligibility (MARADMIN 229/25MARADMIN 229/25)
• Non-Competitive IMOS promotion eligibility (MARADMIN 515/25MARADMIN 515/25)
• The eight specific MOSs covered by 515/25
• The administrative process for each path
• The relationship between non-competitive paths and the JEPES cutting score system

Every fact on this page comes from MARADMINs 222/26, 225/23, 103/25, 229/25, 515/25, MCO P1400.32DMCO P1400.32D, and MMPB-11 published guidance.

Path 1. Small-Unit Leader Initiative (SULI)

SULI CANCELLED Effective 1 October 2026 (MARADMIN 222/26)

Per MARADMIN 222/26MARADMIN 222/26 paragraph 3.a.2 (14 May 2026), the Small-Unit Leader Initiative (SULI) established by MARADMIN 225/23MARADMIN 225/23 is CANCELLED effective 1 October 2026.

Why SULI Is Cancelled

Per MARADMIN 222/26 paragraph 2.a, the Marine Corps determined that the prior 48-month standard TIS for Sergeant favored longevity over performance. The cancellation of SULI is paired with a reduction of the standard Sergeant TIS from 48 to 30 months effective 1 October 2026 (per MARADMIN 222/26 paragraph 1.a, total force). The new 30-month standard TIS supersedes the function SULI served. High-performing Corporals reaching 30 months TIS now compete through the standard JEPES framework instead of through SULI.

Transition to the 30-Month Standard TIS

• Marines reaching SULI eligibility before 1 October 2026 follow the SULI framework through that date.
• After 1 October 2026, SULI submissions are no longer processed.
• Marines who would have qualified for SULI after 1 October 2026 compete through the standard 30-month TIS path per the Junior Enlisted Promotions leaf.
• The reenlistment (OBS) requirement for Sergeant promotion is unchanged per MARADMIN 222/26 paragraph 3.a.3.

The Junior Enlisted Promotions leaf covers the new 30-month TIS framework. The Obligated Service (OBS) and Reenlistment for Promotion leaf covers the unchanged OBS requirement.

SULI Framework Through 30 September 2026

Per MARADMIN 225/23MARADMIN 225/23 effective 1 June 2023, the SULI framework remains in effect through 30 September 2026.

What SULI Is

A program providing high-performing, committed, first-term corporals eligibility for promotion to Sergeant. Created in response to the Fleet Marine Force's need to retain and promote high-quality corporals.

SULI Eligibility (Five Conditions)

All FIVE conditions must be met.

1. Recommended by the first O-5 commander in the Marine's chain of command.
2. At least 36 months' time in service (TIS).
3. Has executed a reenlistment.
4. Completed all required Professional Military Education (PME).
5. Meets the JEPES promotion cutoff score for the month in which promoted.

Amplifying execution detail sits in PAA 02-23PAA 02-23 (criteria interpretation, DCC "ZU" verification, IMOS handling) and PAA 06-23PAA 06-23 (MCTFS automation of the SULI process).

SULI Examples (Per MARADMIN 225/23 Paragraph 4.b)

Example 1

A Marine who has executed a reenlistment AND has 36 months TIS is immediately eligible for SULI promotion (assuming all other promotion requirements are met).

Example 2

A Marine who has 30 months TIS and executes a reenlistment is NOT yet eligible for SULI. Once this Marine reaches 36 months TIS and meets all other SULI requirements, the Marine becomes SULI eligible.

SULI Promotion Authority

SULI promotion authority is retained at the O-5 command level. Additional restrictions or criteria for SULI promotions shall NOT be levied on Marines.

SULI Does Not Affect Other Meritorious Allocations

SULI promotions do NOT affect previously-established meritorious promotion allocations.

SULI Administrative Requirements

MMEA-1 Tracking

Upon reenlistment, MMEA-1 annotates 36-month TIS eligibility for each Marine in the TFRS RELM. MMEA-1 also runs a draw case code (DCC) of "ZU" to track FY24 corporal and below reenlistments for future SULI eligibility.

Cutting Score and JEPES Validation

Commands must manually screen and validate that the Marine meets or exceeds the monthly JEPES cutoff score.

• View cutoff scores for each MOS by typing "JEPA" in MCTFS.
• Validate the Marine's JEPES promotion score by typing "JWKS" in MCTFS.
• Print the projected JWKS BEFORE current month select grades post (~20th of each month).
• Print the JEPA AFTER current month select grades post.

EPAR Submission

Once the Marine meets all SULI requirements, the O-5 command team uses the MOL EPAR module ("SULI Eligible Promotion") to submit to IPAC.

• Current JEPA and projected JWKS screens.
• O-5-level command letter recommending promotion to Sergeant and citing SULI eligibility.
• Executed reenlistment documents.
• Command-generated promotion warrant.

IPAC Reporting

IPAC reports SULI promotions NLT the 5th of each month using the meritorious promotion TTC (052-003) with effective date of the 1st of the month.

SULI Remedial Promotions Not Actionable

Per MARADMIN 225/23MARADMIN 225/23 paragraph 5.g, due to current systems limitations, SULI remedial promotions are NOT actionable. Commands ensure all training data and input marks are submitted timely. If late, the command executes a SULI promotion for the next month in which the Marine is eligible.

SULI Reserve Applicability

MARADMIN 225/23MARADMIN 225/23 is NOT applicable to the Marine Corps Reserve. A complementary reserve component program is forthcoming and will be announced via SEPCOR.

Path 2. Active Duty Recruiter Promotion

Per MARADMIN 103/25MARADMIN 103/25 effective 1 March 2025.

What This Path Authorizes

Non-competitive promotion of active-duty corporals serving on recruiting duty to Sergeant.

Two Eligibility Scenarios

Scenario 1. Currently Serving on Recruiting Duty

All eligible corporals currently serving on recruiting duty who have not attained Sergeant may be promoted non-competitively with date of rank and effective date of 1 March 2025.

Scenario 2. Attending Basic Recruiter Course

All eligible corporals attending the Basic Recruiter Course are qualified for non-competitive promotion to Sergeant with date of rank and effective date of the first of the month after checking into their new duty station.

Eligibility Requirements

• 12 months' time in grade (TIG).
• 36 months' time in service (TIS).
• PME complete to include Command Sponsored Corporals Course.

Administrative Process

Endorsed Roster

The Recruiting District Commander submits an endorsed roster via naval correspondence to MMPB-11 at enlistedpromotions@usmc.mil. The roster includes.

• Rank.
• Name.
• EDIPI.
• MCC/Unit.
• PME Complete (yes/no).

MMPB-11 Action

Upon review and approval, MMPB-11 enters unit diary entries. Commanders prepare certificates of appointment.

Commander Verification Before Delivery

Prior to delivery of the promotion warrant, commanders must ensure the Marine is ready to assume the responsibilities and perform the duties of Sergeant in a creditable and satisfactory manner.

Reserve Component Not Covered

Per MARADMIN 103/25MARADMIN 103/25 paragraph 8, this policy is NOT applicable to the Marine Corps Reserve or Extended Active Duty (EAD) recruiters. The Reserve Component program is covered by MARADMIN 229/25MARADMIN 229/25.

Path 3. Reserve Component Recruiter Promotion

Per MARADMIN 229/25MARADMIN 229/25 effective 1 March 2025.

What This Path Authorizes

Non-competitive promotion of Reserve Component corporals serving on recruiting duty to Sergeant. Mirrors the active duty MARADMIN 103/25MARADMIN 103/25 framework with reserve-specific scope.

Two Eligibility Scenarios

Scenario 1. Currently Serving on Recruiting Duty

All eligible Reserve Component corporals currently serving on recruiting duty who have not attained Sergeant may be promoted non-competitively with date of rank and effective date of 1 March 2025.

Scenario 2. Attending Recruiter Course

All eligible Reserve Component corporals attending the Basic Recruiter Course OR Basic Prior Service Recruiter Course are qualified for non-competitive promotion to Sergeant with date of rank and effective date of the first of the month after checking into their new duty station.

Eligibility Requirements

• 12 months' time in grade (TIG).
• 36 months' time in service (TIS).
• PME complete for the respective component, to include Command Sponsored Corporals Course.

Administrative Process

Same framework as MARADMIN 103/25MARADMIN 103/25. Recruiting District Commander submits endorsed roster to MMPB-11. MMPB-11 processes. Commanders prepare certificates and verify readiness before delivery.

Coverage

Per MARADMIN 229/25MARADMIN 229/25 paragraph 8, this policy IS applicable to the Marine Corps Reserve, Prior Service Recruiting (PSR), and Extended Active Duty (EAD) recruiters. (Note. EAD recruiters are excluded from MARADMIN 103/25MARADMIN 103/25 and covered here.)

Path 4. Non-Competitive IMOS Promotion

Per MARADMIN 515/25MARADMIN 515/25 effective 1 October 2025.

What This Path Authorizes

Non-competitive promotion to Sergeant for Marines reenlisting into specific entry-level Sergeant IMOSs. The Marine Corps designates these MOSs because the operational need for trained Sergeants in those specialties exceeds what the regular promotion pipeline produces.

MARADMIN 469/24 Cancelled

MARADMIN 469/24MARADMIN 469/24 (the predecessor FY25 framework) is cancelled by 515/25.

Designated Non-Competitive Entry-Level IMOSs

Effective 1 October 2025, the following MOSs are designated as non-competitive entry-level IMOSs for promotion to Sergeant.

• 0211 (Counterintelligence/Human Source Intelligence Specialist).
• 0372 (Critical Skills Operator).
• 1751 (CBRN Defense Specialist).
• 2336 (Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician).
• 3044 (Contracting Specialist).
• 4133 (Marine Corps Engineer Equipment Mechanic).
• 4821 (Audiovisual Operations Chief).
• 5821 (Criminal Investigator).

No Non-Competitive Promotions to Corporal

Per MARADMIN 515/25MARADMIN 515/25 paragraph 2, there are NO non-competitive IMOS promotions to Corporal. This path is for Cpl-to-Sgt only.

Eligibility Requirements

Corporals who.

• Reenlist into a designated non-competitive IMOS.
• Have not yet attained the prerequisite grade (Sergeant).
• Meet TIG and TIS eligibility per MCO P1400.32DMCO P1400.32D.
• Are PME complete.

Promotion Contingency

Promotion in the IMOS is contingent upon.

• Reenlistment.
• TIG/TIS eligibility.
• Completion of PME.

Administrative Process

Submission

Commands submit a signed request letter to MMPB-11 at smb_manpower_enlisted_promotions@usmc.mil.

Pre-Submission Verification

Commands must ensure.

• The Marine's reenlistment is reflected in MCTFS.
• The IMOS is reflected in MCTFS.
• The Marine is PME complete.

MMPB-11 Action

Upon approval, MMPB-11 reports the promotion to Sergeant. Date of rank and effective date are the first day of the month following satisfaction of all requirements.

Failure to Complete MOS Qualification

Marines promoted under their IMOS who subsequently fail to complete MOS qualification requirements will be administratively reduced effective the date the Marine is notified of program disenrollment.

Reserve Applicability

Per MARADMIN 515/25MARADMIN 515/25 paragraph 4, this policy is NOT applicable to the Marine Corps Reserve.

Comparison of the Non-Competitive Paths

Per MARADMIN 222/26MARADMIN 222/26 paragraph 3.a.2, SULI is cancelled effective 1 October 2026. After that date, three non-competitive paths remain (AD Recruiter, RC Recruiter, Non-Competitive IMOS). The new 30-month standard Sergeant TIS handles the rest of the high-performer competition through the regular JEPES framework. The Junior Enlisted Promotions leaf covers the new framework.

Common Marine Scenarios

Scenario 1. SULI-Eligible Cpl

Active duty Cpl with 38 months TIS, just reenlisted, PME complete, JEPES score above cutoff. O-5 commander recommends.

• Path. SULI per MARADMIN 225/23MARADMIN 225/23.
• Action. Command submits SULI EPAR through MOL with required documents.
• Result. Promoted to Sergeant in next monthly cycle.

Scenario 2. Cpl on Active Duty Recruiting Duty

Cpl currently on B-billet recruiting duty. 36 months TIS. 12 months TIG. PME complete including Cpls Course.

• Path. Active Duty Recruiter Promotion per MARADMIN 103/25MARADMIN 103/25.
• Action. Recruiting District Commander submits endorsed roster to MMPB-11.
• Result. MMPB-11 processes. Commander prepares warrant.

Scenario 3. Cpl Reenlisting Into 0372 (Critical Skills Operator)

Cpl reenlists into MOS 0372 (one of the eight designated non-competitive IMOSs).

• Path. Non-Competitive IMOS Promotion per MARADMIN 515/25MARADMIN 515/25.
• Action. Command submits signed request letter to MMPB-11 after MCTFS reflects reenlistment and IMOS.
• Result. Promoted to Sergeant first of month after all requirements met.

Scenario 4. Cpl Not on Any Non-Competitive Path

Cpl in a regular MOS, no recruiting duty, not yet 36 months TIS or has not reenlisted.

• Path. Regular JEPES competition.
• Action. Build JEPES score, complete PME, meet IMOS cutting score.
• Result. Promoted when JEPES score meets monthly cutoff.

The Junior Enlisted Promotions leaf covers the JEPES competition.

Common Mistakes

Mistake 1. Confusing SULI with Other Non-Competitive Paths

Each path has different criteria. SULI requires O-5 recommendation and JEPES cutoff. Recruiter paths do not require JEPES cutoff. Non-Competitive IMOS does not require JEPES cutoff but is limited to 8 MOSs.

Mistake 2. Not Submitting Documentation Timely

Each path has specific documentation requirements. Late submission delays the promotion.

Mistake 3. Assuming SULI Applies to Reserves

SULI per MARADMIN 225/23MARADMIN 225/23 is active duty only. Reserve Component awaits a separate SEPCOR. Note that per MARADMIN 222/26MARADMIN 222/26, SULI is cancelled effective 1 October 2026 with no Reserve successor program contemplated. The new 30-month standard Sergeant TIS (paragraph 1.a) applies to the total force.

Mistake 6. Submitting a SULI Package After 1 October 2026

Per MARADMIN 222/26MARADMIN 222/26 paragraph 3.a.2, SULI is cancelled effective 1 October 2026. SULI packages submitted after that date are not processed. High-performing Cpls reaching 30 months TIS compete through the standard JEPES framework instead.

Mistake 4. Not Completing Cpls Course

Recruiter paths require PME complete including Command Sponsored Corporals Course. Many Cpls overlook this requirement.

Mistake 5. Reenlisting Outside the Designated 8 MOSs Expecting Non-Competitive IMOS

Only the 8 MOSs designated by MARADMIN 515/25MARADMIN 515/25 qualify. Other MOSs do not have non-competitive IMOS authority.

Common Questions Marines Ask

What are the four non-competitive Cpl-to-Sgt promotion paths?

SULI (MARADMIN 225/23MARADMIN 225/23). Active Duty Recruiter (MARADMIN 103/25MARADMIN 103/25). Reserve Component Recruiter (MARADMIN 229/25MARADMIN 229/25). Non-Competitive IMOS (MARADMIN 515/25MARADMIN 515/25).

What is SULI?

The Small-Unit Leader Initiative. Effective 1 June 2023. Cpl-to-Sgt promotion for first-term high performers. Five eligibility conditions including 36 months TIS, reenlistment, PME, JEPES cutoff, and O-5 commander recommendation. Per MARADMIN 222/26MARADMIN 222/26 paragraph 3.a.2, SULI is CANCELLED effective 1 October 2026. The new 30-month standard Sergeant TIS supersedes the function SULI served.

Is SULI still in effect?

Through 30 September 2026, yes. Effective 1 October 2026, no. Per MARADMIN 222/26MARADMIN 222/26 paragraph 3.a.2, SULI is cancelled. SULI packages submitted after 1 October 2026 are not processed. Marines who would have qualified for SULI compete through the standard 30-month TIS path per the Junior Enlisted Promotions leaf.

What replaces SULI?

Per MARADMIN 222/26MARADMIN 222/26 paragraph 1.a, the standard Sergeant TIS drops from 48 to 30 months effective 1 October 2026. The new 30-month standard TIS, combined with the unchanged JEPES competition and reenlistment (OBS) requirement, replaces the function SULI served.

How does the Active Duty Recruiter path differ from SULI?

Recruiter path applies only to Cpls on recruiting duty (or attending Basic Recruiter Course). Does NOT require JEPES cutoff. Requires 12 months TIG, 36 months TIS, and PME including Cpls Course.

Are reserve component recruiters covered?

Yes, by MARADMIN 229/25MARADMIN 229/25 (separate from active duty 103/25). Includes Marine Corps Reserve, Prior Service Recruiting, and Extended Active Duty recruiters.

What MOSs are covered by Non-Competitive IMOS?

Eight MOSs effective 1 October 2025. 0211, 0372, 1751, 2336, 3044, 4133, 4821, 5821.

Can I get a non-competitive IMOS promotion to Corporal?

No. MARADMIN 515/25MARADMIN 515/25 paragraph 2 explicitly states there are no non-competitive IMOS promotions to Corporal. This path is Cpl-to-Sgt only.

Does any non-competitive path apply to Reserve Component except recruiters?

Currently no. SULI awaits a SEPCOR for Reserve. Non-Competitive IMOS is active duty only.

What if I am promoted under Non-Competitive IMOS but fail to complete MOS qualification?

Per MARADMIN 515/25MARADMIN 515/25 paragraph 2.d, you will be administratively reduced effective the date you are notified of program disenrollment.

How does my command verify SULI JEPES requirement?

Print the projected JWKS BEFORE current month select grades post (~20th of month). Print the JEPA AFTER current month select grades post. Submit both with the SULI EPAR package.

Can SULI be a remedial promotion?

No. Per MARADMIN 225/23MARADMIN 225/23 paragraph 5.g, SULI remedial promotions are not actionable. If late training data is submitted, the command executes SULI for the next month the Marine is eligible.

Where do I submit non-competitive promotion requests?

SULI. EPAR through MOL to IPAC. Recruiter (active or reserve). Endorsed roster to MMPB-11 at enlistedpromotions@usmc.mil. Non-Competitive IMOS. Signed request letter to MMPB-11 at smb_manpower_enlisted_promotions@usmc.mil.

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• SULI questions through 30 September 2026. The unit O-5 commander, IPAC, and MMPB-11. SULI is cancelled effective 1 October 2026 per MARADMIN 222/26.
• Standard Sergeant promotion path after 1 October 2026 (30-month TIS). Junior Enlisted Promotions leaf and the unit S-1.
• Active Duty Recruiter promotion. Recruiting District Commander and MMPB-11 at enlistedpromotions@usmc.mil.
• Reserve Component Recruiter promotion. Recruiting District Commander, MMPB-11 at enlistedpromotions@usmc.mil, and Reserve Affairs.
• Non-Competitive IMOS. Command and MMPB-11 at smb_manpower_enlisted_promotions@usmc.mil.
• General enlisted promotion questions. MMPB-11 at enlistedpromotions@usmc.mil or DSN 278-9717.
• MMEA-1 for SULI tracking and DCC ZU. Through unit S-1.

Where to Go Next on This Site

• Promotions landing page lists all topics.
• Promotions Overview and Authorities covers the framework.
• Junior Enlisted Promotions (Pvt to Sgt) covers JEPES competition.
• PME Requirements for Promotion covers Cpls Course and other PME.
• Obligated Service (OBS) and Reenlistment for Promotion covers reenlistment requirements.
• Failure of Selection and Non-Selection covers what happens if not promoted.
• Performance Evaluation Overview covers JEPES four-pillar framework.

Related Roles

• Leaders identify Marines eligible for non-competitive paths and recommend through the chain.
• Admin at S-1 supports the EPAR submission, endorsed rosters, and MCTFS verification.
• Commanders verify Marines are ready to assume Sergeant responsibilities before delivering the warrant.

Non-competitive Cpl-to-Sgt promotion paths bypass JEPES cutting score competition. SULI per MARADMIN 225/23MARADMIN 225/23 (active duty, 36 months TIS, reenlisted, PME, JEPES cutoff, O-5 recommendation) is CANCELLED effective 1 October 2026 per MARADMIN 222/26MARADMIN 222/26 paragraph 3.a.2. The new 30-month standard Sergeant TIS (paragraph 1.a, total force) supersedes the function SULI served. Three non-competitive paths remain after 1 October 2026. Active Duty Recruiter per MARADMIN 103/25MARADMIN 103/25 (12 months TIG, 36 months TIS, PME including Cpls Course). Reserve Component Recruiter per MARADMIN 229/25MARADMIN 229/25 (mirrors active duty for reserve, PSR, and EAD). Non-Competitive IMOS per MARADMIN 515/25MARADMIN 515/25 effective 1 October 2025 (eight MOSs, reenlistment required). Each path has specific eligibility and documentation requirements.