Officer Promotion Boards

Start Here If You Are New to Officer Promotion Boards

Officer promotions are statutory selection boards governed by MCO 1400.31DMCO 1400.31D and federal law (10 U.S.C. Chapters 35-36). MMPB-10 (Officer Promotions Section) administers the process. Officers must carefully review two messages. The Officer Promotion Board Schedule MARADMIN (announces the year's boards). The Convening MARADMIN (released approximately 30 days before the board with specific zones and guidance). Officers communicate with the board president through one of two methods. The Boards & Surveys portal upload (preferred) or email to officerpromotions@usmc.mil. All material requires a SIGNED cover letter. Correspondence must arrive at MMPB-10 by 2359 ten calendar days BEFORE the board convenes. Material sent to the board is NOT forwarded to the OMPF. It is used by the board and then destroyed. The board does NOT see you. The board sees only your record. Per MCO 1400.31DMCO 1400.31D.

This page walks you through officer promotion boards from your seat as a Marine officer. By the end you will know.

• The statutory framework for officer promotions
• The Officer Promotion Board Schedule MARADMIN and Convening MARADMIN
• How to verify your eligibility (My Eligibility tool)
• Two methods for board communication (Boards & Surveys portal, email)
• The signed cover letter requirement
• The 10-calendar-day deadline before board convening
• Reserve Qualification Summary (RQS) for Reservists
• What the board sees vs does NOT see
• Warrant reprint process
• Records review framework

Every fact on this page comes from MCO 1400.31DMCO 1400.31D, 10 U.S.C. Chapters 35-36, and MMPB-10 published guidance.

Why Officer Promotion Is Different

Officer promotions are STATUTORY selection boards driven by federal law (Title 10, U.S. Code, Chapters 35-36 for the Department of Defense). The process is more formal than enlisted SNCO boards. Boards are convened pursuant to law. The Commandant submits selection lists to the President of the United States and the Senate for confirmation (for grades requiring Senate confirmation). The legal framework provides specific procedural protections for officers under consideration.

MMPB-10 (Officer Promotions Section)

Per MCO 1400.31DMCO 1400.31D, MMPB-10 is the section at HQMC Manpower and Reserve Affairs that administers officer promotions.

What MMPB-10 Does

• Coordinates with statutory selection board members.
• Publishes the annual Officer Promotion Board Schedule MARADMIN.
• Publishes Convening MARADMINs for each board.
• Administers the Boards & Surveys portal for officer correspondence.
• Manages officer eligibility queries (My Eligibility tool).
• Reprints officer warrants.

Contact

• Email. officerpromotions@usmc.mil.
• Boards & Surveys Portal. MMPB-10 Portal (preferred for board correspondence).

Critical Messages to Review

Officer Promotion Board Schedule MARADMIN

Released annually announcing the schedule of officer promotion boards for the upcoming year.

Why It Matters

Although convening dates for boards are usually constant from year to year, there are no guarantees. Officers should not miss their board because they assumed it would be held the same time as last year. The schedule MARADMIN is the authoritative source.

Convening MARADMIN

Released approximately 30 days BEFORE the board convenes.

What the Convening MARADMIN Contains

• The formal announcement that the board is convening.
• The specific zones (above, in, below).
• Specific guidance about the board.
• Eligibility criteria.
• Submission deadlines.

Why You Must Read the Entire MARADMIN

The Convening MARADMIN contains specific guidance about the board. Officers must read the entire message. Critical information about your eligibility, the zone you are in, and submission requirements is in this message.

Verifying Your Eligibility (My Eligibility Tool)

MMPB-10 publishes a "My Eligibility" link on the website. Officers can verify.

• Whether they are eligible for an upcoming board.
• The board they are eligible for.
• The zone they are competing in.

How to Access

Through the MMPB-10 website. Click the "My Eligibility" link.

If You Have Questions

Refer to the specific board's Convening MARADMIN. Or contact officerpromotions@usmc.mil.

Board Communication

Officers may send correspondence to the President of a Selection Board through one of two methods.

Method 1. Boards & Surveys Portal Upload (Preferred)

The MMPB-10 Boards & Surveys Portal is the preferred method.

• Provides electronic submission with confirmation.
• Tracked for delivery.
• Easier for the board to retrieve.

Method 2. Email

Email submission to officerpromotions@usmc.mil.

• Used when portal access is unavailable.
• Subject to the same deadlines and signature requirements.

Critical Rules for All Submissions

Signed Cover Letter Required

All material must be accompanied by a SIGNED cover letter. Material without a signed cover letter is NOT presented to the board.

Only the Eligible Officer May Submit

No other individual may submit information directly to a board on the officer's behalf. If a third party prepares a letter of recommendation, the officer must endorse it or forward it under a separate signed cover letter.

The 10-Calendar-Day Deadline

Correspondence for a statutory selection board MUST arrive in the Promotion Section by 2359 (Eastern Time) ten calendar days BEFORE the board convenes.

Why the Deadline Is Strict

The 10-day window allows MMPB-10 to receive, log, and provide the material to the board members. Late submissions are NOT processed.

Send Your Correspondence Early

Per MMPB-10 guidance, send your correspondence early. Do not wait until the last day. Technical issues with email or portal can delay submission past the deadline.

What the Board Sees (And Does Not See)

Material Sent to the Board Is Destroyed After

Material sent to the board is used by the board and then destroyed. It is NOT forwarded to your OMPF.

Implications

• If you want material in your OMPF, send it to MMPB-22 (Records).
• Material to the board is for board consideration only.
• After the board adjourns, the correspondence ceases to exist.

What the Board Does See

• Your OMPF (FITREPs, awards, schools, etc.).
• Your MBS (Master Brief Sheet).
• MCTFS data (PFT, CFT, Rifle, Pistol, MOS, etc.).
• Personal correspondence with signed cover letter (destroyed after).

What the Board Does NOT See

• You in person.
• Your reputation among peers.
• Material added to OMPF AFTER the board adjournment.
• Material submitted without a signed cover letter.
• Material submitted late.

Reserve Qualification Summary (RQS)

Reservists are ENCOURAGED (but NOT required) to submit a Reserve Qualification Summary.

What the RQS Provides

A summary of the Reservist's qualifications, drill time, and specialized capabilities not necessarily reflected in the OMPF or MBS.

How to Submit

Per MMPB-10 guidance, follow the procedure on the MMPB-10 website. The RQS is forwarded with other personal correspondence under a signed cover letter.

Records Review for Officer Boards

The MBS and OMPF are critical for officer boards. Per MMPB-10.

Old MBS vs New MBS

The "old style" MBS will have NO further entries beyond the closing date of the old reporting system (1998). No further updates to the header data at the top (this header data is NOT given to board members).

You will have a "new style" MBS for all reports received under the current Performance Evaluation System.

S-Folder, C-Folder, P-Folder

The OMPF is divided into three folders.

• S-Folder (Service Folder). Contract information, discharge documents, general administrative and service documents.
• C-Folder (Commendatory and Derogatory Folder). Diplomas, personal awards, court-martial/non-judicial punishments, and other material reflecting significant personal achievement or adversity.
• P-Folder (Performance Folder). Fitness reports.

Carefully Review Both MBS and OMPF

The OMPF and MBS are SEPARATE documents and are NOT linked. It is possible for an award to appear on the MBS but have NO image in the OMPF.

The Selection Board Preparation (Records and Materials) leaf covers the audit framework.

Relative Value and RO Distribution

Per MMPB-10, Relative Value is the numerical representation of how the average of a single fitness report compares to the average of all reports written by the Reporting Senior on Marines of the same grade.

What Relative Value Tells Boards

• Helps evaluate the RS's marking philosophy.
• Provides a quantitative analysis of the officer's performance in relation to peers.
• Is one of MANY items on a report used to evaluate performance.

Relative Value Calculation

Calculated using FITREP averages.

The Reporting Senior and Reviewing Officer Roles leaf covers RS profile mechanics.

Warrant Reprints

MMPB-10 can assist Officers with reprinting warrants that have been lost, damaged, or never received.

Processing Time

Allow up to 4 weeks for processing and delivery.

Information Required

• Rank and Full Name.
• Active or Reserve.
• EDIPI.
• Rank of Warrant Requested.
• Date of Rank (if known).
• Mailing Address (home address preferred for reprints).
• Phone Number.

Submission

Send all warrant reprint requests to officerpromotions@usmc.mil.

Common Officer Promotion Scenarios

Scenario 1. Officer Eligible for Statutory Board

You receive notification that you are in zone for an upcoming board.

• Verify eligibility through My Eligibility tool.
• Read the Convening MARADMIN entirely.
• Audit your OMPF and MBS at least 90 days before the board.
• Submit any missing material to MMPB-22 (Records) for OMPF inclusion.
• Prepare personal correspondence to the board president if appropriate.
• Submit through Boards & Surveys portal by the 10-day deadline.

Scenario 2. Officer Above Zone

You were not selected last year. You are now above zone.

• Above zone officers receive FULL consideration alongside in zone officers.
• There is NO minimum or maximum from above zone.
• Continue strong performance.
• Audit and update records same as in-zone officers.

Scenario 3. Officer Below Zone

You are below zone. The board MAY select up to specific limits from below zone.

• Below zone selections are at the president's discretion.
• Audit and update records same as other zones.
• Strong performance and complete records support consideration.

Scenario 4. Reservist Officer

You are a Reservist officer eligible for a board.

• Verify eligibility through My Eligibility.
• Submit RQS if you choose (encouraged but not required).
• Same 10-day deadline applies.

Scenario 5. Lost Warrant

You discover your warrant is missing.

• Send request to officerpromotions@usmc.mil with the required information.
• Allow up to 4 weeks for processing.

Common Mistakes Officers Make

Mistake 1. Assuming the Board Convenes Same Time as Last Year

Boards may move year to year. Always reference the current Officer Promotion Board Schedule MARADMIN and Convening MARADMIN.

Mistake 2. Missing the 10-Day Deadline

Correspondence must arrive by 2359 ten CALENDAR days before the board convenes. Late correspondence is NOT processed.

Mistake 3. Submitting Material Without Signed Cover Letter

All material requires a signed cover letter. Material without one is NOT presented to the board.

Mistake 4. Not Reading the Convening MARADMIN

The Convening MARADMIN contains specific guidance about the board. Failing to read the entire message can result in missed eligibility, missed deadlines, or missed updates.

Mistake 5. Confusing Material Sent to Board With OMPF

Material sent to the board is destroyed after adjournment. To get material into the OMPF, submit to MMPB-22 separately.

Mistake 6. Not Auditing Records Early

Officers should audit records at least 90 days before the board. Last-minute corrections may not be processed in time.

Common Questions Officers Ask

How are officer promotions different from enlisted SNCO promotions?

Officer promotions are statutory selection boards driven by federal law (10 U.S.C. Chapters 35-36). Enlisted SNCO promotions are governed by Marine Corps procedure under MCO P1400.32DMCO P1400.32D. Both are selection board based but the legal frameworks differ.

How do I verify my eligibility?

Use the My Eligibility tool on the MMPB-10 website. Or refer to the specific Convening MARADMIN.

When is the Convening MARADMIN released?

Approximately 30 days before the board convenes.

How do I send correspondence to the board?

Through the Boards & Surveys Portal (preferred) or email to officerpromotions@usmc.mil. All material requires a signed cover letter.

What is the deadline for board correspondence?

2359 (Eastern Time) ten calendar days BEFORE the board convenes.

What happens to material I send to the board?

Used by the board and destroyed after adjournment. NOT forwarded to your OMPF. To get material in the OMPF, submit to MMPB-22 separately.

Should I submit a Reserve Qualification Summary (RQS)?

Reservists are encouraged but not required. The RQS provides a summary of qualifications and drill time not always reflected in the OMPF.

Can someone else submit material on my behalf?

No. Only the eligible officer may submit information directly to a board. Third-party letters of recommendation must be endorsed by the officer or forwarded under a separate signed cover letter from the officer.

What if my warrant is lost?

Send a request to officerpromotions@usmc.mil with rank, full name, active/reserve status, EDIPI, rank of warrant requested, date of rank, mailing address, and phone number. Allow up to 4 weeks.

What is Relative Value?

The numerical representation of how a single FITREP's marks compare to the average of all reports by the same Reporting Senior on Marines of the same grade. Helps boards evaluate RS marking philosophy.

What is the difference between old MBS and new MBS?

The old MBS reflects pre-1998 reporting and has no further entries. The new MBS captures all reports under the current Performance Evaluation System.

What does the board see?

OMPF, MBS, MCTFS data, and personal correspondence submitted with signed cover letter. Does NOT see you in person, your reputation, or material added to OMPF after adjournment.

How early should I audit my record?

At least 90 days before the board.

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• Eligibility verification. My Eligibility tool on MMPB-10 website.
• Convening MARADMIN. Posted by MMPB-10 approximately 30 days before the board.
• Boards & Surveys Portal access. Through the MMPB-10 website.
• Personal correspondence submission. Boards & Surveys Portal (preferred) or email officerpromotions@usmc.mil.
• OMPF corrections. MMPB-22 (Records) through unit S-1.
• FITREP issues. MMPB-23 (PES). The Performance Evaluation parent group covers.
• Warrant reprints. officerpromotions@usmc.mil with required information. 4-week processing time.
• General officer promotion questions. officerpromotions@usmc.mil.

Where to Go Next on This Site

• Promotions landing page lists all topics.
• Promotions Overview and Authorities covers the framework.
• Selection Board Preparation (Records and Materials) covers OMPF audit framework.
• Failure of Selection and Non-Selection covers post-board options.
• Performance Evaluation Overview covers FITREPs as the primary input to officer boards.

Related Roles

• Leaders coach officers on board preparation timing and the importance of reading the Convening MARADMIN.
• Admin at S-1 supports OMPF audits and material submission to MMPB-22.
• Commanders ensure unit officers understand the statutory board framework.

Officer promotions are statutory selection boards driven by federal law. MMPB-10 administers. Officers must review the Officer Promotion Board Schedule MARADMIN annually and the Convening MARADMIN approximately 30 days before each board. Communication through Boards & Surveys Portal (preferred) or email. SIGNED cover letter required. 10-calendar-day deadline before board convening. RQS optional for Reservists. Material to the board is destroyed after adjournment. The board sees only your record. Per MCO 1400.31DMCO 1400.31D.