Selection Board Preparation (Records and Materials)

Start Here If You Are New to Selection Board Preparation

Your record is your representation at any selection board (officer or SNCO). The board does NOT see you in person. The board sees ONLY your record. Three documents matter most. The Official Military Personnel File (OMPF), the Master Brief Sheet (MBS), and Marine Corps Total Force System (MCTFS) data. Review your record at least ONE YEAR before any board. Conduct a thorough self-audit 90 DAYS before the board convenes. Submit OMPF corrections to MMPB-22 well in advance. Submit personal correspondence to the board president (with SIGNED cover letter) by 2359 ten calendar days before the board. Material sent to the board is destroyed after adjournment. Photos are no longer required for SNCO boards as of October 2021. Per MCO P1400.32DMCO P1400.32D, MCO 1400.31DMCO 1400.31D, and MMPB published guidance.

This page walks you through selection board preparation from your seat as a Marine officer or SNCO selection board candidate. By the end you will know.

• The 1-year and 90-day audit framework
• The OMPF structure (S-Folder, C-Folder, P-Folder)
• The MBS framework
• MCTFS data points the board sees
• O-RMA access for digital review
• The signed cover letter requirement for correspondence to the board president
• The 10-calendar-day deadline
• What is destroyed after the board vs what stays in the OMPF
• Photos no longer required for SNCO boards (since October 2021)

Every fact on this page comes from MCO P1400.32DMCO P1400.32D, MCO 1400.31DMCO 1400.31D, MCO P1070.12JMCO P1070.12J, MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B, MARADMIN 209/26MARADMIN 209/26, MARADMIN 634/23MARADMIN 634/23, and MMPB published guidance.

The Audit Framework

1-Year Review

Order and review your record at least ONE YEAR before any selection board.

Why 1 Year

• Identifies long-term issues (missing FITREPs from years ago).
• Allows time to locate former Reporting Seniors or Reviewing Officers if needed.
• Provides time for OMPF corrections to process.
• Gives time to resolve PERB appeals if applicable.

90-Day Self-Audit

Conduct a thorough self-audit 90 days before the board convenes.

Why 90 Days

• Final check before the board.
• Time for last-minute corrections.
• Time to prepare and submit personal correspondence (10-day deadline).
• Time to coordinate with MMPB-22 and MMPB-23.

Continuous Record Maintenance

Beyond formal audits, maintain your record continuously.

• After each FITREP, verify it appears in the OMPF and on the MBS.
• After awards, verify the citation appears in the OMPF.
• After PCS, verify the new unit and billet info appear correctly.
• After PME completion, verify the PME flag and entry.

The OMPF (Official Military Personnel File)

The OMPF is the official electronic record. Three folders.

S-Folder (Service Folder)

Contains.

• Contract information.
• Discharge documents.
• General administrative documents.
• Service documents.

C-Folder (Commendatory and Derogatory Folder)

Contains.

• Diplomas.
• Personal awards.
• Court-martial and non-judicial punishment records.
• Other material reflecting significant personal achievement or adversity.

P-Folder (Performance Folder)

Contains.

• Fitness reports.

Why the Distinction Matters

Some material may appear on the MBS but NOT have an image in the OMPF (or vice versa). The board sees the OMPF images and the MBS data. Both must be accurate.

What to Look For in the OMPF

Fitness Reports

• All fitness reports present.
• All readable.
• All attributed to the correct RS and RO.
• All within correct reporting periods.

If a fitness report is missing, contact MMSB to correct the OMPF and send a "certified true copy" directly to MMSB for resubmission.

Awards and Schools

• All awards documented in the C-Folder.
• All school certificates present (resident and non-resident PME, MCI, civilian education).

Administrative Documents

• Contract information accurate.
• Reenlistment documents present.
• Service computation correct.

Per MCO P1070.12J

The Individual Records Administration Manual provides the framework for what should be in the OMPF and instructions on corrective action.

The Master Brief Sheet (MBS)

The MBS is the aggregate display of fitness reports and administrative data.

Old MBS vs New MBS

Old Style MBS

Has 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).

New Style MBS

Reflects all reports received under the current Performance Evaluation System (per MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B).

What to Look For in the MBS

Header Information

• Name correct.
• DOR (Date of Rank) correct.
• Other administrative data correct.

Note. Header data is NOT seen by board members but should still be accurate for record-keeping and other purposes.

Awards

• All awards correct.
• Citations appear in OMPF (corrections via unit diary through admin section).

MCTFS Data Reflected on MBS

• PFT score.
• CFT score.
• Rifle range score.
• Pistol score.
• PMOS or IMOS.
• PME entries.
• Civilian education.
• Personal awards.
• AFADBD (Armed Forces Active Duty Base Date).
• PEBD (Pay Entry Base Date).
• DOR.
• CRCR (Career Retirement Credit Report) for USMCR Marines.

The Master Brief Sheet (MBS) leaf in the Performance Evaluation parent group covers the MBS framework in detail.

MCTFS Data the Board Sees

The board uses MCTFS data extensively. Verify accuracy.

Critical MCTFS Data Elements

• DOR.
• AFADBD and PEBD.
• PMOS and IMOS.
• PME entries (resident schools, MarineNet EPME).
• Service school completion.
• Billet description.
• Training scores (PFT, CFT, Rifle, Pistol).
• Personal awards.
• Medical status.
• Ranks held in Marine career.
• For USMCR. CRCR data.

Where to Verify MCTFS Data

Through MOL (Marine Online) at https://www.mol.usmc.mil/. Sign in with CAC.

O-RMA (OMPF-Records Management Application)

O-RMA is the digital tool for reviewing and requesting updates to your OMPF.

URL

https://www4.manpower.usmc.mil/orma/#/.

What O-RMA Provides

• Digital review of OMPF.
• Request to update the OMPF.
• Track the status of update requests.

Registration

First register for an M&RA portal account at https://www.manpower.usmc.mil/webcenter/portal/mrahome. Then access O-RMA.

O-RMA vs MOL

• MOL provides aggregate views (OMPF, MBS, MCTFS).
• O-RMA is specifically for OMPF review and update requests.

Submitting OMPF Corrections to MMPB-22

For OMPF corrections, MMPB-22 (Records Management) is the action authority.

Submission Deadline

Per MMPB-22 guidance, submit documents NLT 2359 (Eastern Time) 10 days prior to the board convening for inclusion in the OMPF.

How to Submit

• Through unit S-1.
• Through O-RMA update requests.
• Direct to MMPB-22 with supporting documentation.

Personal Correspondence to the Board President

In addition to record corrections, you may submit personal correspondence directly to the President of the Selection Board.

Why Personal Correspondence

• Information not yet in the OMPF (e.g., recent course completion).
• Letters of recommendation from senior officers.
• Photos (officers; SNCO photos no longer required).
• Other material not captured in standard records.

Critical Rules

Signed Cover Letter Required

ALL material must be accompanied by a SIGNED cover letter from the eligible Marine. Material without a signed cover letter is NOT presented to the board.

Only You May Submit

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

The 10-Calendar-Day Deadline

Correspondence MUST arrive by 2359 (Eastern Time) ten CALENDAR days BEFORE the board convenes.

Send Early

Per MMPB guidance, send correspondence early. Do not wait until the last day. Technical issues can cause delay.

What Is Destroyed After

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

Officer Submission

For officer boards, use the MMPB-10 Boards & Surveys Portal (preferred) or email to officerpromotions@usmc.mil. The Officer Promotion Boards leaf covers officer-specific procedures.

SNCO Submission

For SNCO boards, follow guidance in the Convening MARADMIN. Typically.

• Email to enlistedpromotions@usmc.mil.
• Subject line. "Update Material for FY[year][appropriate board] PSB."
• File attachments labeled. EDIPI_LNAME(#).

The SNCO Selection Boards (SSgt and Above) leaf covers SNCO-specific procedures.

Students in Academic Training (MARADMIN 209/26 Paragraph 3.c.1)

Per MARADMIN 209/26MARADMIN 209/26 paragraph 3.c.1, all personnel, INCLUDING STUDENTS in academic training, are encouraged but are NOT REQUIRED to submit correspondence to the President of the Board.

This rule confirms that the academic training exception in MARADMIN 209/26MARADMIN 209/26 paragraph 3.c (which allows AN or AR omission for MROs in academic training under 12 months) does not impose a correspondence requirement. Students choose whether to submit material. Reference the board announcement MARADMIN for procedures.

Annual Reports and Board Eligibility (MARADMIN 209/26)

Per MARADMIN 209/26MARADMIN 209/26 paragraph 3.a (5 May 2026), reporting officials cannot omit AN or AR reports for any Marine in any zone of any board at HQMC, including boards for command, school, and slating.

What This Means for Board-Eligible Marines

If you are projected for consideration in any zone of any HQMC board, your AN or AR report must be submitted on the natural reporting occasion. The 180-day omission window per MARADMIN 634/23MARADMIN 634/23 paragraph 5.b does not apply to board-eligible Marines.

"Omission of annual reports for board eligible Marines is inconsistent with the sole intended purpose of the fitness report as a reporting tool for use in CMC talent management decision-making."

How to Verify Your Board Eligibility

Reporting officials and individual Marines assess board eligibility through the M&RA Board Eligibility query at https://www2.manpower.usmc.mil/boardEligibilityRucMcc.action.

Exception for Short-Duration Academic Training

Per MARADMIN 209/26MARADMIN 209/26 paragraph 3.c, omission IS authorized regardless of board eligibility for any MRO assigned to academic training of less than 12 months who will receive an academic FITREP. Information will be captured in the applicable report (Grade Change, Transfer, From TAD).

The FITREP Reporting Cycle and Report Types leaf covers the broader omission framework. The Academic FITREPs leaf covers the academic FITREP framework.

Photo Requirements

Officer Boards

Per MCO 1400.31DMCO 1400.31D, officer photos may still be required for some boards. Refer to the specific Convening MARADMIN.

SNCO Promotion Boards (No Longer Required Since October 2021)

As of October 2021, SNCO promotion selection boards no longer receive paper or digital photos.

Non-Promotion Selection Boards and Panels (MARADMIN 582/25)

Per MARADMIN 582/25, OMPF photographs are evaluated by non-promotion selection boards and panels. This covers the CY26 special program panels listed in MARADMIN 224/26 (Congressional Fellowship, FBINA, Service Academies Slating, Enlisted to CWO, MGySgt High Visibility Billet, Staff-NCO Degree Completion, Blue Angels, NIU Reserve Masters, SNCO Fellowship, EO Advisor, MARA, PEP Ground Panel) and similar B-billet selection panels.

Maintain a current OMPF photograph if you target any non-promotion selection panel.

Special Program and Slating Boards (MARADMIN 224/26)

Per MARADMIN 224/26MARADMIN 224/26 (14 May 2026), CY 2026 includes twelve special program and slating panels distinct from the annual promotion boards. The audit framework on this page applies fully to these panels.

Records and Materials Apply the Same Way

• OMPF and MBS accuracy through O-RMA per MCO P1070.12K (IRAM).
• The 1-year and 90-day audit timeline.
• Photo evaluation per MARADMIN 582/25.
• Correspondence to the board president following the signed cover letter and 10-calendar-day rules.

OBS Through TFRS

Per MARADMIN 224/26 paragraph 4, each special program opportunity has an associated obligated service (OBS) requirement. Marines without sufficient retainability submit reenlistment or extension requests through the Total Force Retention System (TFRS) under current retention campaigns prior to execution.

Active Component Only

Per MARADMIN 224/26 paragraph 5, the CY26 panel schedule applies to the Active Component.

Solicitation MARADMINs Govern Each Panel

Each panel has a panel-specific solicitation MARADMIN with eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and coordinating instructions. Marines targeting a panel read the panel-specific MARADMIN for details.

The SNCO Selection Boards (SSgt and Above) leaf covers the CY26 panel schedule and individual panel listings.

What the Board Does NOT See

Not Seen

• You in person.
• Your reputation among peers or chain of command (beyond what FITREPs document).
• Material added to OMPF AFTER the board adjournment.
• Material submitted without a signed cover letter.
• Material submitted late.
• Duty status codes, strength category codes, draw case codes, pending legal or administrative actions (per SNCO board procedures).

What the Board Cannot Substitute For

The board cannot read the Marine's mind. The board cannot infer information not in the record. Missing FITREPs, missing awards, and erroneous data REDUCE the board's view of your performance.

Common Selection Board Preparation Scenarios

Scenario 1. SNCO Selection Board Eligible

You are in zone for the upcoming SSgt board.

• 1 year out. Order and review your record.
• 90 days out. Conduct full self-audit. Identify any errors.
• 60 days out (active) or 90 days out (reserve). Convening MARADMIN released.
• 30 days out (active) or 45 days out (reserve). Refined zones and allocations released.
• 10 days out. Personal correspondence and OMPF corrections deadline.
• Board convenes.

Scenario 2. Officer Promotion Board Eligible

You are in zone for an upcoming officer board.

• 1 year out. Order and review your record.
• 90 days out. Conduct full self-audit.
• 30 days out. Convening MARADMIN released.
• 10 days out. Personal correspondence deadline.
• Board convenes.

Scenario 3. Missing FITREP Discovered During Audit

You discover a FITREP from 3 years ago is missing from the OMPF.

• Contact MMPB-23 (PES) and your former Reporting Senior to obtain a "certified true copy."
• Submit to MMSB for OMPF inclusion.
• Allow processing time.
• Notify MMPB-22 if the issue is not resolved before the board.

Scenario 4. Award Citation Missing From OMPF

You have an award on your MBS but the citation is not in the OMPF C-Folder.

• Locate the original award citation.
• Submit to MMPB-22 through unit S-1 or O-RMA.
• Allow processing time.

Scenario 5. PME Flag Showing N

Your PME flag shows "N" but you completed the required PME.

• Verify the PME entry in MCTFS.
• If the entry exists but the flag is N, coordinate with the unit S-1 to resolve.
• If the entry is missing, submit the completion certificate to update.

Common Mistakes Marines Make

Mistake 1. Waiting Until the Last Minute

Auditing 30 days before the board does not allow time for corrections.

Mistake 2. Assuming OMPF and MBS Are Linked

The OMPF and MBS are SEPARATE documents. An award may be on the MBS but not have a citation in the OMPF.

Mistake 3. Submitting Material Without Signed Cover Letter

Material without a signed cover letter is NOT presented to the board.

Mistake 4. Missing the 10-Day Deadline

Late material is NOT processed.

Mistake 5. Confusing Material to Board With OMPF Submissions

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

Mistake 6. Not Reading the Convening MARADMIN

The Convening MARADMIN contains specific guidance about the board, deadlines, and submission requirements.

Mistake 7. Hoping Missing Information Gets Found

The board does not investigate missing information. Marines must affirmatively correct records before the board.

Common Questions Marines Ask

How early should I review my record?

At least 1 year before any board. Conduct a thorough self-audit 90 days before the board convenes.

What is the OMPF?

The Official Military Personnel File. Three folders. S-Folder (service), C-Folder (commendatory and derogatory), P-Folder (performance/FITREPs).

What is the MBS?

The Master Brief Sheet. Aggregate display of fitness reports and administrative data. Old style (pre-1998) and new style.

How do I access my OMPF?

Through O-RMA (OMPF-Records Management Application) at https://www4.manpower.usmc.mil/orma/#/. Register for an M&RA portal account first.

How do I access my MBS?

Through Marine Online (MOL) at https://www.mol.usmc.mil/.

What MCTFS data does the board see?

DOR, AFADBD, PEBD, PMOS/IMOS, PME, training scores, personal awards, billet description, medical status, CRCR (USMCR).

How do I submit OMPF corrections?

Through MMPB-22 via unit S-1, O-RMA update requests, or direct submission with supporting documentation. NLT 10 days before the board convening.

How do I submit personal correspondence to the board president?

Officer. Boards & Surveys Portal (preferred) or officerpromotions@usmc.mil. SNCO. Email to enlistedpromotions@usmc.mil per the Convening MARADMIN. Both require a SIGNED cover letter.

What is the deadline for 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 OMPF. Submit to MMPB-22 separately for OMPF inclusion.

Are photos required?

Officer boards may require photos (refer to Convening MARADMIN). SNCO boards no longer require photos as of October 2021.

What if I find missing FITREPs during my audit?

Contact MMPB-23 (PES) and your former Reporting Senior to obtain a certified true copy. Submit to MMSB for OMPF inclusion.

What if my PME flag is wrong?

Verify the PME entry in MCTFS. If the flag is wrong but the entry exists, coordinate with the unit S-1 to resolve. If the entry is missing, submit the completion certificate.

What does the board NOT see?

You in person. Your reputation. Duty status codes. Pending legal or administrative actions. Material added to OMPF after the board.

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• Record review and audit. O-RMA at https://www4.manpower.usmc.mil/orma/#/ and MOL.
• OMPF corrections. MMPB-22 through unit S-1 or O-RMA.
• FITREP corrections. MMPB-23 (PES). The Performance Evaluation parent group covers.
• MBS corrections. Through unit admin section via unit diary.
• MCTFS data corrections. Through unit admin section.
• Personal correspondence to board president. Boards & Surveys Portal (officer) or enlistedpromotions@usmc.mil (SNCO).
• General officer board questions. officerpromotions@usmc.mil.
• General SNCO board questions. enlistedpromotions@usmc.mil.

Where to Go Next on This Site

• Promotions landing page lists all topics.
• Promotions Overview and Authorities covers the framework.
• Officer Promotion Boards covers MMPB-10 framework.
• SNCO Selection Boards (SSgt and Above) covers SNCO board procedure and the CY26 special program and slating panel schedule per MARADMIN 224/26MARADMIN 224/26.
• Junior Enlisted Promotions (Pvt to Sgt) covers JEPES (different framework).
• Failure of Selection and Non-Selection covers post-board options.
• Performance Evaluation Overview covers FITREPs as the primary input.
• FITREP Reporting Cycle and Report Types covers AN and AR omission rules per MARADMIN 209/26MARADMIN 209/26.
• Adverse FITREPs and Referred Reports covers the adverse omission rule per MARADMIN 209/26MARADMIN 209/26 paragraph 3.b.
• Academic FITREPs (PME and GEP) covers the under-12-month academic training omission exception per MARADMIN 209/26MARADMIN 209/26 paragraph 3.c.
• Master Brief Sheet (MBS) covers the MBS framework.

Related Roles

• Leaders coach Marines on the audit timeline and the importance of submitting corrections early.
• Admin at S-1 supports OMPF corrections, MCTFS updates, and Boards & Surveys submissions.
• Commanders ensure unit Marines audit records and meet deadlines.

Your record is your representation at the board. The board does NOT see you. Three documents matter. OMPF (S/C/P folders), MBS, MCTFS data. Audit at 1 year and 90 days. Submit OMPF corrections to MMPB-22. Submit personal correspondence to the board president with SIGNED cover letter by 2359 ten calendar days before convening. Photos no longer required for SNCO promotion boards since October 2021, but OMPF photos are evaluated for non-promotion selection boards and panels per MARADMIN 582/25. Material to the board is destroyed after adjournment. Per MARADMIN 209/26MARADMIN 209/26, your AN or AR cannot be omitted if you are board eligible (any zone of any HQMC board including command, school, slating), with an exception for academic training under 12 months that issues an academic FITREP. Students are encouraged but not required to submit correspondence. Per MARADMIN 224/26MARADMIN 224/26, CY26 includes twelve special program and slating panels (Active Component only) that use this same audit framework with OBS submitted through TFRS. Per MCO P1400.32DMCO P1400.32D, MCO 1400.31DMCO 1400.31D, MCO P1070.12JMCO P1070.12J, MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B, MARADMIN 209/26MARADMIN 209/26, and MARADMIN 224/26MARADMIN 224/26.