Officer Promotions (MMPB10)

Mission

Core Functions

• Convene and provide assistance to boards in the grades of captain through major general on both the active-duty list and the Reserve Active-Status List; to the grades of major and lieutenant colonel in the limited duty officer competitive category; and to chief warrant officer 3 through 5 on both the active-duty list and the Reserve Active-Status List.
• Ensure all officers are appropriately considered for promotion in accordance with the promotion plan approved by the Secretary of the Navy. Promote officers to the grade of first lieutenant and chief warrant officer-2 in accordance with the laws and regulations
• Publish a fiscal year promotion board schedule, board convening notices, and monthly promotion MARADMINS/messages as required
• Maintain and annually publish a lineal precedence list of officers on the active-duty list and the Reserve Active-Status List
• Print (or coordinate the printing) and disseminate officer promotion warrants for grades from first lieutenant to general on the active-duty list and the Reserve Active-Status list
• Manage the officer promotion adverse information process
• Manage the special selection board process (SSB)
• Provide board members with instruction on the use of the digital boardroom system
• ​Provide board recorders with instruction on their roles and responsibilities       

The Officer Promotion Process pages are designed to help officers understand the entire promotion process, especially their role in it. These pages were created from the brief given by MMPB-10 personnel.

Five main areas

Basis for Officer Promotions: gives the legal background and references behind Officer Promotions.
Pre-Board Process: provides the details on the actions performed before a Selection Board Convenes.
During Board Process: provides details on the actions that occur while a Selection Board is in session.
Post-Board Process: covers the actions that occur after a Selection Board adjourns.
Your Role in the Promotion Process: provides useful information for officers concerning their selection / promotion.

Pre-Board

The pre-board process can be broken down into four parts:

The Promotion Plan: The plan is used to determine the eligible population and the selection opportunities.

The Precept: The specific instructions from the Secretary of the Navy

The Convening Message: The message formally announcing the board to the Marine Corps.

Communication to the Board: Your right to communicate additional information to the board.

Promotion Plan

The Five-Year Officer Promotion Plan (updated annually) for each competitive category by grade is prepared by Manpower Plans & Policies (MPP) and approved by the Secretary of the Navy at least 30 days prior to the convening date of a selection board.

This document serves as the planning tool for the development of each selection board. It contains selection opportunities, zone sizes, number authorized to select, and any skill guidance for each grade and competitive category. SecNavInst 1420.1_ provides specific guidance on the requirements associated with promotion plans.

Factors. Planning factors which are taken into consideration in developing the promotion plan are:

  – The number of positions needed to meet the needs of the Marine Corps.
  – The estimated number of officers needed to fill vacancies during the period in which it is anticipated that the officers selected for promotion will be promoted and the number of officers authorized by the Secretary of the Navy to serve in the grade and competitive category under consideration.
  – Based on such determination the Secretary of the Navy shall determine the authorized number to be selected among officers which the selection board may recommend for promotion.
  – The impact of zone size and selection opportunity on time in service promotion flow points to the next higher grade.

Promotion Opportunity. The promotion opportunity is usually a percentage based on the in zone population. The following equation is used to determine selection opportunity:

Promotion Opportunity = # of officers authorized to be selected by # of officers in the in zone

Precept

The precept is the legal document which orders a selection board to convene. It is in the form of a letter from the Secretary of the Navy to the president of the board.The precept provides instructions governing the proceedings of the board and appoints the president, members, and recorders to the selection board. The content of the precept are derived from a variety of references, but always reflect information that the Secretary of the Navy deems important for selection of officers to the next higher grade.

The precept will not be released until after the board actually adjourns, as to protect the membership from improper influence per DoDInst 1320.14_.

Convening Message

Sections 614 and 14105 of title 10, U.S. Code require that, at least 30 days prior to the date the board is convened, the Commandant of the Marine Corps (MMPB) must provide general written notice to eligible officers. This shall be accomplished through a standard naval message (MARADMIN), and at a minimum will include:

1. The convening date of the board.

2. The name and date of rank of the senior officer and junior officer in the in-zone population as of the date of the notice.

3. In addition, the following information will normally be provided:

  – The name and date of the junior officer in the below-zone as of the date of the notice
  – Information on submission of update material, see MCO P1400.31C w/ch 1 paragraph 3001
  – Submission of Reserve Qualification Summaries (RQS) to Reserve selection boards, see para 3004
  – Information on auditing and correcting Official Military Personnel Files (OMPF), see MCO P1610.7_ and MCO P1070.12_
  – Implementation of any unique regulation such as the 90-day rule or continuation, must be announced

Communication with the Board

Sections 576, 615, 14106, and 14107 of title 10, U.S. Code, DoDInst 1320.14_, and SecNavInst 1420.1_ regulate the three types of information that may be furnished to selection boards. Appropriate materials, as outlined below, are the only information that can be placed before, requested by, or reviewed by members of the selection board. Documents received by selection boards will be recorded in an update material log.

Official Military Personnel File (OMPF)

The primary source of information furnished to a selection board is the OMPF which contains fitness reports, awards, and other information specified in MCO P1070.12_. Further details on information that can properly be furnished to selection boards are contained in DoDInst 1320.14_, SecNavInst 1420.1_, and SecNavInst 1412.9_.

Written Communication by Eligible Officers

All eligible officers are authorized to send communication to the selection board, per title 10, U.S. Code sections 614 and 14106 and SecNavInst 1412.9_. This information can call attention to any matter which the officer considers important to their case. All information, to include third party letters, certificates, etc. must be under cover letter requesting submission to the selection board and endorsed by the eligible officer. Any material received without the officer’s endorsement will be returned. Personnel Management Division (MMPB-10) must be in physical receipt of this information before the board convenes, per title 10, U.S. Code sections 614 and 14106 and SecNavInst 1412.9_. Officers are encouraged to ensure Personnel Management Division (MMPB-10) has physically receipted for such information.

Basics for Promotion

The overarching factor in the officer promotion process is that it is based in law, not policy. These regulations place very strict and very specific requirements on how the Armed Services conduct officer promotion boards.

Title 10, United States Code Armed Forces

Chapter 36 – Promotion, Separation and Involuntary Retirement of Officers on the Active Duty List

Chapter 1400 – Promotion and Retention of Officers on the Reserve Active-Status List

SECNAV Instructions

1401.3 – Selection Board Membership

1412.6K – Promotion to the grade of Lieutenant (Junior Grade) in the Navy or to the grade of First Lieutenant in the Marine Corps

1412.9A – Promotion and Continuation of Limited Duty Officers (LDOs) and Warrant Officers (WOs) in the Regular Marine Corps and the promotion and continuation of Warrant Officers (WOs) in the Marine Corps Reserve

During Board

Case Preparation

The first step of the process is a thorough preparation of each eligible officer’s record. Board members first review their in-zone cases. This provides the board member a solid sense of the competitiveness of the in-zone population.

Upon completion of the in-zone cases, board members review all above-zone cases, then below-zone cases. When preparing above-zone and below-zone cases, the member determines if the officer’s record is competitive or comparable to those officers in the in-zone population.

In/Out Briefing & Voting

Once all cases are prepared, the selection board enters “executive session” to brief all above-zone cases. (Executive session is the term used upon commencement of briefing or voting cases. Only board members and recorders are allowed in executive session. All recorders must be present during all executive sessions.) All above-zone cases must be briefed and voted upon by lineal precedence. In this “In-Out” session, board members determine if an eligible officer’s record is competitive or comparable to merit being a premier case. A premier case is an above or below-zone officer whose case will be briefed and voted on with the in-zone officers’ cases. The criteria to become a premier case is one affirmative vote from any member of the selection board to include the officer’s record. Below-zone cases are reviewed in the same manner as the above-zone population. Upon completion of the In-Out session, time is allotted to thoroughly prepare the cases as necessary.

The Goal

The precept establishes that the underlying selection standard for the board is the selection of the best and fully qualified. First, each officer’s qualification and performance of duty must clearly demonstrate that the officer would be capable of performing the duties of the next higher grade. Second, the officer must be the best qualified officer to be promoted.

Full Briefing & Voting

Once board members have completed all case preparation, the final executive session commences. Each eligible officer receives a full brief from the member assigned his/her case. Each board member will be provided an opportunity to comment as necessary. When all cases have been briefed, each member determines which officers they desire to vote “yes” on or to select. The number of “yes” votes a board member can cast is based on the number of officers authorized to select. Multiple iterations of voting occur until board members select to allocation.

Post Board

The post-board process is the steps that are taken once an Officer Selection Board is adjourned:

Board results forwarded for Review:  The process from board adjournment to selection announcement.

Results approved by Releasing Authority:  The process from selection announcement to list confirmation.

Promotions:  After approval by confirming authority and by the needs of the Corps.

Promote

Once the results are approved and confirmed, the Marine Corps can start promotions. Promotions are based on needs of the Marine Corps and grade strength limitations established in law.

The promotions each month are announced via MARADMIN, typically released around the 20th of the month prior.

The projected promotions for the following month can be found at the bottom of the MARADMIN. The number of officers in each grade to be promoted is determined by Manpower Plans & Policies (MPP). Chief Warrant Officers, and LDO officers are promoted on a by-vacancy basis.

Release

Once the board has been approved, the results are prepared for release.

For all field grade (and higher) boards, a P-4 message (personal for) is sent to all General Officers, announcing the selects and nonselects. This allows General Officers to personally notify each officer of their selection or nonselection.

Approximately 48 hours after the P-4 Message has been sent, an ALNAV message is released by the Office of the Secretary of the Navy, formally announcing the results.

Officers not selected for promotion should contact the Officer Career Counselors at MMPB-24.

Review

Once a promotion board has adjourned, the result must be reviewed by various USMC and DOD agencies to ensure compliance with law and policy.

Per Department of Defense Instruction 1320.04, the USD(P&R) or the Secretary of the Military Department must advise the Senate and House Armed Services Committee (SASC/HASC) when promotion selection board reports are not approved by the 100th day after the board members sign the board report.

​The USD(P&R) will provide the 100-day report if a board report has been provided to OSD for processing on or before the 60th day after board adjournment for general officer actions and on or before the 75th day after adjournment for O6 and below actions.

The Secretary of the Military Department will provide the 100-day report to the HASC and SASC if: – The board report is received by the OSD after the 60th day after board adjournment for general officer actions and after the 75th day after board adjournment for O6 and below actions.

– The board report is received by the OSD after the 60th day after board adjournment for general officer actions and after the 75th day after board adjournment for O6 and below actions.

​The chart below provides an overview of what offices an officer promotion board report and nomination travels through following Department of the Navy legal review.

– A “Yes” and “No” indicates whether a board must go through that particular office.

– ROP Approved by column denotes the Approval authority for the board.

– ALNAV  released when column denotes approval authority required to release ALNAV.

– A personal- for (P-4) email will be released to all general officers so that they may personally notify officers of their selection or non selection.  A P-4 is released for all field grade boards.

– Officers may be promoted if the previous year’s list is cleared and if vacancies exist.  Officers should review the monthly Promotion MarAdmin to determine the status of promotions for their particular board.

These pages are intended to provide basic information for all officers to consider who are currently or will become eligible for a statutory selection board.

It’s important to carefully review the following:

   – Officer Promotion Board Schedule Message: Although the convening dates for boards are usually constant from year to year, there are no guarantees. Don’t miss your board because you assumed it was going to be held the same time as last year.
   – Convening Message: This message formally announces the convening of the board, along with the zones. It is released approximately 30 days prior to the board. This message will contain specific guidance about the board, so it’s important to read the entire message.

Board Communication

Officers may send correspondence to the President of a Selection Board via Boards and Surveys (Preferred method) or via E-Mail.

No other individual other than the eligible officer may submit information directly to a board. It does not matter how positive it may be, they must give it to you and then you may include it as an enclosure in your letter. All material must be accompanied by a SIGNED cover letter. It is recommended all correspondence sent be of a nature to explain and not complain. Be chronological, factual and to the point. Letters of recommendation, PME completion certificates, and other material deemed relevant to the individual Marine, that is not already in the OMPF, may also be included. If it is not on your Master Brief Sheet (MBS) or in your Official Military Personnel File (OMPF), then the board does not have visibility to it!

SEND YOUR CORRESPONDENCE EARLY. Correspondence for a statutory selection board MUST arrive in the Promotion Section by 2359 ten calendar days BEFORE the board convenes. DO NOT send duplicate copies of update material. Doing so causes CMC (MMPB-10) to again process the material and for the board to review duplicate material.

Note: Material send to a board is NOT forwarded to your OMPF. It is used by the board and then destroyed.

The promotion system provides a competitive process whereby Marines within each grade compete for promotion to the next grade. The goal is to advance the best and fully qualified Marines to higher grades.

Your record is your personal representation at all selection boards. The board does not see you. They only see your record. It is important that you fully understand all the parts of your record and know how to keep it updated. Failure to have all your information in your record may present a limited picture of your performance and potential. Ensuring your record is current and complete is your responsibility.

It is neither difficult nor time consuming to ensure you have a current and updated record. We recommend you order and review your record at least one year prior to consideration by a board. Ensure that your record is accurate and legible at least a month before any selection process as your records are seen by respective boards electronically.

You may access your record via OMPF-Records Management Application (O-RMA)

Master Brief Sheet (MBS)

Your MBS is a collection of administrative data, duties and marks given in your fitness reports. The old style MBS will have no further entries beyond the closing date of the old reporting system (1998), and 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.

Official Military Personnel File (OMPF)

The OMPF is a collection of digital images of documents, which includes fitness reports, awards, diplomas, etc.

**********PLEASE READ BEFORE YOU CLICK ON THE BUTTON BELOW**********

Click on the My Eligibility link below to see if you are eligible for a board. If you are eligible, the board eligible for will be displayed as well as the zone you are being considered for.  If you have any questions refer to the specific boards convening MARADMIN, or contact Officer Promotions at officerpromotions@usmc.mil

My Eligibility

FY26 Active

SJA to CMC

AJAG

Major General

Brigadier General

Colonel

Lieutenant Colonel

Lieutenant Colonel (LDO)

Major

Major (LDO)

Captain (All-Fully Qualified)

FY26 Reserve

Major General

Brigadier General

Colonel

AR Colonel

Lieutenant Colonel

AR Lieutenant Colonel

Major

AR Major

Captain and AR Captain

Chief Warrant Officer, W5, W4, W3

FY 25 CWO3, CWO4, CWO5 Promotion Selection Boards

Warrant Reprint Requests

MMPB-10 can assist Officers with reprinting warrants that have been lost, damaged, or that were never received.  Please allow up to 4 weeks for processing and delivery. Please provide the following information in your request:

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: 

Please send all requests to:
officerpromotions@usmc.mil

Resources and/or documents are available on the M&RA SharePoint hub at: 

MMPB-10 Officer Promotions

Active Duty--May/June Projections (UPDATED 0n 10 Apr 2025)

RESERVE- April/May Projections

Officer Promotion Zones are calculated by Manpower Plans Programs and Budget Branch (MPP), and can be accessed here.  

• DTS and Travel.  Board Support (MMPB-4) will be your direct POC for all DTS and Travel related matters. 
• Conflicts of Interest.  Board Members must notify MMPB-10(Officer Promotions) as soon as practicable if they believe they may have a conflict with an eligible officer on the board(s) they have been assigned.  Board Members are encouraged to review the SecNav Familiar Relationship Memo prior to the board.  
• Disclosure of Proceedings. Generally speaking, members should follow these three rules in regards to Officer Promotion Board prohibitions on disclosure governed by Title 10 U.S.C, §613a, and SECNAVINST 1420.3:

1. Membership:  Board members may not disclose their membership of a particular board until the board has adjourned. 
2. Deliberations:  Members may not disclose discussions or deliberations without the consent of the Secretary of the Navy; and
3. Results:  Promotion selection results may not be disclosed by a member until they have been publicly released.

• Additional Resources.  Board Members are encouraged to review additional Board Member Resources available for review prior to convening the Board to include Master Brief Sheet Overview and  Member Reference Guide.