Individuals enlisting in the Marine Corps can receive advanced promotion, up to the rank of Private First Class (E-2), for such things as college credits, JROTC, Eagle Scout, Navy Sea Cadets, Young Marines, etc. Marine Corps enlisted promotions to E-2 and E-3 are based on a combination of time-in-service and time-in-grade. Marines are promoted to E-4 and E-5, based on promotion points, that are computed from such things as supervisor evaluations, rifle range scores, and physical fitness test scores. Marine Corps promotions to the rank of E-6 through E-9 are made by a centralized (Marine Corps-wide) promotion board.
In addition to the "normal" promotion system, commanders can promote a very few, outstanding Marines via the Meritorious Promotion System. Marines can be promoted up to the rank of E-8 under this system.
Actual promotion rates depend on your Marine Corps job. It's a lot easier to get promoted in a job in which the Corps is experiencing a significant shortage of manpower than in a job that doesn't have a shortage. Additionally, it's often almost impossible to get promoted if you are in a job that is significantly overmanned, unless you volunteer to re-train into a shortage job (the Marines call this "lateral moves").
Want to read more about the pros and cons of choosing the Marine Corps?
- Recruiting Environment
- Enlistment Incentives
- Job Opportunities
- Basic Training
- Assignment Opportunities
- Deployments
- Quality of Life
- Educational Opportunities
- Enlisted Commissioning Programs
Interested in the pros and cons of the other military branches?
