Promotion Requirements

Promotion & Advancement Standards

Promotions are an honor and privilege. Cadets receiving promotions must possess the prerequisite abilities and skills outlined for each rank. Promotions are based on demonstrated leadership ability, academic performance, and disciplinary excellence. Primary authority for all promotions rests with the Senior Marine Instructor (SMI).

1. Promotion requirements are subject to change at the discretion of the SMI/MI.
2. Promotion evaluations run during the week – see the Cadet SgtMaj for scheduling.
3. Cadets have two attempts per month to fully pass a promotion evaluation. Testing is conducted by the CO or the Cadet SgtMaj.
4. All cadet MCJROTC promotions must be approved by the SMI/MI once the requirements for each rank are met.
5. Meritorious promotions may be awarded by the SMI/MI for exemplary performance above and beyond the call of duty without consideration of the standard requirements.

All unit events must be recorded in the Cadet Record Book before inspection.

Uniform Issue – Receive Cammies

Before a new cadet is issued a utility uniform (cammies), they must demonstrate commitment to the program and readiness to represent the unit. This is the entry-level gate for all incoming cadets.

Submit a completed DD Form.
Submit a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
Submit a completed Uniform Checklist.
Pass the Uniform Quiz.
Be an active participant in the program for at least 30 days.
Have no conduct issues in the past 6–8 weeks.

Cadet Private First Class (PFC)

Candidates for PFC will request advancement, be recommended by their Platoon Commander or Platoon Sergeant, and meet the following requirements:

Pass the Basic Drill evaluation.
Exhibit a satisfactory uniform inspection on the day of promotion.
Maintain an overall MCJROTC GPA of at least 80%.
Be an active participant in the program for at least 6–8 weeks.
Have no conduct issues in the past 6–8 weeks.
Know and consistently comply with unit grooming standards.
Habitually observe proper military customs and courtesies.
Demonstrate a satisfactory level of leadership and maturity appropriate to the rank.

Cadet Lance Corporal (LCpl)

Candidates for LCpl will request advancement, be recommended by their Platoon Commander or Platoon Sergeant, and meet the following requirements:

Pass the Intermediate Drill evaluation.
Exhibit a satisfactory uniform inspection on the day of promotion.
Maintain an overall MCJROTC GPA of at least 80%.
Have no conduct issues in the past 6–8 weeks.
Know and consistently comply with unit grooming standards.
Habitually observe proper military customs and courtesies.
Demonstrate a satisfactory level of leadership and maturity appropriate to the rank.
Hold the rank of PFC for at least two (2) months.

Cadet Corporal (Cpl)

Candidates for Cpl will request advancement, be recommended by their Platoon Commander or Platoon Sergeant, and meet the following requirements:

Pass the Intermediate Drill (Level 2) evaluation.
Exhibit a satisfactory uniform inspection on the day of promotion.
Maintain an overall MCJROTC GPA of at least 85%.
Have no conduct issues in the past 6–8 weeks.
Participate in at least one (1) unit event.
Pass the Physical Fitness Test (PFT).
Hold the rank of LCpl for at least three (3) months.
Pass the Corporal Academic Quiz with a passing score of 80% or above.

Cadet Sergeant (Sgt)

Candidates for Sgt will request advancement, be recommended by their Platoon Commander or Platoon Sergeant, and meet the following requirements:

Maintain an A average in the program.
Participate in at least five (5) unit events.
Lead one (1) unit event as the Cadet in Charge (CIC)*.
Pass Advanced Drill*.
Properly fold and carry the U.S. flag.
Submit a 500-word leadership essay (prompt provided by SMI/MI).
Pass a Promotion Interview* with the board.

Cadet Staff Sergeant (SSgt)

Candidates for SSgt will request advancement, be recommended by their Platoon Commander or Platoon Sergeant, and meet the following requirements:

Maintain an A average in the program.
Participate in at least five (5) unit events.
Lead one (1) unit event as the CIC*.
Pass Advanced Drill (Level 2)*.
Submit a 500-word leadership essay (prompt provided by SMI/MI).
Exhibit good moral standards and consistent military bearing in uniform.
Pass a Promotion Interview* with the board.

Cadet Gunnery Sergeant (GySgt)

Candidates for GySgt will request advancement, be recommended by their Platoon Commander or Platoon Sergeant, and meet the following requirements:

Maintain an A average in the program.
Participate in at least ten (10) unit events.
Exhibit good moral standards and consistent military bearing in uniform.
Submit a 600-word essay explaining why you merit promotion and how you have contributed to the program.
Pass a Promotion Interview* with the board.

SNCO & Officer Ranks (E-8 through O-6)

These ranks are filled by cadets who are handpicked by the SMI/MI after demonstrating the ability and willingness to adhere to all requirements and expectations outlined in the Cadet Handbook. Cadet SNCOs and Officers shall participate in promotion screening boards for those of lesser rank in order to be considered for additional promotions.

Cadet officers are the standard—set by their example—of what every cadet should aspire to be. Cadets being considered for promotion to commissioned officer ranks must meet every requirement outlined for all enlisted ranks.

Reductions & Reappointment

Reductions in Rank. Administrative reductions may occur at the discretion of the SMI/MI when a cadet fails to maintain academic or physical fitness standards, an adequate level of military proficiency or leadership skills, or established standards of conduct—including uniform wear and grooming standards. Cadets failing to maintain a GPA of 2.0 may not hold a rank higher than Cadet Private. Any cadet reduced in rank may not be considered for promotion at the next promotion and awards formation.

Reappointment. Cadets who departed for disciplinary reasons and are accepted for re-enrollment will be appointed as Cadet Privates, regardless of rank previously held. Cadets who departed for other reasons may be appointed to one grade lower than previously held if their absence was one school year or less. Absences greater than one school year will normally result in returning to Cadet Private.

Drill & Interview Reference

Basic Drill*

Left/Right/About Face; Forward March; Platoon Halt; Hand Salute.

Intermediate Drill*

Mark Time, To the Rear, Change Step, Left/Right Step (from the halt).

Intermediate Drill (Level 2)*

Ability to call and execute commands from both Basic and Intermediate drill.

Advanced Drill*

Left/Right Oblique; Column Left/Right; Left/Right Flank; To the Rear (from the halt).

Advanced Drill (Level 2)*

Ability to call and execute commands from Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced drill sets.