2 of 2

Write now Article Tools

Getting promoted in the Marine Corps. means added responsibility and an increase in pay. It also means being the one to make the decisions that win battles. Getting promoted revolves around a score called the Cutting Score. This score is issued by the comptroller in order to control the population of each rank according to MOS, or Military Occupational Specialty. This is to ensure that no one job in the Corps. has an abundance of a particular rank, avoiding the "too many chiefs, not enough Indians" scenario. The best way to make use of the cutting score is to take and complete MCI's, or Marine Corps. Institute courses. These are like distance learning courses that cover everything from financial accounting to war fighting skills, and help promote the warrior scholar ideal that the Corps. has adopted.

Proficiency and conduct marks are also crucial to promotion. Pro's and Con's, as they are called, are quarterly performance marks given on a variety of criterion, such as your physical fitness test, your job performance, any extra duties you have volunteered for, etc. Once you reach the rank of Sergeant (E5) you must attend Sergeants Course before you can become eligible for promotion to Staff NCO. Corporals Course is not mandatory to make Sergeant, but it is generally looked upon favorably by most commands.

Outside of the cutting score, you may stand before a meritorious promotion board when they are announced. Military bearing, knowledge, and appearance are integral to winning a meritorious board. Knowledge of the Basic Skills Manual for your grade, and the grade you are trying to attain, will be essential for success. Preparation for a meritorious board usually should begin at least one to two weeks before the event, ensuring that your uniform is impeccable. Have it professionally cleaned and pressed, then go back over it to ensure that there are no loose threads, use a ruler and Marine Corps. Regulation to place your chevrons correctly on your collar, spit shine your boots until they gleam. When two Marines of equal quality in knowledge, fitness, and bearing compete on a boar, the winner will be the one who looked the best. Most boards will include a segment for drill. Ensure that you know your drill commands and ask your command to allow you to practice them by marching your platoon to and from formation. A drill card will be used, but the exact movements will be kept secret until you are about to perform them.

You can get promoted right out of boot camp if you perform well enough. The loudest and hardest working recruits are often awarded with meritorious rank. The platoon leaders, the Guide, the Scribe, and Platoon High Shooter are also awarded.

Lastly, there is always the chance you or your platoon will be selected to do some sort of special training. When the Corps. got their new anti tank missile, each member of the testing platoon that fired the weapon was promoted on the spot.

Learn more about this author, Christopher Johnson.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about How to get promoted in the Marine Corps?
We want to hear your view. Write now!