Marine Corps Ups Requirements for Sergeant and Staff Sergeant Promotions

WASHINGTON, DC — The Marine Corps is increasing the time in requirements for those enlisted to be promoted to sergeant and staff sergeant.

Starting next year, Marines will be required to spend 4 years in the service before a sergeant promotion- which is double the current requirement. Requirements to become a staff sergeant will increase from 4 years to 5 years.

According to the Marine administrative message 612/19 announcing the changes, “ the service is seeking to create a more agile and flexible retention process while increasing the professional development of our Sergeants and Staff Sergeants. Marines across the service who demonstrate high levels of proficiency and talent must be given the most efficient means by which to request and be approved for reenlistment and subsequently be provided opportunities to excel in critical leadership roles.”

Starting in July, new staff sergeants will also need to serve at least two years in their new rank before moving up in rank.

"Marines who are selected to the rank of staff sergeant must have at least 24 months of obligated service remaining on contract beginning on the date of their promotion," the message states.

The announcement came alongside the decision to conduct early reenlistments for qualified computed Tier 1 FTAP Marines ahead of their eligibility period.