Corporal is the most junior of the noncommissioned officer NCO ranks.
However, that does not lessen the authority or responsibility the
rank carries.
Some specific NCO duties you will normally be expected to perform
are:
Train subordinates in their MOS and basic military skills
Be accountable for the actions of your squad, section, or team
Enforce the standards of military and physical appearance
Ensure supervision, control, and discipline of subordinates
Assist in personal and professional development of fellow Marines
Provide communication link between the individual Marine and
the organization
Plan and conduct the routine and day-to-day unit operation
within the policies established by your senior officers.
Maintain appearance and condition of unit billeting spaces,
facilities, and work areas
Maintain serviceability, accountability, and readiness of assigned
arms and equipment
Maintain the established standards of professionalism and job
performance for the Marines, the NCO's, the SNCO's and the Corps
Support, follow, and implement policy established by officers
As a Corporal you will be required to exercise an ever-increasing
degree of maturity, leadership, and professionalism.
As a Corporal you will be required to exercise an ever-increasing
degree of maturity, leadership, and professionalism. To a large extent,
accomplishment of the ultimate mission -- success in battle -- depends
on your development as a small unit leader and your professional abilities.
The Corporal (CPL) Promotion Process
Unlike the ranks of PFC and LCpl, to be worthy of the title "Noncommissioned
Officer" you must demonstrate that you are capable of meeting the
demands of the next higher grade by meeting both basic eligibility
requirements and competing in a Marine Corps-wide Composite Score
competition, which is intended to promote the best qualified candidates.
Basic Eligibility Requirement
In addition to your company or unit commander's recommendation, you
must also meet the following qualifications:
12 months Time-In-Service
8 months' Time-In-Grade
Composite Score
Composite Scores (CS) are determined on a quarterly basis. Each quarter,
the Marine Corps announces how many Marines in each MOS, will be promoted
to E-4. To determine who gets promoted, "Composite Score" points are
awarded from each of the following areas:
The Composite Score Points Breakdown
Score Area
Source / Details
Example Points
General Military Performance
Total of Rifle and PFT Qualification
Scores Divided by 2 then multiplied by 100
500
Average Duty Proficiency Marks
Average Marks (rounded to nearest tenth)
x 100
500
Average Conduct Marks
Average Marks (rounded to nearest tenth)
x 100
500
Time-In-Service (TIS)
TIS Months x 2
24
Time-In-Grade (TIG)
TIG Months x 5
80
Self-Education Bonus Points
75
Special Assignments Points
100
Command Recruiting Bonus (20 points per recruit)
100
Total Composite Score (example)
1879
General Military Perrformance (GMP) Score
Your GMP Score is determined from promotion points awarded for Qualification
Scores on the rifle range, and Qualification Scores from your Physical
Fitness Test. Your Rifle Range Scores are converted a rating score.
The Rifle Score is then added to the promotion points determined from
the Physical Fitness Test Score. The result is then divided by 2.
Average Duty Proficiency (ADP) Marks (Points)
Your periodic duty performance evaluation rating by your by their
superior(s) are used as part of your promotion composite score system.
All ratings are used since your last change in rank (promotion, demotion,
etc). Your ratings are averaged, then rounded off to the nearest 10th
(4.44 would be 4.4; 4.45 would be 4.5) and multiplied by 100 to determine
your ADP composite points.
Average Conduct Marks (Points)
Your Average Conduct Marks (ACM) for all ratings are used since
your last change in rank (promotion, demotion, etc). First, your
ratings are averaged. The average of your conduct marks are then
rounded off to the nearest 10th (4.44 would be 4.4; 4.45 would be
4.5). This average is then multiplied by 100 to determine the ACM
composite points.
Time-In-Service Points You receive Composite points for each month of total active
duty federal military service. Time in Service (months) is multiplied
by 2 to determine TIS Composite Points.
Time-In-Grade Points
You receive Composite points for each month served in their current
rank. Time in Grade (months) is multiplied by 5 to determine TIG
Composite Points.
Self-Education Bonus Points You can receive bonus points for certain college courses and military
training courses. Points are only awarded for course work that has
been earned since your last change in rank (promotion, reduction,
etc). The maximum number of "Self-Education Points" that can be used
is 75.
Special Assignments Points Your commander can award you 100 bonus points for serving in
Drill Instructor, Recruiter, or Marine Security Guard assignments.
These composite points are valid for one year after completion of
the assignment, but once you use your bonus points to be promoted,
those points may not be applied for your next promotion. Your 100-point
bonus will be revoked if you fail to perform duty successfully
or complete your assigned tour of duty.
Command Recruiting Program Bonus Points As a Lance Corporal and Corporal you can get 20promotion
points for referring applicants who enlist in the Marine Corps
or Marine Corps Reserves. These points are awarded for each individual
referred while serving in your current rank. The maximum number of points is 100.
The Selection Process Schedule
The below schedule indicates the cutoff date for input of data elements,
the approximate date that composite scores (CS) will be computed,
and the months the composite scores for each quarter are reflected
on the unit’s Diary Feedback Report (DFR) for each regular promotion
quarter:
Promotion Quarters
CS Data Input Submission
Quarterly Cutoff Dates
CS
Computed
Month's Cutting CS on Unit DFR
Jan, Feb, Mar
20 November
30 November
Dec, Jan, Feb
Apr, May, Jun
20 February
28 February
Mar, Apr, May
Jul, Aug, Sep
20 May
31 May
Jun, Jul, Aug
Oct, Nov, Dec
20 August
31 August
Sep, Oct, Nov
The Marine Corps Promotions Branch (MMPR) announces monthly cutting
scores for each MOS. If your score is above that month's Cutting Score,
you will be eligible to be promoted on the first working day of the
following month.
More Marines Enlisted
Promotions Systems Sergeant (E-5)
