The CMC will promote, by means other than the regular promotion system, exceptionally well-qualified Marines in recognition of outstanding leadership and performance, per the provisions outlined below. Meritorious promotions are intended to promote Marines whose performance is superior to that of their peers, or to promote Marines for specific actions/superior achievement.

• The CMC, under certain specific circumstances, may delegate authority to effect meritorious promotions to specific grades, in addition to the authority already delegated in this section. Normally, the CMC will not delegate the authority to effect meritorious or accelerated promotions to the grades of SSgt and above.
  
• Meritorious promotions are not authorized above the grade of MSgt. Meritorious promotions to MSgt are limited to the Drill Instructor and Recruiter of the Year Programs. Meritorious promotion to 1stSgt is not authorized.
  
• Minimum TIG requirements are waived in the case of meritorious promotions. However, compliance with minimum TIS requirements as shown in paragraph 1202, is mandatory.
  
• Determination of eligibility for meritorious promotion will be based on the performance of the Marine as reported in the commander's recommendation and on the Marine's military record.
  
• Meritorious promotions will not be used as rewards or when a personal commendation/award is appropriate. A meritorious promotion must be based on the Marine's demonstrated capability to discharge the responsibilities and duties of the higher grade in a satisfactory manner.
  
  

  CRITERIA FOR MERITORIOUS RECOMMENDATIONS

  Commanders, in their determination of qualifications for meritorious promotions, will be guided by, but not limited to, the following:
  
• Marines must have completed the required PME for the grade to which being recommended.
  
• The Marine's performance of duty, in comparison with all known Marines of the same grade without regard to MOS/OccFld, must be to a significant degree superior to that of their peers in order to merit promotion over other qualified Marines in that grade, regardless of TIG.
  
• The level and type of duty performed within the individual's MOS/OccFld, as well as outside the MOS/OccFld, must be clearly superior to that of his or her peers.
  
• Superior performance on unusual assignments that reflects favorably upon the Marine Corps.
  
  

  COMBAT & NON-COMBAT PROMOTIONS

  
  Combat Meritorious Promotion Program.
  Commanding generals will submit, by naval correspondence, recommendations for combat meritorious promotion based on meritorious action and performance in combat or performance under combat conditions to the CMC (MMPR-2).
  
  Non-combat Meritorious Promotion Program.
  Commanders may submit recommendations for non-combat meritorious promotion based on a single meritorious act to the CMC (MMPR-2) by naval letter. The recommendation will include a detailed justification and information about the qualifying act, the Marine's performance, and leadership ability/ accomplishments.
  
  

  MERITORIOUS PROMOTION PROGRAMS

  
  Commandant of the Marine Corps Drill Instructor of the Year Program. Nominations by the Commanding General, Marine Corps Combat Development Command (CG, MCCDC) will be forwarded to CMC (MMPR-2) for unit diary action. MCO 1650.39_ refers.
  
  Commandant of the Marine Corps Recruiter of the Year Program. Nominations by the Commanding General, Marine Corps Recruiting Command (CG, MCRC) will be forwarded to CMC (MMPR-2) for unit diary action. EAD recruiters may compete with active duty Marines for this award. MCO 1650.38_ refers.
  
  Commandant of the Marine Corps Marine Security Guard of the Year Program. Nominations by the Commanding Officer, Marine Security Guard Battalion will be forwarded to the CMC (MMPR-2) for unit diary action, if applicable. MCO 1650.42_ refers.
  
  Meritorious SNCO promotions in the Operating Forces. Allocations will be determined by CMC (MPP-20) for active duty Marines. The CMC (MPP-20) will assign allocations to MEF commanders and the CO, Marine Corps Security Force Battalion, by MARADMIN. Recommendations may be submitted at any time during the year, via naval message, to CMC (MMPR-2) for final approval.
  
  Meritorious SNCO promotions in the Marine Forces Reserve. Allocations will be determined by the CMC (RAP). Allocations will be provided to the Commander, Marine Forces Reserve who will forward nominees to CMC (MMPR-2) for final approval. Recommendations may be submitted at any time during the year, via naval message, to CMC (MMPR-2) for final approval.
  
  Upon approval, the CMC will publish a congratulatory MARADMIN authorizing commanders to effect the promotions. The CMC (MMPR-2) will input the meritorious promotion entries into the MCTFS.