QUANTICO, Va.—With the conclusion of the E-8 and E-9 boards in November, the gunnery sergeant board in January, and the upcoming staff sergeant board—the second in eight months—in April, it is important for Marines, applicants for promotion and reporting seniors and reviewing officers alike, to remind themselves of the process it takes to get oneself or one’s Marine promoted. This includes what Marines should do to stand out for promotion and what those writing the Marine’s fitness reports can do to communicate the value of their Marine and help to get them promoted.Promotion boards have variations in composition. Additionally, board members typically have differing preferences. “Every board has some nuances to it, but the concentrated effort is the same on every board,” said Maj. Daniel Moore, head of enlisted promotions with Manpower Management Promotions Branch. Moore outlined the sequence in which a board considers applicants. First and foremost, the board look at the relative valu...
