Promotion criteria is the minimum requirement for promotion to any rank. All promotions are subject to the cadet’s demonstrated attitude and effort. Slackers will not move up the leadership chain.
Meritorious Promotions – The SMI reserves the right to promote any cadet to a higher rank based on that cadet's demonstrated positive attitude and effort at any time.
--Promotion to Cadet Private First Class (PFC) – Be a Private for at least three months No ‘F’ in any class, minimum ‘C’ in MCJROTC, no Friday detentions, no zeros on uniform inspections, and recommended by SMI and MI.
--Promotion to Cadet Lance Corporal (LCPL) – Be a PFC for at least four months. No ‘F’ in any class, no Friday detentions, no zeros on uniform inspections or zeros on Uniform PT sessions, and recommended by SMI and MI.
--Promotion to Cadet Corporal (CPL) – Be a LCpl for at least three months. No ‘F’ in any class, minimum ‘C’ in MCJROTC, no Friday detentions, no zeros on uniform inspections or zeros on Uniform PT sessions, and recommended by SMI and MI. Must be able to execute all static drill movements (no rifles) without error.
--Promotion to Cadet Sergeant (SGT) – Be a Cpl at least three months. No ‘F’ in any class, minimum ‘B’ in MCJROTC, no Friday detentions, no zeros on uniform inspections or zeros on Uniform PT sessions, and recommended by SMI and MI. Must be able to execute all static drill movements (no rifles) without error. Must recite all Leadership Traits and Leadership Principles.
--Promotion to Cadet Staff Sergeant (SSgt) – Be a Sgt at least three months. No 'F' in any class, minimum ‘A’ in MCJROTC, no Friday detentions, no zeros on uniform inspections or zeros on Uniform PT sessions, and recommended by SMI and MI. Must be able to execute all static drill movements (no rifles) without error. Must recite all Leadership Traits and Leadership Principles. Must have positive recommendations from ALL teachers. Must form platoon for PT and lead a PT session without error or conduct a 10-minute class on any MCJROTC subject.
--Promotion to Cadet Gunnery Sergeant (GySgt) – Be a SSgt at least six months. No 'F' in any class, minimum ‘A’ in MCJROTC, no Friday detentions, no zeros on uniform inspections or zeros on Uniform PT sessions, and recommended by SMI and MI. Must be able to execute all static drill movements (no rifles) without error. Must recite all Leadership Traits and Leadership Principles. Must be able to form platoon for inspection and conduct a unit inspection without error or conduct a 10-minute class on any MCJROTC subject. Complete all PFT events and score at least an 80.
--Promotion to Cadet First Sergeant (1stSgt) – Be a GySgt at least four months. No ‘F’ in any class, minimum ‘A’ in MCJROTC, no Friday detentions, no zeros on uniform inspections or zeros on Uniform PT sessions, and recommended by SMI and MI. Complete all PFT events and score a 141 or higher. Must be able to demonstrate leadership capacity to perform duties of unit 1stSgt. One 1stSgt will be selected each year from the pool of eligible GySgts.
--Promotion to Cadet Second Lieutenant (2ndLt) – Be a Staff Noncommissioned Officer (SNCO)…(A SNCO is a SSgt, GySgt or 1stSgt) at least six months. No ‘F’ in any class, minimum ‘A’ in MCJROTC, no Friday detentions, no zeros on uniform inspections or zeros on Uniform PT sessions, and recommended by SMI and MI. Complete all PFT events and score at least an 80. Must be able to execute unarmed close order drill movements as unit leader without error.
--Promotion to Cadet First Lieutenant (1stLt) – Be a 2ndLt at least two months. No ‘F’ in any class, minimum ‘A’ in MCJROTC, no Friday detentions, no zeros on uniform inspections or zeros on Uniform PT sessions, and recommended by SMI and MI. Complete all PFT events and score at least an 85. Must be able to demonstrate leadership capacity to perform duties of a Cadet Platoon Commander.
--Promotion to Cadet Captain (Capt) – Be a 1stLt at least three months. (An officer is 2ndLt or 1stlt) Have a 3.0 GPA, no ‘F’ in any class, minimum ‘A’ in MCJROTC, no Friday detentions, no zeros on uniform inspections or zeros on Uniform PT sessions, and recommended by SMI and MI. Complete all PFT events and score a 141 or higher. Must be able to demonstrate leadership capacity to perform duties of unit Cadet Commanding Officer.
--Promotion to Cadet Major (Maj) – Be a Captain at least three months. Consistently display the highest Marine Corps and personal standards. Recommended by SMI and MI. Must have positive recommendations from ALL teachers. Complete all PFT events and score a 141 or higher. Must be able to demonstrate leadership capacity to perform duties of unit Cadet Commanding Officer.