How to become a sergeant

[Sir_Krahn]

I would like to know how to become a sergeant in the marine corp. About how long does it take to become a sergeant if you are in the infantry? And do you have to have any degrees or anything of the like? Do you have to go to any special schools in the marines to become a sergeant? I heard something of the sort but I need some confirmation.

[USMCRET6391]

1. Make it through Boot Camp.

2. Show outstanding leadership and technical ability in what ever MOS you are assigned.

3. Be the best PFC, L/Cpl, and Cpl in the unit so that your Pro and Cons are high enough to get you promoted up the rank chain.

4. Don't get so hung up on going to various schools that it detracts from your performance in your Primary MOS. While all schools will prepare you for your next promotion, most leadership schools are designed to teach how to function properly at the rank you are currently.

5. In my mind this is the most important, don't be so worried about getting promoted that you forget what your Primary Duty is. To be the best Marine you can possibly be.



P.S.

You might also remember that it's Marine Corps...capital M, capital C and there is an "S" at the end of the second word.

[Sir_Krahn]

So you do have to go to certain schools to get promoted? I will do the best I can to be the best I can but I just want to get this stuff cleared up before I join the marines so it isn't hanging in my mind, and also so I know a little bit of something when I join. Also how long does it usually take to become a sergeant? Just give me about an average time spent in the Marine Corps.

[USMCRET6391]

There is no "average" time. There are several factors involved, MOS, man power levels, retention goals and etc. I suppose given the current structure of the Corps I wouldnt expect to make Sgt with less than 4 years in, but again that depends on the factors I listed above.

[SSGMike.Ivy]

Top if I may add my 2.5 cents into this:

In order to get any type of promotion in any branch of service you first have to join and not worry about a rank which is a couple years away.

So join up, do your best, pass all your exams and be the best darmn Marine you can be. And any promotions, awards etc will come your way in the proper time.

But in response to your original question:

The Marines limit this on their own. In the Air Force and Army, promotions up to the rank of E-4 are pretty much automatic, based on time-in-service and time-in-grade. In the Marines, this is true only for promotions to the ranks of E-2 and E-3. Promotions to E-4 and above are competitive, and are based on specific vacancies within MOS's (jobs).

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[Vulture6]

A lot of things depend on your MOS - your specialty.

Top, I think you left out one step - "re-enlist"... that's usually a step in the process too.

[cincymarsdad]

As "it" was explained to me, there are "cutting scores" which include factors such as your PFT, your marksmanship, your MCMAP belt, etc. in addition to your PRO/CONs. I also understand the combat experience is a factor as an 03, and presumably the other MOS' as well.

At any rate, whatever it is, you will learn it in the Corps, and it could well be different by then. The Marines at the Lcpl level with whom I have chatted know where they are in the process of getting to Corporal and have a good idea what they need to do.

You can make Pfc. out of boot is you have 2 years of ROTC, recruit 2 others, are an Eagle Scout, or make it meritoriously in boot (tough). This saves you 3 months initially getting to E-2. My daughter told me you can get to Lcpl by doing two of these items - she said she was up for Lcpl shortly because of recruiting two and she had E-2 in boot from JNROTC. I was a trifle dubious about this but she told me that so it must be true. None of this necessarily accelerates your path to E-4 however (as I understand the process). You just spend more time at E-3, where the pay is not much higher than E-1. [But you have something snazzy on your sleeve.]

Fellows, correct me if I err, I only chimed in because I have had a lot of conversations on this topic, and some things like your MCMAP belt have been added to the cutting scores more recently. I don't think it's a major factor. A CAR might get some heavier weighting. [Not a Chevy.]

[USMCRET6391]

Originally Posted by cincymarsdad

As "it" was explained to me, there are "cutting scores" which include factors such as your PFT, your marksmanship, your MCMAP belt, etc. in addition to your PRO/CONs. I also understand the combat experience is a factor as an 03, and presumably the other MOS' as well.

Fellows, correct me if I err, I only chimed in because I have had a lot of conversations on this topic, and some things like your MCMAP belt have been added to the cutting scores more recently. I don't think it's a major factor. A CAR might get some heavier weighting. [Not a Chevy.]

Cutting scores also include time in service, time in grade, off duty education, additional points for "B" billets (Recruiting Duty, Embassy Duty etc). I am not sure about combat experience some one who is in now would have to advise on that. I am also not sure about Re-enlisting (although I am sure, based on given MOS requirements etc, it is possible to Re-up with a Promotion Guarantee). However I would point out that all of the factors we have discussed here pertain to promotion to any rank up to and including Sgt. Is it possible to make Sgt in 4 years? Sure.....Is it easy to do? Absolutely not.

[SGRock]

Overall krahn you are putting the cart before the horse. Become a Marine and do your best in whatever MOS you have and everything else falls into place.

[USMCRET6391]

There has been something nagging at me about why you would ask the question in the first place, I suppose we all want to be a success at what we do and aspiring to be a Sgt is not a bad thing to want. However, you should understand that it is possible to be an outstanding Marine and not make Sgt before you get out, unless you are planning on extending your enlistment or making the Corps a career.

[Spitfire101]

I guess my reason for being so "tough" on this kiddo, is simply because I'd like him to sit back and come up with a battle plan on what exactly it is he would like to do in the Marine Corps.

Take a good look at yourself and figure out what you are good at - that's a good way to start. Then do your research on an MOS you have an interest in and you think you can qualify. Sir Kahn, I hold the torch for you for saying that you want to become a Marine. But the sooner you start doing your research, the better off you will be when you do walk into the recruiting station. Don't worry about the rank for now - you'll have plenty of time for that once you've joined and start achieving your goals. Stay physically fit and mentally sharp. That'll make bootcamp a little easier.

Bottom line: You've decided you want to become a Marine. Now's the time to take this a few steps further and start reading up on what the Marines have to offer for you. Don't treat it like a job corps, but a lifetime opportunity instead.

I treated my son the same way the day he came home and told me he scheduled an appointment for the Army Recruiter to visit our home. Instead of having him play computer games when he came home from school, I made him sit infront of the computer and do his homework and find a profession in the Army that he felt he'd be good at. He's almost in it for a year now and is happy with his choice. If I had just let him walk into MEPS blind, he might have ended up with an MOS, he'd hate.

Take the practice tests for ASVAB now and see how you score. (I'm not sure if the Marines call it ASVAB, therefore I'll apologize ahead of time if the term is not correct.)