Is it possible for a Marine to be eligible but not recommended for promotion?

A Marine can be eligible for promotion based on meeting the required time-in-grade, time-in-service, and other criteria. However, being recommended for promotion involves a separate assessment by a selection board or leadership that evaluates a Marine's overall performance, potential, and readiness for increased responsibility.

Thus, it is entirely possible for a Marine to meet the eligibility requirements but not receive a recommendation due to factors such as performance evaluations, inability to meet the Marine Corps' leadership standards, or other qualitative assessments that suggest a Marine isn't yet ready for the next rank. This distinction emphasizes the difference between simply qualifying based on metrics and being viewed as suitable for promotion based on performance and potential.