MCO 12335.1 — Merit Staffing Program

MCO 12335.1 governs Headquarters Marine Corps policies and procedures for civilian promotions, certain reassignments, and demotions.

Search MCO 12335.1

  • Publication number: MCO 12335.1
  • Title: MERIT STAFFING PROGRAM
  • Date: 24 Oct 1990
  • Proponent: 12000 Civilian Personnel
  • Status: New

View MCO 12335.1 on armypubs.army.mil


It establishes merit staffing requirements, competitive procedures, exceptions, candidate evaluation methods, and promotion records. It also addresses career ladders, temporary promotions, position changes, interviews, and selecting officials.

Applies to: This Order applies to all employees (except those in the Senior Executive Service) of organizations provided civilian personnel services by the Marine Corps Consolidated Civilian Personnel Office, Washington, DC (MCCCPO-DC).

Topics covered

  • Merit staffing
  • Nepotism
  • Competitive promotion procedures
  • Career ladder positions
  • Selective factors
  • Temporary promotions
  • Promotion panels
  • Understudy positions

Questions and answers

What merit principles govern civilian personnel actions?

HQMC shall promote, reassign, or demote its civilian employees strictly per merit principles and the provisions of this Order and the enclosures and shall assure that all actions under this Order are made without regard to political, religious, or labor organization affiliation or nonaffiliation, marital status, race, color, sex, national origin, nondisqualifying physical handicap, or age, and are based solely on work-related criteria. (paragraph 3)

When may competitive procedures be omitted for a temporary promotion?

A temporary promotion of 120 days or less (includes all service under temporary promotions or details to higher graded positions during the previous 12-month period). (paragraph 5)

Can selecting officials interview every referred applicant?

Interviews by the selecting official are optional. The selecting official may interview none, any, or all applicants referred.

What happens when an employee is not promoted in a career ladder position?

If an employee in a career ladder position is not promoted within a reasonable amount of time due to inability to perform at the higher grade level, they must either be reassigned out of the career ladder position or appropriate action should be taken per FPM 432. (paragraph 1)

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