How to get promoted fast in the Marine Corps
How promotion works (for enlisted)
When you join the Marine Corps you start out as a private. You will get promoted to the next rank (PFC) in 6 months. Once you are promoted to PFC, 9 months later you will be promoted to LCPL. Being promoted because of time is called time in grade. The only way to get promoted faster than waiting the amount of time is to go on a promotional board and win it. Once you become a Lance Cpl you will obtain a score in 9 months. Your score is computed based on Pros and Cons (job proficiency and conduct), rifle score, swim qualification, PFT/CFT score, and time in grade.
For a promotional board they look at things that you accomplish on your own that set you apart from your competition.
Tips to get promoted faster
Having a good work ethic, being proficient at your job, and behaving yourself both on and off duty will improve your pros and cons.
Having a high PFT/CFT score will give you more points for promotion and look better on a board.
Rifle range score will give you more points for your score.
Pistol qual will help you on a promotional board.
Recruiting people into the Marine Corps while your on recruiters assistance will give you more points for promotion.
Doing MCIs (Marine Corps Institute) classes/books will give you extra points.
Time in grade will give you more points.
Having some college completed will help you on a board.
Doing community service will help you on a board.
Doing recruiting duty gives you extra points.
Being a drill instructor gives you extra points.
Medals and awards help you on a board.
Deployments help you on a board.
Your uniform will be looked at on a promotional board.
You will be asked knowledge questions during a board. The more you know about the Marine corps the better.
Your belt level in Marine Corps Martial Arts (MCMAP) will help you on a board.
Special School and other IA billets will also help you on a board.
Summary
Be a leader, do what your told, act the next rank, have a positive attitude, live what you do, and volunteer for everything and you should be fine.