Promotions are one of the most important parts of a service member’s career — and one of the most confusing for families. Each branch has its own process, but all follow a similar structure based on rank, time served, performance, and (in some cases) testing or promotion boards.
This guide breaks everything down so families can clearly understand:
- how enlisted promotions work
- how officer promotions work
- time-in-service (TIS) & time-in-grade (TIG)
- merit-based vs. automatic promotions
- testing & promotion points
- boards and evaluations
- how Guard & Reserve promotions differ
This applies to all branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Space Force.
1. Understanding Rank Structure Across the Military
All branches follow the same category structure:
Enlisted Ranks
E-1 to E-9
(Private → Sergeant Major, Seaman Recruit → Master Chief, etc.)
Warrant Officers (Some branches)
W-1 to W-5
(Technical specialists)
Commissioned Officers
O-1 to O-10
(Lieutenant → General, Ensign → Admiral)
This guide focuses mostly on enlisted promotions, since that covers the vast majority of families visiting Oak & Liberty.
2. Early Enlisted Promotions (E-1 to E-3)
These early promotions are usually automatic or based on time served, good performance, and training completion.
Most branches promote new service members to:
E-2 after:
- successful completion of boot camp
or - 6 months time in service (varies by branch)
E-3 after:
- A-School / Tech School completion
- specific time requirements
- command approval
Some enlist at E-2 or E-3 based on:
- college credits
- JROTC
- referral programs
- prior service
- specific recruiting incentives
These promotions are typically predictable and straightforward.
3. Mid-Level Enlisted Promotions (E-4 to E-6)
This is where promotions become competitive.
E-4 (Corporal / Specialist / Senior Airman / Petty Officer Third Class)
Requirements typically include:
- time-in-service (TIS)
- time-in-grade (TIG)
- good evaluations
- passing professional development courses
- sometimes promotion boards (Army/Marines)
E-5 & E-6 (Sergeant → Staff Sergeant, Petty Officer → 1st Class, etc.)
These ranks often require:
- a mix of TIS/TIG
- leadership performance
- strong evaluations
- testing (Air Force, Navy)
- points systems (Army)
- command recommendation
- promotion boards (Army & Marines)
Examples:
Army:
- Uses a points system:
- PT score
- weapons qualification
- awards
- civilian education
- NCO education courses
- board appearance
Navy:
- Uses a test-based system + evaluations:
- Rating exam (E-4 to E-6)
- Final multiple score
- Sea/Shore rotation impacts competitiveness
Air Force:
- Uses WAPS (Weighted Airman Promotion System), including:
- tests
- performance reports
- decorations
- TIG/TIS points
Marines:
- Uses Composite Score for E-4/E-5 promotions.
- E-6 and above require board selection.
Coast Guard:
- Uses a mix of:
- servicewide exams
- marks (evaluations)
- required qualifications
Space Force:
- Uses Air Force-style promotions with slight modifications.
4. Senior Enlisted Promotions (E-7 to E-9)
These are board selected across most branches.
Promotions consider:
- command evaluations
- leadership history
- special assignments
- awards
- deployments
- impact on mission
- recommendation letters
- career performance as a whole
These ranks represent senior leadership and are highly competitive.
5. Officer Promotions (O-1 to O-10)
Officer promotions follow a different process.
Early officer promotions (O-1 → O-2 → O-3)
These are primarily time-in-service + successful performance.
Typical timelines:
- O-1 to O-2 → 2 years
- O-2 to O-3 → 2 years
Mid-level & senior officer promotions
(O-4 through O-10)
These are selection-board based, evaluating:
- performance reports
- leadership roles
- PME (Professional Military Education)
- advanced degrees
- special billets
- command history
- mission impact
Officer promotion boards are highly competitive and scrutinize an officer’s entire career.
6. Time-in-Service (TIS) & Time-in-Grade (TIG)
These two factors determine eligibility for promotion.
TIS (Time in Service)
How long the service member has been in the military.
TIG (Time in Grade)
How long they've held their current rank.
Most promotions require minimum TIS and TIG.
Example:
- Must serve X months as E-3 before being eligible for E-4.
- Must serve Y months as E-5 before testing for E-6.
7. Promotions in the National Guard & Reserve
Promotions follow similar rules but with branch-specific differences.
Guard & Reserve Promotions Depend On:
- time in service
- drill performance
- professional military education
- physical fitness
- MOS/AFSC/Ratings requirements
- vacancies in the unit (sometimes competitive)
Some Guard/Reserve promotions require:
- state-level boards
- federal recognition boards
- MOS qualification completion
Guard/Reserve promotion timelines often differ significantly from Active Duty due to unit vacancies.
8. Testing, Points & Boards — Family Quick Overview
A simple summary for families unfamiliar with military promotion systems:
Army:
- Points + Board (E-5/E-6)
- Board-selected (E-7+)
Marine Corps:
- Composite Score (E-4/E-5)
- Board-selected (E-6+)
Navy:
- Test + performance evaluations (E-4 to E-6)
- Board-selected (Chief & above)
Air Force:
- WAPS (test + points + performance)
- Selective boards for senior NCOs
Space Force:
- Uses modified Air Force system
Coast Guard:
- Servicewide exams + marks
- Boards for senior enlisted
9. How Promotions Affect Pay
Promotions directly increase:
- Basic pay
- BAH (for some ranks)
- BAS (sometimes changes for officers)
- Special pays
- Leadership responsibilities
Promotions are one of the fastest ways for service members to improve financial stability.
10. Promotion Myths Families Should Know
“Time alone guarantees promotion.”
Incorrect — mid and senior ranks are competitive.
“Everyone gets promoted at the same speed.”
Career fields have different promotion rates.
“Boot camp performance affects long-term promotions.”
It does not — promotions are based on later performance.
“Guard & Reserve automatically follow Active Duty timelines.”
Not always — promotions depend on unit vacancies and state requirements.
“Promotions are political.”
Boards are structured with strict rules and scoring systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do promotions happen automatically?
Only early ranks — after that, they become competitive.
Can service members skip ranks?
Rarely, but outstanding performers can advance faster.
Do deployments help promotions?
Often yes — operational experience strengthens records.
Does education help?
Civilian education, certifications, and PME all matter.
How long does it take to make E-5 or E-6?
Varies significantly by branch and job.
Can service members be reduced in rank?
Yes — disciplinary actions can lower rank.
Celebrate Each Promotion With Pride
Promotions represent hard work, leadership, and dedication. Families love showing their pride with:
- rank-inspired apparel
-
branch-specific shirts
- “Proud Military Family” gear
- graduation and milestone keepsakes
Explore apparel that honors your service member’s journey
Oak & Liberty proudly supports military families through every achievement — from boot camp to the highest ranks.