How to Get a Promotion in the Military
Gone are the days of instant rank promotions for battlefield valor. Today's military is increasingly competitive for a limited number of promotions. Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do to push yourself ahead of the pack when it comes to getting that next stripe. Read on to learn more.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Put in your time. The military won't promote you before a certain amount of time has passed. However, time and your commander's OK are all you need for a promotion within the first few ranks.
-
2
Keep in good physical shape. Very few things short of breaking the law can jeopardize your military career as quickly as letting yourself get out of shape. And you'll probably face a physical test for promotion, so maintain that physique.
-
-
3
Study for the test required for the rank you're going for. Each branch of the military requires at least one test of specific service-related skills and knowledge of duties for progression to each rank above E-4. Practice makes perfect.
-
4
Stay on good terms with your superiors. It's good to have friends in high places at promotion time, so be nice to your commander all the time.
-
5
Take the necessary tests for a promotion. Each service has different requirements, but they usually require a written test and a practical test of your skills and training (for example, on the shooting range).
-
6
Show up on time and get the job done right, every day (or night). Job performance counts for a lot toward your promotion.
-
7
Be lucky enough to get the promotion. Each military service has a limited number "slots" for each rank, so only a fraction of the eligible service members are promoted the first time.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Make sure your current command is aware of any decorations or awards you may have received. Every little bit helps in that push toward promotion.
