How to Gain Rank in the U.S. Army

Those wishing to achieve higher rank in the Army must be willing to invest serious time and effort.

Gaining rank in the Army isn't easy. Nothing is handed to you. The Army looks for men and women who are willing to go above and beyond the call of duty, who strive each time to do a little better than the time before and who don't flinch in the face of grueling work and difficult responsibility. Displaying these qualities will guarantee your success in the Army.

Instructions

1. Study hard while in boot camp and advanced individual training. Be flexible and push yourself. Always show respect for the training office. Dig deeper and apply yourself more, even when you think you've given it all you've got.

2. Press for leadership training. Leadership courses and testing gradually becomes available the longer you're enlisted, but it isn't given to you. Reach for it actively. Put in a request for training with your superior officer.

3. Prove that you're self-motivated. Complete work without constant help and complete it well.

4. Show leadership. Step forward to take the lead amongst your peers when you can.

5. Do anything that will get you more experience. Make yourself available for deployment. Volunteer for missions. Attend any training that isn't mandatory.

6. Remain serious, respectful, reliable and hard-working. Steer clear of religious and political arguments with peers and don't complain. These characteristics will get you noticed in the Army.

Tips & Warnings

• In the first few years, do any work that is assigned to you, even if you feel it is beneath you. You're being tested. Pass that test. Get fit physically. Being in excellent shape proves dedication to hard work.

• How you behave outside of duty hours will impact your promotions.

• How your family behaves in public will also affect your promotions. A man or woman whose private life isn't very private will not gain rank quickly.

References

• Go Army: Ranks and Insignia
• Go Army: Ongoing Training