How do you get a higher rank when joining the army?

Answer 1

If you participate in ROTC in college, completion of the first two years will allow you to enter the military in the third pay grade rather than the first.

There are other organizations who's training will net you advanced pay on enlistment, for example; training as a cadet in your local Civil Air Patrol squadron.

National Guard recruiters will also award advanced pay grades if you help recruit other people.

Answer 2

At first an individual increases rank by "time in grade". Then based on an individual's "test scores" - performance - and then needs of the service. If there is a need for an individual of a higher rank and this person is the best fit -they are promoted. Officers are prompted by selection boards -not test scores.

Answer 3

It really depends on the branch of service mainly because each branch has its own regulations and procedures on promotion's, however one way would be:

Increase or strengthen yourself physically

Consider taking college courses

Request additional duties

Know everything there is to know about you MOS (job)

Know your current role and at the least 2 ranks ahead of you

Know all the programs that the branch offers

Basically improve yourself by improving your organization and request additional responsibilities showing that you are ready for that next rank.

Answer 4

if you join as a private, then you must study and/or go to a military academy, then once you graduate as an officer, from there on in you will be recommended for a promotion by a senior officer.

If you're staying within the enlisted ranks, higher education can help you advance further, as can on-the-job performance, attending and completing training courses and correspondence courses, and distinguishing yourself from your peers.

The first three ranks, Private to Private E2 to Private First Class, are essentially automatic. The first promotion is a matter of time is service plus time in grade. The second promotion to PFC is the same, with the addition of the recommendation of a supervisor in your chain of command. Usually this is a Platoon Sergent, a Section Chief, or a Platoon Leader (officer). you may also be, in certain situations, recommended by Top (The unit First Sergent) or the CO (Commanding Officer).

For promotions beyond E3, it is a matter of time in service, time in grade, positive evaluations, and schooling (NCO Academy, Warrior School, etc.). Some of this may have changed over the past twenty-five years since my time in, but I doubt much has changed.