How to Advance in Military Rank

Military rank among all of the uniformed branches (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard) is used to award members for three things: merit, length of service in years, and job performance. How fast a military member increases in rank depends on not only the judgment of the leadership and officers, but also upon the member and how that member conducts himself while on active duty. Each of the military branches have slight differences in rank increases, such as length of time on duty, but all branches have most rank advance requirements in common.

Instructions

1

Make a career out of your job in your chosen military branch by planning to remain on duty for more than just two or three years. The military spends a large sum of money for recruiting you as a member, and also for training you and transporting you. As a result, the military truly appreciates members who choose to stay for more than one enlistment term. The leadership in all branches have been known to give members another advance in rank at times just for re-enlisting when each enlistment contract term is completed.

2

Maintain your physical fitness through proper diet and exercise. All military branches have minimum physical fitness requirements in place for all members to achieve. Those who excel past the minimum physical fitness requirements and make extra effort to maintain a high state of physical fitness increase chances of rank advancement. The Army and Marines have been known to give a "Physical Fitness Award" along with a rank advancement for those who excel in their physical fitness and performance.

3

Study combat leadership. Though this may sound like redundant advice since all military branches teach basic combat leadership, there is much to be studied and learned on your own personal time when off duty. Increase your knowledge of higher leadership roles, and how to fill such leadership rolls personally, demonstrating your knowledge by putting it into practice daily. Many rank advancements are given to those who demonstrate leadership abilities.

4

Work hard to excel in your job specialty. Whether you are a truck driver, medical technician, infantry, artillery, tank driver, electronics technician, always do your absolute best in your assigned tasks. Rank advancements are provided to members of all branches based upon performance. If you are found to go the "extra mile" in your duties, your leadership will most likely help you in going the "extra mile" in your rank advancement as well.

5

Save another members life during combat. Although military members are asked not to try being a hero since it entails great danger, be willing to put your life on the line if needed to save the lives of fellow military members. The more lives spared in a combat situation, the better the chances of the entire battalion will win in a battle. In many cases, rank is achieved much faster in combat situations than they are during peaceful periods.

6

Exercise punctuality with your military job, just as you would be expected with a civilian job. Always be to work a few minutes early at every possible chance, and don't call in sick for a simple cold or sinus infection. The less absences and tardies you have on your military job performance record, the faster you will advance in rank over time.