How to Earn Ranks in the Military (4 Steps)

Ask your commanding officer what the 'zone' requirements are. These have to do with the amount of time in the military required for promotion. One of the ways to earn rank is to be recommended by your supervisor to a promotion board. Your chances of getting a recommendation are increased by doing well on your appointed tasks, volunteering for special duties, getting good test scores and having a solid and consistent physical record. Promotion boards take into consideration how well you complete your assignments. Perform exceptionally and you will have a better chance of earning a higher rank when the time comes.
Put your time in. Many of the promotions to a higher rank are based on the time you have spent in the military. Eighteen months is the minimum time required by law before you can gain your first promotion if you hold the rank of ensign or second lieutenant. An officer who holds the rank of first lieutenant has to have served for at least two years. If you hold the position of captain, major or lieutenant colonel in the Army, Marines or Air Force you will need to have served in that position for at least three years. Also the grade of lieutenant, lieutenant commander or commander in the Navy requires at least three years in that grade. If you hold the grade of colonel or brigadier general or captain or rear admiral in the Navy, you must have served at least one year at this rank before you're eligible for promotion.
Get a college degree. You will automatically earn a higher rank than an enlisted recruit and will enter as an officer. You can apply for the ROTC program and have your education paid for by agreeing to enlist in the military when you graduate. If you plan to reach the level of warrant officer you will need special training, such as that offered at Officer Candidate School (OCS) or Officer Training School (OTS). Those accepted into these programs need to have an excellent academic record, recommendations from teachers and above average college aptitude test scores, and must pass a physical exam.
Choose the right branch. Although all the branches of the military will offer accelerated advancement if you have a college degree, the different branches offer advancement for different criteria. For example, the Army offers accelerated promotion to enlistees with certain skills or job training that were acquired as a civilian. The Navy offers accelerated rank for participation in certain enlistment programs. The Air Force is the only branch that offers accelerated promotion to enlistees of six years. You are also eligible for promotion if you were a boy or girl scout and refer friends to join.
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