Automatic advancement to E-4 after finishing technical school for Master-at-Arms, possible?

Question

I am entering as an E-3 in the Navy Reserve due to having enough college credits. I was wondering if I can advance a bit further to E-4 after I finish schooling for the Master-at-Arms. Can it be automatic or do I have to work really hard for it during technical school?

Answer 1

The highest rank you can enter the Navy with no prior service is E-3.  The MA rating is not what the Navy considers an Advanced Technical Field(ATF) so they do not have automatic advancement to E-4 upon completion of school.  The students who are at the top of their graduating class are advanced to the next higher paygrade, unfortunately the Navy does not advance a service member to the paygrade of E-4 whose rating is not ATF.  

The advancement time line from E-3 to E-4 is six months, meaning you will more than likely become eligible to take an advancement exam for MA3 soon after you complete school, so no matter what you are well ahead of your peers.

Answer 2

no, jumping to E-3 is the best until out of school from what i was told because then its a time game and you have to test to your next rank. i'm entering in september to basic training so i'm trying to get up to E-3