How do i get Promoted Faster in the Army ? i joined.

Question

Ok the question was pretty much self explainitory.i want to do some college while im in too.and my mos is infantry btw.im a E-2.i would like to get E-3(PFC) after Graduation or ait or airborne.anyone have any pointers ????? anything i should do.

Answer 1

My answer is;

There are 2 different ways of getting promoted and I will explain as I was in the Army under Carter and Reagan. (By the way, The war in Vietnam was just getting over so of course Carter oversaw a large draw down of the Military.)

1) Work hard, keep your uniform to standard, and learn all you can.

Or,

2) Work ok, Overdue your uniform, learn a little and be a Suck-Up.

Obviously, the first one requires you too be Honorable and work harder. If you want Rank and the Leadership Responsibilities that comes with it, Then this is the way to go. The people you lead will appreciate your commitment and resolve.

This is the way I would recommend.

Nothing wrong with Airborne, have you thought of Special Forces? (the next step) These will get you promotion points. Going to College will also help you in NCOS (Non Commissioned Officer School) and maybe you'll get picked for OCS (Officer Cadet School).

Good Luck too You. May you Live long and Prosper!  

Answer 2

GO to R.O.T.C.

Answer 3

I'm an EX-Grunt so I can guide you through in a way.  Getting E3 is easy as it only take's months.  Once you go up for E4 it'll take a lot of leadership skill's and your Sgt's observation's and you passing the PT test for promotion.  I hope you will have the time to study for College as it WILL be tough.  I am sure you can do it though as I recieved an Associates in the Military.  Good Luck!

Answer 4

Yeah the other guys are dead on the head PFC should be easy to reach if youre infanry (11Bravo I'm guessing) Combat arms tend to promote faster if you can prove you know the job. The other guys were right about College education too, any courses you can take especially Management, Leadership, Human Resources stuff look really good during your promotion reviews.  Spend time studying current events, read newspapers, on-line articles, etc about worldly affairs these questions will be asked during your review.  There are several on-line colleges like American Public University that offer massive discounts to military and you can take classes online incase your transferred.  I was an 11B and I made E-3 in just over two years with college coursework and taking time to learn my job.  Get to know your first sergeant, command sgt major, and your COs, that way when you come up for review theyre not meeting you for the first time.  All in all be patient it sounds like you have a great attitude, best of luck and keep your head down.

Erik

Answer 5

There are a couple major areas that show up in making E5 and E6 (and other promotions) that are under-employed.

One is civilian education.

Take classes.  Take them towards a degree program you are interested in.  If you don't have one in mind, take a general core towards and associates.

Another is military education.

If there's a school, take it.  Sign up for any military correspondence course you can.  Recommended ones vary, but start with your MOS, add the leadership school ones (PLDC, OCS, etc.) and then others you are interested in.  These will also help you pass promotion boards and be more generally knowledgeable in your MOS.

Also, you're  a grunt, get the EIB.  It's not easy, but it's worth the points and it looks good toward other promotion points.  Any grunt that's in a unit ordered to combat can get a CIB, you have to apply yourself.  Also, if I remember correctly, you can get promotion points toward E5 and E6 for both badges.

Soldier Boards...  Soldier of the Month, Soldier of the Quarter...  whatever you can do that sets you apart qualitatively from the rest is a good thing.

Oh, and don't be a brown nose.  Do your job, do it as well as you can, don't suck up.

Answer 6

First off it all depends on your chain of command you know your team chief, platoon sgt etc...

Pay close attention to your MOS and learn it well.  

Always listen and do as your told.

Show respect to your higher ups.

Stay out of trouble

Most Important Work Hard!

Answer 7

Work hard and know your MOS inside out. When I was a Platoon Sergeant that's what I looked at.