How to Get Promoted in Today's U.S. Army

Getting promoted rapidly not only benefits you, but it can potentially help the Army as a whole, depending on what you actually do once you do get placed in positions of greater responsibility. You will find, that the Army is vastly different between the time you are a Private and a Sergeant First Class. The amount of freedom and the opportunities will be significantly greater.

There are several factors and actions to take in order to promote rapidly. First and foremost, your work ethic will determine your success. Another factor is your attitude, not in how you speak to superiors, but your attitude toward policies you may not agree with. As much as you may not agree with the Army's height and weight standards, for example, an entire organization will not change it's policies just for you. Learn to accept anything you have no influence over. In that case, what you do have influence over is your weight. Always keep the mission, and once you have them, your subordinates highest on your list of priorities. Finally the ability to look ahead will also determine how quickly you progress.

Always think at least two grades ahead. For example, if you are a PFC, begin accomplishing everything necessary to promote to Sergeant. Some preparations for promotion, take longer than others. You may be able to study for the board in one week or even one night, but the three college credits you need to make cut off will take at least two to three months. Also, physical fitness does not happen over night. If you are scoring 205 on your APFT, it is possible to score a 300, just do not expect it to happen next week. I believe at least 70% of all enlisted Soldiers do not take their promotions into their own hands. They leave it up to supervisors and chance. It is human nature to concentrate on what you are good at and ignore what you are not good at. However, if you want to make the most of your Army career, whether it last 4 years or 20, maintain your strong suits and improve on the weak. The Army as a whole wants well-rounded leaders. It doesn't help if you can run an eleven minute two miles but you can't turn a wrench to fix your HMMWV. Inversely, if you are a great mechanic that can't finish a one-mile run, you will not progress quickly. Take control of your career and don't sweat the things you can't change and you will learn and grow quicker than your peers.