Average Enlisted Military Promotion "Pin-on" Times
E-2 to E-4:
(Note:
With the exception of the Navy, Marine Corps & Coast Guard for the rank
of E-4, promotions to the "lower grades" are pretty much "automatic," assuming
individuals perform their duties adequately.
| Branch | E-2 |
E-3 |
E-4 |
| Army | 6 months active duty & commander's recommendation |
12 months active duty, 4 months as an E-2, and commander's recommendation |
12 months active duty, 6 months as an E-3, and commander's recommendation |
| Air Force | 6 months active duty & commander's approval |
10 Months as an E-2, and commander's approval |
36 months active duty, with 20 months as an E-3, or 28 months as an E-3, whichever comes first |
| Navy | 9 months active duty and commander's approval |
9 months as an E-2, demonstrated military and professional qualifications, and commander's approval |
Based on Navy-wide vacancies within each career field. Averages 36 months active duty. |
| Marine Corps | 6 months active duty |
9 months active duty, 8 months as an E-2 |
12 months active duty, 8 months as an E-3, minimum, but based on Marine Corps-wide vacandies. |
| Coast Guard | After completion of boot camp |
Six months as an E-2, demonstration of military & professional qualifications, & commander's approval |
Based on Coast Guard-wide vacancies within each career field. Averages 36 months active duty. |
E-5 to E-9: (Note: Promotions to these grades depend upon several factors, including vacancies, qualifications, schools attended, promotion points awarded, etc. Below are the average years of service):
| Branch | E-5 |
E-6 |
E-7 |
E-8 |
E-9 |
| Army | 4.2 years |
8.5 years |
13.6 years |
17 years |
20.8 years |
| Air Force | 4.4 years |
12.9 years |
16.9 years |
19.7 years |
22.1 years |
| Navy | 5.2 years |
11.3 years |
14.4 years |
17.1 years |
20.3 years |
| Marine Corps | 4.8 years |
10.4 years |
14.8 years |
18.8 years |
22.1 years |
| Coast Guard | 6.5 years |
11.1 years |
15.4 years |
18.6 years |
20.3 years |
Soure: Top Chart -- various services promotion regulations. Bottom chart -- Department of Defense Manpower & Personnel
Data is for Calendar Year 2006
