Army Enlisted Ranks and Promotions

The Army is the largest military service which translates to a higher demand for soldiers at all levels and an increased need for Noncommissioned Officers (NCOs). For those not familiar with the Army promotion system, you may first want to learn about TIS and TIG as well as the difference between primary and secondary zone promotion consideration.

Army Enlisted Ranks and Promotion Requirements

Private First Class (PFC)

CPL Rank Description: The rank of Corporal was established in 1775 with the birth of the United States Army and is one of only two ranks (along with Sergeant) to never disappear from the Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) Corps. Although not as common today, the Corporal still fills the role as a leader of a small team and is responsible for his team's training, personal appearance, and cleanliness. Serves as the base of the NCO ranks and receives a Noncommissioned Officer Evaluation Report (NCOER).

SPC Promotion Requirements: Automatic promotion with 24 months TIS and 6 months TIG. With waiver, 18 Months TIS and 3 months TIG.

Staff Sergeant (SSG)

Sergeant First Class (SFC)

1SG Rank Description: The First Sergeant is an integral part of a successfully functioning company level unit. They are charged with holding formations, directing the platoon sergeants, and advising the commander of the company. They also assist in the training of all enlisted soldiers. When speaking to a First Sergeant, address them as "First Sergeant."

MSG Promotion Requirements: Primary Zone consideration starts at around 41 months.
Requirements for Secondary Zone —varies based on the needs of the Army but usually requires 30 months TIG as a minimum for consideration.

Command Sergeant Major (CSM)

CSM Rank Description: The Command Sergeant Major advises the unit commander and gives recommendations when appropriate. A CSM also ensures policies and standards are being met, such as for training, appearance, performance, and the conduct of enlisted soldiers.

SGM Promotion Requirements: Must have 10 years TIS minimum.
Primary Zone consideration usually starts at 34 months TIG.
Requirements for Secondary Zone —varies based on the needs of the Army but usually requires 24 months TIG minimum for consideration.

Sergeant Major of the Army (SMA)

Time in Service / Time in Grade

Army promotions are controlled by time in service (TIS) and time in grade (TIG). Time in service is the total accumulated military service of the soldier and time in grade is the amount of service in their current paygrade. TIG and TIS is used in the table above to describe promotion criteria. Note that TIS and TIG are the base requirements. Variations within the Army start to occur for promotions to E-5 and up as the soldier's military occupational specialty (MOS) will start to control promotion potential based on NCO positions that need to be filled for that specific MOS but can never be below base TIS/TIG requirements (waivers are possible but have limits as well).

Difference between Primary Zone and Secondary Zone Promotions

For promotion to E-5 and above, there is no longer automatic promotion. The only exception is for promotion to E-5 for Star MOSs (those military occupational specialties that lack enough promotable E-4s to fill the E-5 manning requirements). Excluding Star MOSs, promotion to E-5 through E-9 involves a board process. The Primary Zone is the regular timeline in which a soldier can be considered for promotion at a promotion board. For soldiers without a history of misconduct or poor duty performance, they should not be denied the opportunity to appear before the promotion board if they qualify for Primary Zone consideration in most cases. Secondary Zone consideration is reserved for exceptional soldiers that stand out and are deemed worthy of being considered for promotion at an earlier timeframe than most soldiers. However, the recent demand for Army NCOs has often meant that a greater proportion of soldiers are allowed to be considered for promotion under the secondary zone.

Article Last Modified: March 10, 2011