| The purpose of this article is to give you basic | | | | Captain without it. Also, consider pursuing a Master's |
| information about officer promotions in the Army | | | | degree as a way to separate yourself from your |
| National Guard. | | | | peers. In terms of military education, complete your |
| First and foremost, please realize that it's your job to | | | | military education requirements for the next higher |
| manage your own career. Don't expect anyone else | | | | grade right now. Don't procrastinate. Identify the |
| to do that for you. If you do, you will be | | | | military education requirements for the next higher |
| disappointed and you won't have the military career | | | | rank and get those requirements done immediately. |
| that you could. | | | | 4. Keep track of OERs: Review your Officer |
| Listed below are a few steps to success. | | | | Evaluation Reports. If you are missing any, get the |
| 1. Take tough jobs: Don't be the officer who always | | | | problem fixed. When you are due an OER, |
| takes the easiest jobs. Look for positions that will | | | | communicate with your rater and senior rater to get |
| challenge you and help you grow as a leader. If | | | | it done. Also, make sure your OERs are profiled and |
| possible, stay at the "troop" level as long as possible. | | | | filed into your IPERMS folder. |
| 2. Maintain Your Height/Weight and Physical Fitness: | | | | 5. Position Yourself for Success: Always position |
| Stay in shape. Exercise on your own. Always pass | | | | yourself so you can get promoted as early as |
| the Army Physical Fitness requirements. This sounds | | | | possible. For instance, if you will be eligible for |
| like common sense, but many National Guard officers | | | | promotion to Major in six months, you should start |
| don't meet the physical fitness requirements. If you | | | | looking for a Major slot now. Don't wait for the DA |
| struggle in this area, hire a personal trainer. Do | | | | promotion board. Strive to get vacancy promotions. |
| whatever it takes to maintain your fitness. You don't | | | | In summary, getting promoted in the National Guard |
| want to get passed over for promotion because you | | | | is fairly easy. The secret to success is to be |
| couldn't pass the physical fitness test. | | | | proactive and actively manage your own career. |
| 3. Finish You Civilian and Military Education | | | | Take care of the little things and the big things will |
| Requirements: If you haven't already finished your | | | | take care of themselves. |
| Bachelor's degree, get it done. You can't make | | | | |