How does the USAF rank up system work?

Question

I heard for the first few ranks it goes by time of service like e-1 to e-2 and so on, does any know the specific times for the rank up process in the air force?

Answer 1

e-1 to e-2 is 6 months time in service

e-2 to e-3 is 16 months TIS

e-3 to e-4 is 36 months TIS

After e-4 you take the SKT and PFE tests to gain rank which is a point system that goes with your points for total time in service, time in rank and decoration points as well as performance report points.

You can make E-4 faster if you have college under your belt when you join but it depends on how many college credits. Some come in as E-3's and make E-4 in 28 months TIS.

Hope this helped.

Answer 2

Well, we've got the enlisted side, so lets go for officer side then:

2Lt > 1Lt is 2 years time in service
1Lt > Capt is another 2 years time in service
Capt > Major usually happens about 4 years after pinning on captain, though you have to compete in a selection board (officers don't get to test, and we only get two chances to promote)
Major to Lt Colonel to Col to General are all based on selection boards for when you're "in the zone" and when you're "above the zone" with rare promotions "below the zone" (early). General's ranks are not constrained by any time in grade, but rather are much more fluid.

Answer 3

Also as well, if you take 3 years of Air Force Junior ROTC in high school, or any JROTC. You get at least AIC. If you get a special awar you go straight to SrA. My friend is going into the Air Force as a SSgt right out of Basic. Thats awesome.