How easy is it to be promoted an Enlisted soilder?

Question

In the USARMY
MOS 68p (91p) Radiology Specialist.
Going into basic as an E3 PFC
What are the chances of gaining a rank (picking up E4) in BCT?
How long will it take me to gain rank (I know the schedule for ranks, but honestly, time wise, If I'm smart and straight!)?
My contract length is 6 years.
That's a long time. But Acceptable at the same time...
Should I have E7 by then if I have my ducks in a row?
I want to go to OCS, but have no college credits...Planning on picking up my bach while active duty...
How hard is it to pick up a 4 year degree while working full time?
Is there a way to skip O1 b/c of all my experience in the Enlisted Active duty?

why not?
I heard you can get a rank if your one of the distinguished graduates?
I'm in pretty fit condition, The only thing I'll have a problem with is the rifle, I have never fired a gun...

Answer 1

Once you've completed training, talk to your CO about how you could go to Uni on the Uncle Sam...it'll cost you a couple of extra years if they go for it, but I don't think that is going to bother you much.

If the USAF works the same as the CAF, unless you're called-up, you work normally when classes are not in session (ie: the summer months), and pull the odd base-shift and weekend stuff a couple times a month. You may, or may not be required to wear a uniform while attending, but would still be required to keep full military discipline.

As for your chances of gaining rank...you can do it the right way, do it better, faster, and with less errors than the next guy... or, you can do it the wrong way - play politics. Your choice.

Incidentally - picking-up a 4 year degree while working full-time is *very* difficult. The standard 4 year program consists of 20-30 hours of classes spread across a 16 hour a day schedule (your first class could be at 08:30, and your last at 19:30). With study time thrown in, a standard "full-time" student is looking at 40-60 hours of academic time each week. Add a 40 hour job on top of that... That leaves you with about 5 hours of sleep on a good day!

However, as a serving service man, you would be considered "on duty" while attending classes (which is why they have a reduced duty load back on base). So, you could theoretically be considered to be a FT student with a PT job.

Answer 2

First you should worry about being able to adapt to the Army. Through distance learning you might be able to get 3 years of college done in 4 years, but you should really focus on learning your MOS.

You might get promoted to SPC after 18 months TIS. IF you're at the top of the OML in your company.

You're not making SFC in 6 years. Forget it.

You're not skipping Second Lieutenant, no way.

Besides, why would you want to give up being a PL for 18 months? That is your best time being an Officer. The rest is downhill from there, with the exception of taking Company Command.

It's great you have ambition, and focus, but you're mistaken if you think you're going to accomplish everything you just stated in less than ten years, especially making senior NCO.

Answer 3

6 months to a year if you are high speed is when you can figure on your e4,
e7 after 6 is a stretch and long one, especially in the medical Field, e5 probably,
completing a degree shouldn't be a problem and going to OCS is a great choice, but unless you become a DR or a lawyer, you will be an O1, i have many friends go through ocs after years as an enlisted person and all have been O1s,

but hey, looks like you are goal oriented and a bright future, enjoy it and keep positive

Answer 4

Depends on your first sgt, He can give the promo to a married guy with less time in grade, cause he "needs the money more than you "

BTDT

E7 in 6 years is rare unless your in combat and your E7 gets killed . Lucky to make E6

THe Army has an Officer Training program where you can go from E5 or E6 to an 01 BUTTTTTTT if you make it, your on call till your 65 years old, or resign the commision

My Battion Comander was recalled for the Berlin Wall Build up, Lost his business, his home, his cars and his wife

Do your 2 or 3 and get out, the Congress of the US isn't behind you anymore

an ex sgt 7th Army Germany

Answer 5

You may enlist and serve; at any point during your enlisted career you may apply to become an officer. You can not do 20 years as enlisted and then 20 years commissioned. But you could do 5 and then shift; or 10 and shift; or even 15 and then shift. I saw a number of men who did it.

Answer 6

you will not pick up the rank of specalist in basic. you will have to wait about a year before you get promoted. On active duty you will have to earn the rank it is not given out. E-7 in six years is a very hard task. you can earn your bachelors on active duty. the university of maryland offers classes. no there is not a way to skip 0-1.

Answer 7

You will NOT get up to an E4 during BCT...sorry, but it'll take longer than a couple months to acheive that...