How to get promoted to E3 in US Navy...?

Question

When I enlist right off the bat how can I get promoted to E3? I have over 60 credits in college, will this help me? Or the buddy system?

Answer 1

Some career paths in the military have a higher rank start right off.

When I entered the Navy, I scored a 94 out of 99 on my ASVAB, and scored in the top 5% in the country on the Navy Nuclear Sciences Test. The qualified me for just about any tech job they had to offer, so I went into Nuclear Engineering.

That qualified me as E-3 going into Boot Camp, and by the time I had finished my two years of training, I was already an E-5, and had an Associates in Nuclear Sciences.

I took a specialized school from there, and 6 months after that I scored a sweet post that allowed me to finish the credits to get my Bachelors in Nuclear Sciences, and earn my E-6 rating.

I was readying for OCS when a drunk driver T-Boned me while driving through Georgia while on my 30 day leave. The accident cracked 2 of my lumbar vertebrae and plus a number of other injuries.

My expected recovery and rehabilitation was around 1 year or more, so the Navy gave me an honorable medical discharge, which of course - did not entitle me to any benefits.

However - I have gone on to work in the computer field, had a great career and now own a multi-subsidiary conglomerate.

If you want a higher starting rank upon enlistment - you need to score weel on the tests, take any and all advanced tests they have, and then write your own ticket. Higher start rank also means typically a 6 year enlistement. Always remember that the high skills area with science, engineering, and so forth also get higher rank and faster promotions.

When I entered the Navy - it was 1986 - and the Nuclear option was a fast track back then that the Navy was willing to pay good money for re-enlistments as well as fast track promotions.

If it hadn't been for the drunk driver, I would be a Captain (O-7) in the Navy right now, more than likely commanding a nuke vessel or heading up a nuclear systems research facility (which was my dream).

I hope this helps - and best of luck to you. Military service is the cornerstone of a free republic, and I salute your honor and integrity for wanting to serve your country.

Answer 2

Depends a lot on what you enlisted as: what job description, or A-school are you going to?

I don't think that college credits will do anything for advancement, unless you persuaded your recruiters to add that to your contract. Buddy system? No, nothing to do with advancement.

Take heart though. The Navy sends very few to sea as E-2's. E-1 and E-2 are primarily used just through bootcamp and school. Furthermore, those two lower ranks are used to punish sailors at court martial, reducing their ranks to the lower end of the spectrum.

You will quickly be an E-3. But really, your goal should be at least E-4.

Good luck.

Answer 3

It's been a long time since I was in the navy, But we had E-3's coming out of boot camp. The academic recruit for each company got E-3 , High test scores could get you E-3. There are any number of way's to make E-3. The best advice I can give you is, Keep your mouth shut, work hard, Do what you are told when you are told to do it. Always remember ,your attitude will make you or brake you.

Answer 4

college credits can earn E2 or E3, depends on how many you have.

my husband had a 4 year dgree in hand when he enlisted, and was paid as an E3 from day one,although he wasn't allowed to wear the stripes until after he graduated Boot Camp.

Answer 5

Talk to a recruiter. If you qualify for rapid advancement, you will not be promoted til after basic training. (In Basic, "everyone" is an E-1.) Your college credits will certainly help you qualify for some sort of advanced program. A recruiter will also be able to tell you any programs avaible to help convert those credits to a degree. Alot depends on what rating(MOS) you are going for and if your college credits can be useful in that MOS.

Answer 6

Provide certified copies of your transcripts to your recruiter so they can advance you when you go to MEPS.

The buddy system has nothing to do with anything with being promoted. Ask your recruiter about it and tell him you want it, but bear in mind it is only good for boot camp and even then they won't guarantee you are in the same division or anything else just that you are at boot camp at the same time. Not really worth it.

Answer 7

Be number one in your company academically, be a leader, take responsibility, help others learn their jobs and you may get recognized and leave boot camp as an E3 or you can sign up for an advanced program.

Answer 8

Just a quick question? WHY AREN'T YOU GOING OFFICER?? You've already got most of your school!! My suggestion, forget about E-3 and go for the khakis. But if that's not for you then yes the school does help, but I think mainly you need to have two other people enlist as well. Well hope I helped, and good luck...

Answer 9

Unless you took ROTC during high school or maybe college if they offered it, neither will help you.

You have to take the tests and work your way up just like the rest of the sailors.