top of page

CHAPTER 4

RANK AND PROMOTIONS

​   I. Introduction

​

Promotions in AFJROTC are based on merit. Merit consists of job performance, academic records, demonstrated leadership abilities, and overall contributions to the quality of the AFJROTC unit. Each cadet should understand how selections for various command and staff positions are made. Promotions must be earned; they are not automatic. A cadet promotion indicates that, based on past performance, they are ready for a position of increased responsibility.

The promotion system is patterned after that of the active US Air Force. Cadets are considered for promotions and assignments based on passing all required items for that rank or meeting a promotion board and being recommended for promotion.

 

   II. Promotion Eligibility

​

Cadet Officer positions will be filled by AS-II, AS-III or AS-IV cadets who have successfully completed Cadet Leadership Course or approved by the SASI/ASI to have leadership school equivalent. NCO positions will be filled by AS-II or higher cadets. Exceptions for Officer and NCO positions may be made at the discretion of the SASI or ASI.

Cadet Officers are eligible for promotion once a semester. This is to avoid conflict with maximum rank attainment and rank equivalency with the Senior Staff/Top Six. Recommendations for Officer Promotions are carried out by the “Top Six” after meeting a promotion board.

Cadet Enlisted are eligible for promotion opportunities when ready to complete all requirements for that rank. Enlisted cadets can only be promoted once a quarter (Exceptions will be made for additional promotion opportunities at the discretion of the ASI and SASI). Enlisted Promotions are carried out on the predetermined weekday by an officer, who will sign-off that all requirements for that rank have been completed and then submit it to the Group Commander or adjacent staff for approval.

There will be rare occasions in which a vacancy is present in a Staff Officer position. A special board will be held in this case, and eligible NCOs will be considered.

Not all cadets have to be recommended for promotions each quarter/semester, nor do all staff officers have to recommend a staff member. There are no quotas. This promotion system is based off merit.

 

Cadets initially assigned to command and staff positions will not be awarded the highest rank authorized for the position to allow room for future promotions.  The SASI or ASI must approve all promotions and assignments. The promotion recommendation system works as follows:

 

1. Cadet Commanders or Staff Officers will recommend eligible cadets for promotion to the Cadet Promotion Board  through the Promotion Recommendation Form.

 

2. Cadets must meet eligibility requirements (grades, participation, etc.) to be eligible for positions and grades listed in the Unit Manning Document (UMD).

​

   III. Enlisted Promotion Procedure

​

Promotions require excellent attitude and performance as determined by the SASI. Promotions recognize achievement in AFJROTC and the potential to perform in a position with greater authority and responsibility. Cadets are required to have the requisite Time in Grade (TIG) prior to promotion eligibility. TIG is calculated by counting forward from the date on the previous promotion order. To be eligible for promotion, the cadet must have no more than 2 unexcused tardies per semester. Eligibility requirements for promotion are as follows:

 

C/Airman Basic

  1. Join AFJROTC

 

C/Airman

  1. Correctly execute basic drill in-place movements: Attention, Parade Rest, Right and Left Face, About Face, At Ease, Rest, Present Arms and Order Arms.

  2. Know the three Air Force Core Values and their meanings.

  3. Have no missed, unexcused uniform wear days, and correctly wear the uniform.

  4. Must complete at least 1 community service event.

 

C/Airman 1st Class

  1. Be a Cadet Airman for at least 2 weeks (TIG).

  2. Score 100% on the Cadet Rank Identification Test.

  3. Have no missed, unexcused uniform wear days,

  4. Must have at least 5 hours of community service

  5. Must be able to execute all of the following marching movements: Column Left and Right, Change Step, Close and Extend, and Eyes Right.

 

C/Senior Airman

  1. Be a Cadet Airman First Class for 4 1/2 weeks (TIG).

  2. Have no missed, unexcused uniform wear days, and no more than 2 major errors per inspection.

  3. Complete at least 10 hours of community service since joining ROTC.

  4. Have no incidents where cadet refuses to participate in drill/ fitness.

  5. Make no more than 2 mistakes while marching the 30-step drill sequence.

  6. Score at least a 100 percent on uniform/rank placement exam.

 

C/Staff Sergeant

  1. Be a Cadet Senior Airman for one month (TIG) and completed a minimum of 1 semester in AFJROTC.

  2. Command the flight in a 30-step drill sequence with no more than two missed commands.

  3. Have no missed, unexcused uniform wear days, and no more than two major errors per inspection.

  4. Show improvement from the previous Air Force Physical Fitness Test (PFT) score.

  5. Complete at least 15 hours of community service since joining ROTC.

  6. Correctly identify 80% of Active Air Force Insignia. This includes abbreviations and spelling.

 

C/Technical Sergeant

  1. Be a Cadet Staff Sergeant for at least 9 weeks (TIG).

  2. Maintaining AFJROTC grade of A or B.

  3. Execute 15-count Manual of Arms with no discrepancies.

  4. Have no missed, unexcused uniform wear days

  5. Show improvement from the previous Air Force Physical Fitness Test (PFT) score.

  6. Complete at least 20 hours of community service since joining JROTC.

 

C/Master Sergeant

  1. Be a Cadet Technical Sergeant for at least 9 weeks (TIG).

  2. Maintaining AFJROTC grade of A or B.

  3. Have no missed, unexcused uniform wear days, and no more than one major error per inspection during the current quarter. Uniform grade no less than 80 average for the 4 ½ week grade period.

  4. Show improvement from the previous Air Force Physical Fitness Test (PFT) score.

  5. Complete at least 25 hours of community service since joining JROTC.

  6. Command the 15-count Manual of Arms with no discrepancies.

  7. Correctly identify 10 AFJROTC ribbons.

 

C/Senior Master Sergeant and C/Chief Master Sergeant

  1. Maintaining AFJROTC grade of A+.

  2. Have no missed, unexcused uniform wear days, and no major errors on inspections. Uniform grade no less than 90 average for the 4 ½ week grade period.

  3. Show improvement from the previous Air Force Physical Fitness Test (PFT) score.

  4. Complete at least 30 hours of community service since joining ROTC.

  5. Be the primary OPR for a flight-level or higher special project (Special Olympics, fundraiser, food-drive, carnival OPR, etc.

  6. Will meet a promotion board.

 

   IV. Officer Promotion Procedure

​

Cadet officers are appointed and promoted by the Group Commander, in conjunction with the SASI, after meeting an officer promotion board based upon seniority in AFJROTC, attitude, demonstrated excellence in previous positions, and potential for satisfactory performance in the new rank and position. Cadet officer selectees set the example for all other cadets.

Therefore, in order to maintain officer status, cadet officers must hold or have held a staff position, have no missed uniform wear days, and pass all rank test with a grade of 100%. Cadet must participate and show effort on every PT Day and display gradual improvement. Cadet Officers must be able to march the 30-step drill routine perfectly to DTC’s standards. Cadet officers must participate in at least 1 community service event per month unless excused by CC/Vice.

 Promotion Board:

The Promotion Board is an interview including the Group Commander, Deputy Group Commander, and appropriate Squadron Commander. The Board procedures will be as follows:

  1. An officer’s Squadron Commander submits a promotion request to the Deputy Group Commander.

  2. Assuming approval by the Group Commander and Deputy Group Commander, a promotion board will be scheduled and held.

  3. Upon completion of the promotion board meeting, group staff will convene and discuss the findings.

  4. Once approved, the Group Commander will personally deliver a promotion form and any additional information to the ASI/SASI.

  5. The final results of the board, after review by the ASI and SASI, will be published by the personnel department and will become part of the cadet’s official personnel record.

bottom of page