Promotion Points – Army: How To Increase Your Chances Of Promotion

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Promotion Points – Army – A Comprehensive Guide for Army Personnel

Army promotions are based on various factors, including job performance, experience, education, and training. However, one of the most important factors in determining promotion eligibility and rank is the accumulation of Promotion Points. In this article, we will explore what Promotion Points are and how they are earned and provide tips and strategies for maximizing your points.

Promotion Points - Army

What are Promotion Points?

Promotion Points are assigned to Army personnel based on their achievements and qualifications. These points are used to determine eligibility for promotion to the next rank. Each Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) has a different point requirement for promotion, and the point requirements can change based on the needs of the Army.

How are Promotion Points earned?

There are a variety of ways to earn Promotion Points, including:

  1. Military Education: Completing courses such as Basic Leader Course, Advanced Leader Course, Senior Leader Course, and Master Leader Course can earn you up to 80 promotion points.
  2. Civilian Education: Earning a degree or completing college-level courses can earn you up to 135 promotion points.
  3. Military Training: Additional training, such as Airborne School, Air Assault School, and Ranger School, can earn you up to 255 promotion points.
  4. Awards and Decorations: Receiving awards and decorations such as the Army Commendation Medal, Bronze Star Medal, and Purple Heart can earn you up to 165 promotion points.
  5. Physical Fitness: Scoring high on the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) can earn you up to 180 promotion points.
  6. Weapons Qualification: Qualifying on various weapons can earn you up to 150 promotion points.
  7. Time in Service and Time in Grade: Simply spending time in the Army and your current rank can earn you promotion points.
  8. Language Proficiency: Demonstrating proficiency in a foreign language can earn you up to 60 promotion points.
  9. Volunteer Service: Volunteering for community service and other activities can earn you up to 50 promotion points.

How to Maximize Your Promotion Points

Now that you know how Promotion Points are earned, let’s take a look at some tips and strategies for maximizing your points:

  1. Start Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to earn Promotion Points. Start as soon as possible by completing military and civilian education courses and volunteering for community service.
  2. Know your MOS: Be aware of the point requirements for your specific MOS and strive to meet or exceed them.
  3. Take Advantage of Opportunities: Whenever possible, take advantage of opportunities to attend additional training, earn awards and decorations, and qualify for various weapons.
  4. Stay Physically Fit: Stay in shape and score as high as possible on the APFT. This can earn you a significant number of promotion points.
  5. Keep your Records up to Date: Ensure all your training and achievements are recorded accurately in your personnel file.
  6. Utilize Resources: Use resources such as your chain of command, career counselors, and the Army’s Human Resources Command (HRC) to help you earn Promotion Points.
  7. Balance your Time: Don’t neglect your job performance to earn Promotion Points. Find a balance between the two.

Promotion Points and IPPS-A

The Army is transitioning to a new personnel and pay system called Integrated Personnel and Pay System-Army (IPPS-A). This new system will replace the current Enlisted Record Brief (ERB) and Officer Record Brief (ORB) with a Promotion Point Worksheet (PPW).

The PPW will be a more comprehensive and user-friendly tool for tracking and calculating Promotion Points. It will also allow Army personnel to track progress toward promotion eligibility in real-time.

The Army plans to implement IPPS-A fully by 2021, so Army personnel needs to stay informed and prepared for this transition.

Promotion Points are crucial in determining promotion eligibility and rank in the Army. By understanding how Promotion Points are earned and implementing strategies for maximizing your points, you can enhance your chances of promotion and career advancement. Remember, it is never too early to start earning Promotion Points and planning for your future in the Army.