What Counts For Army Promotion Points – Promotion points for soldiers in the United States Army are critical in advancing through the ranks. Promotion points are a scorecard that evaluates a soldier’s performance, skills, and achievements. The more promotion points a soldier has, the higher their chances of being promoted. Therefore, it is essential to understand what counts for army promotion points and how to earn them. This article will explore the factors contributing to promotion points and how soldiers can maximize their scores in each category.
Military Training and Education
Military training and education are crucial for soldiers looking to earn promotion points. Soldiers can earn points for completing various courses, such as:
- Basic Leadership Course (BLC)
- Advanced Leadership Course (ALC)
- Senior Leader Course (SLC)
- Master Leader Course (MLC)
Soldiers can also earn points for attending civilian education courses. The maximum number of points a soldier can earn in this category is 260.
Physical Fitness
Physical fitness is another critical factor in earning promotion points. Soldiers can earn points for high scores on the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT). The maximum number of points a soldier can earn in this category is 180. Soldiers must meet or exceed the minimum score on the APFT to earn any points, and the maximum score is 300.
Military Awards and Decorations
Military awards and decorations also contribute to a soldier’s promotion points. Soldiers can earn points for earning commendations such as:
- Army Achievement Medal (AAM)
- Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM)
- Meritorious Service Medal (MSM)
The maximum number of points a soldier can earn in this category is 165.
Military Service
Military service is a critical factor in earning promotion points. Soldiers can earn points based on their time in service and their time in their current rank. The maximum points a soldier can earn in this category is 340. Soldiers must serve at least two years in their current rank to be eligible for promotion.
Civilian Education
Civilian education also contributes to a soldier’s promotion points. Soldiers can earn points for completing college courses or earning a college degree. The maximum number of points a soldier can earn in this category is 135.
Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)
Soldiers’ Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) also affect their promotion points. Soldiers can earn points based on the demand for their MOS. MOSs that are in high order typically offer more promotion points. The maximum number of points a soldier can earn in this category is 135.
Languages
Language proficiency is another factor in a soldier’s promotion points. Soldiers can earn points for being proficient in a foreign language. The maximum number of points a soldier can earn in this category is 110.
Promotion points are a critical factor in a soldier’s career advancement in the United States Army. Soldiers can earn promotion points in various categories, such as military training and education, physical fitness, military awards and decorations, military service, civilian education, MOS, and languages.
Soldiers must take advantage of every opportunity to earn promotion points and advance. By understanding what counts towards promotion points and maximizing their score in each category, soldiers can increase their chances of success in their military career.