O-2 (Lt): 25 (join + 18 months) O-3 (Capt): 27 (join + 4 years) O-4 (Major): 33 (join + 10 years)
Master sergeant/first sergeant (E-8) -- eight years. Sergeant major (E-9) -- nine years.
As the key assistant and advisor to the platoon leader, the sergeant first class generally has 15 to 18 years of Army experience. The master sergeant is the principal noncommissioned officer at the battalion level and higher. The first sergeant is the principal NCO and life-blood of a company.
To be eligible for promotion to E-9, and E-8 must have a minimum of 14 years TIS and 21 months of time in grade (TIG).
Lieutenant colonel
Professionals usually achieve this rank near their 20-year mark in the military. Lieutenant colonels are typically squadron commanders in many flying, nonflying and medical career fields. Outside of becoming a squadron commander, they may serve as a staff member at a wing level or to a general.
It will generally take an officer 16 to 22 years to rise to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. As a result, many career officers who are eligible to retire after 20 years of active service retire with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Sergeant is a senior role of responsibility, promotion to which typically takes place after normally 12 years depending on ability.
Sergeant First Class (E-7) - 32 (join + 13.6 years) Master Sergeant/First Sergeant (E-8) - 35 - (join + 17 years) Sergeant Major (E-9) - 39 - (join + 20.8 years)
While you are not required to have completed Year 12 to join, it is best to check each job page for specific entry and education requirements. Completion of Year 10 (or equivalent) education required with passes in English and Maths.
Major general is the highest permanent peacetime rank in the uniformed services as higher ranks are technically temporary and linked to specific positions, although virtually all officers promoted to those ranks are approved to retire at their highest earned rank.
Pension. The minimum eligibility period for receipt of pension is 10 years. A Central Government servant retiring in accordance with the Pension Rules is entitled to receive pension on completion of at least 10 years of qualifying service.
The continuous services of 10 years, simply that the employee should have done 10 years of service before retirement. As soon as the employee reaches 58 years, he/she is considered to be retired.
This is given to them upon achieving their rank. Officers of field rank and higher can retain their rank upon retirement if they so wish.
Additional training during the captain phase is your opportunity to become more valuable to the Army, since this is when you choose and begin to become qualified in a functional area. Promotion to Captain takes about four years. Being promoted to major signals a big step in your career.
When an officer retires, their commission normally remains in force and effect forever. In return for the privilege of being legally entitled to being addressed by their military rank and getting all their retirement benefits, they basically remain an "officer of the United States" until death.
Most first-term enlistments require a commitment to four years of active duty and two years of inactive (Individual Ready Reserve, or IRR). But the services also offer programs with two-, three- and six-year active-duty or reserve enlistments. It depends upon the service and the job you want.
Members who accumulate 20 or more years of active service are eligible for retirement. There are three non-disability retirement plans currently in effect for active duty retirees. These are Final Pay plan, High-36 Month Average plan, and Military Retirement Reform Act of 1986 (more commonly referred to as REDUX) plan.
You must serve for at least 20 years to qualify for Army pension benefits. After 20 years, active-duty Soldiers can start pension pay at any age they chose. Army Reserve and Army National Guard Soldiers can start pension pay after turning 60 years old.
In most cases, Soldiers who have completed 20 years of active service are eligible to receive Retired Pay at the end of their career. The Date of Initial Entry into Military Service (DIEMS) determines which of the three retirement systems a Soldier falls under.
New enlistments sign up for a Military Service Obligation (MSO). Contracts may vary from two to six years of service in active duty, Army Reserve, or Army National Guard.
The U.S. Army has expanded its two-year enlistment options, making it easier for individuals who may not be comfortable making a four- or six-year commitment. Under this option, after basic and advanced training, new Soldiers would only be required to spend two years on active duty.
Also, to promote to an E-2, which is a private second-class (PV2), you need six months of service or four months of service with advanced college or ROTC. Afterward, promotion to an E-3, or private first class (PFC), happens after 12 months of enlistment and at least four months as an E-2.