If someone in the NG submitted paperwork for E4 in July but isn't promoted until December, shouldn't it be retroactive to July?

2LT and SGT, thank you for that info. I understand effective date/ date of promo, but what I was driving at is when someone is eligible for promotion. My understanding was that promotions are automatic up to E4 based on a eligibility time in grade. If some is eligible for promo on July 1 based on TiG and the proper paperwork is submitted via the chain of command should that not be the effective date. Why would it be delayed to Dec as the effective date?

Promotion orders will have an effective date.

If it's retroactive, it will be on the orders.