What happens after I max out the rank in my state for my MOS?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 10:34:49 -0400

I am a junior Captain and was just selected for Brigade S6 (an O4 slot) after I finish up Signal Company command. I have about 2.5 years until I'm TIG eligible for Major. This BDE S6 is the one and only O4 25A slot in my state and we have no O5 an up for 25A. What happens if I move on from BDE S6 before I promote to O4 and don't get selected for another O4 position outside my MOS? Can I still promote to major if I move back to an O3 slot and have served effectively in an O4 slot? Thanks all.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2023 11:24 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 11:24:29 -0400

I have a feeling that there are some work arounds to have you slotted in the CPT slot AFTER you pin MAJ. But promoting to MAJ while sitting in a CPT slot with no available MAJ Slot is not normal business practice.

But, to answer your question, if you max out your rank in your State, you have only three options. 1) Find a LTC slot in another State and submit for an IST; 2) Find within your State a MOS/AOC Immaterial LTC Slot; or 3) Rebranch (if this is even an option).

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2023 1:48 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 13:48:27 -0400

To answer your last question first: no, to promote you have to move into, and currently occupy a valid position for that next higher grade you are promoting to.

For the rest of your question, pick up another branch that has multiple O5 positions in your state, (it's pretty easy to pick up a second branch at O3 with CCCs, and many Guard Os have multiple branches) or be willing to IST to another state's Guard, or transition to the USAR.

Response by COL Randall C. made Oct 31 at 2023 2:56 PM

COL Randall C. — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 14:56:38 -0400

Short Answer: I wouldn't worry too much if I were you.

First, the fact that you were moved to an O3 position after serving in an O4 position won't have any negative effect on you unless your performance at the job is bad. So, don't screw it up.

Two ways you can be promoted - vacancy promotion or DA selection. In each case you have to have at least four years TIG. Assume that you are moved from the position to an O3 position before you reach that TIG (in about 2.5 years from your post).

You'll normally go before a mandatory board at six years TIG (one year prior to your max TIG). If selected, then the next step is to have a valid vacancy you can be promoted into that you are eligible for (there are some exceptions to this as outlined in NGR 600-100*, but likely they won't apply to you).

I say this the last way because I am sure there branch immaterial positions (O1A) within your state for an O4 (you'll usually have a half-dozen in the JFHQ, XO for STBs, etc). As long as you are eligible to be slotted in that position and "the position to which the officer will be assigned upon promotion is a valid MTOE or TDA position which is vacant and the officer must be the sole occupant (i.e., the position cannot be "double slotted")"

As an example, looking at a manning roster for the VAARNG (old file I happened to have in my pack-rat stash), at the time I looked at it they had 47 O1A positions that were vacant out of 82 in the state. So, unless your state is very heavy on the O4 population, it's very likely there will be a position you could be promoted into. It might not be the position you want, but it will likely be there.
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* https://www.ngbpmc.ng.mil/Portals/27/Publications/NGR/NGR%20600-100_20221122.pdf

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Response by Maj John Bell made Oct 31 at 2023 3:26 PM

Maj John Bell — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 15:26:47 -0400

Thunderdome... 2 men go in 1 man comes out. Just kidding

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Nov 2 at 2023 5:54 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 17:54:22 -0400

Switch to the Reserves if you are in the Guard.