Does the ACASP have to be in my contract if I hope to fast track at AIT and get advanced promotion to E-4?

If you are in the national guard,it depends on the guard. Active component can't promote you.

It wasn't in my contract and I was promoted to e4 that way. The paperwork just takes forever so you'll have to continuously fight for it to go through. Expect to be paid as your current rank until the paperwork is finalized then you will be back paid. They will tax your back pay 20-25% though.

Recently I finished up AIT at fort sam, I was a civillian paramedic prior to joining and went through ACASP. I was fast tracked to the company that was closest to whiskey phase and began training with them. I had members in my class that were in the same boat ad you, if you have your NREMT prior to to shipping out, the will fast track you no matter what. The counselor will brief everyone on it during orientation once you get to Fort Sam. As for rank, if you were certified prior to signing your contact, then you will be promoted to E-4 and to my knowledge you will receive back pay for basic aswell. If you were certified after signing your contract you will make E-3. I hope it helps, if you can talk with your recruiter or even the personnel at MEPS, they may be able to help prior to shipping. Hope it helps!