Posted on Mar 30, 2019
SSG(P) Photographer/Owner
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I'm putting in my promotion packet for E-5. I'm a reservist and I've elected to travel up to 400 miles from my home in order to be promoted. How long did it take you to get promoted once on PPRL and how long do you think it will be for me?
Edited >1 y ago
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CW4 Russ Hamilton (Ret)
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Cody, I can't stress enough: YOU are responsible for your career, no one else gives a shit. Maybe a great 1SG, but don't count on it. If you can get a promotion in another unit and there's no other way in your unit then you need to weigh the need vs the reality vs career. You will be reimbursed up to $300 (or more) for your travel to a reserve unit more than 100 miles away (it could be more miles/money but it's around there). They need to provide lodging for all soldiers regardless of rank who travel more than 100 miles. Make sure you have a valid travel card and a good DTS account.

YOU need to know what is required for promotion to the next rank and YOU need to get with your unit personnel NCO to get enrolled asap - KEEP IN TOUCH WITH THEM UNTIL IT HAPPENS (NICELY AND POLITELY) - this is what I did. Most units stress using your CoC but I'd make friends with the UA, S1 and S4 ASAP. I cannot stress this enough - YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR CAREER, NO ONE ELSE. Everything is on YOUR shoulders. Teach this to your peers, I've been in for 40 yrs and it's worked very well for me.
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SGT Team Leader
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This is 100% truth.
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MSG Intermediate Care Technician
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Once on the PPRL.....after you've been selected for promotion.....and have completed all of your required schools, it should take about a month.
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SSG(P) Photographer/Owner
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Glad to hear that MSG (Join to see)
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CW4 Russ Hamilton (Ret)
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I joined the Army (active) in 1978, Rangers, Airborne Infantry. I got hurt, was transferred to a leg unit (24th INF DIV), got back on airborne status in 1982 in Alaska. I went to PNCOC in 1982 (like PLDC or PLC). Joined the reserves (SF MI) in 1984. I went from E4 (in MI) to E5 as soon as I was MOSQ in 1985. Went to BNCOC in 1986. Made E6 in 1987(?) and E7 in 1989. You're results may be different. I went warrant officer in 1994 after deciding I didn't want to be a 1SG or a CSM one day - I wanted to be able to stay in my MOS and work - not be an administrator or manager. But then that eventually happened to...

How long will it take you to get promoted? That depends upon you to get EVERYTHING done to get promoted - only YOU are responsible for your career so KNOW what it takes for each promotion, don't wait around and get it done as soon as possible. Then you will get promoted - that's what I did.
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