How Long Does a Lower Enlisted Promotion Usually Take?

2019-11-25T07:47:14-05:00

So on Friday, I got my APFT flag lifted, which will start the process for getting me promoted to SPC.
This will be my first military promotion since I started as a PFC, and I’m wondering about how long it takes for the flag to be reflected as removed from an ERB and the promotion to actually be official.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2019 9:42 AM

2019-11-25T09:42:14-05:00

You got about 30 days or so for all systems to update and then get your SPC. Could be two weeks.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Nov 25 at 2019 10:00 AM

2019-11-25T10:00:58-05:00

Ok, you started as a PFC which means you are had ROTC and thus some level and understanding of physical requirements. How is it that you failed your APFT being a PFC?

As to your question, by reg you are supposed to have 18 months TIS and 3 months TIG to get promoted to E-4. The time it takes to get promoted will vary as it takes a few days for the flag getting lifted to actually register in the system and then it takes a bit for the actual promotion. Usually 30 days ish.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2019 10:36 AM

2019-11-25T10:36:46-05:00

Need a little more information for an accurate answer, but I'll start with an assumption:
Since you say that you got your APFT flag lifted on Friday, but no system is updated, I'm guessing that on Friday you passed an APFT and your troop started a 268 to lift the flag.
Unfortunately, flag lift is not a same day event:
In the Guard, that means a 268, along with a record passing 705 goes up through your Squadron S1, BDE S1, your state G1, and will get coded as flag lifted.
Those steps can be anywhere from 2-4 weeks at each level.
Once it shows cleared, your troop will submit a 4187 to advance you to SPC, that will go through your Squadron S1 to BDE S1 and get coded at BDE level.
Those steps can take 2-4 weeks at each level.
And that is the average time for those two actions.

Response by CSM Danny S. made Nov 25 at 2019 11:26 AM

2019-11-25T11:26:00-05:00

There are several variables that will affect this. Do you meet TIS/TIG? By lifted do you mean it was removed from SIBEX/IPPS-A or what ever HR system your unit is using? The ERB will lag behind and isn't the system they will validate the flag from. Finally you should run this up your NCO support channel and make sure they aren't delaying your promotion. Plus they should be able to give you a real status not a guess that you will get here.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2019 12:13 PM

2019-11-25T12:13:14-05:00

As soon as the flag is lifted it depends on how fast your chain of command sends it to s1 and how fast they process the promotion. It can be immediately after flag removal, or it can be 3 weeks to 4 weeks down the road

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2019 1:45 PM

2019-11-25T13:45:45-05:00

It's only takes as long as it takes your S1 to update it in emilpo. But how long it takes them to get around to it, is how long it takes to get it updated

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Nov 25 at 2019 1:50 PM

2019-11-25T13:50:44-05:00

I couldn't tell about today's Army. This is what a buddy told me about 1970.
"In 1970, I got PVT-E1 the day I raised my right hand to swear my Oath.
After training, PVT-E2 took one step from a C-130 ramp to the hot tarmac.
Then PFC-E3 happened a month later when I took over an M-60 MG.
My CPL-E4 was 3 months after the MG Team Leader was evacuated.
I got SGT-E5 at 3 months more once the heavy MGs SSG rotated home.
My SSG-E6 was 4 months later when my PSG evacuated the 1SG.
I returned home with my DD214 as a PSG-E7 after 4 years service.
Promotion didn't take long BUT it also took a couple of lifetimes.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2019 3:12 PM

2019-11-25T15:12:34-05:00

Wow there are some harsh responses in this thread. I think from what this young soldier has said he realizes his part of the mistake of not staying physically fit enough to pass his APFT. Yes we are supposed to take 2 per year in the reserves or guard, but sometimes things get put on the back burner and then suddenly you show up to drill and suddenly it’s “hey soldier you’re taking an APFT for record today” and then sometimes people squeak by and other times they just fall under the line. It happens. I think this soldier realizes his mistake and hopefully (and from his responses it sounds like he has) he takes it as a learning opportunity and keeps his fitness up. No reason to beat a dead horse.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2019 4:25 PM

2019-11-25T16:25:26-05:00

ASK YOUR LEADERSHIP

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2019 4:38 PM

2019-11-25T16:38:50-05:00

As far as I know, if you've been flagged or just in general, e4 can be denied.. also don't expect to get pinned instantly

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2019 6:37 AM

2019-11-26T06:37:07-05:00

AR 600-8-19 1-12 page 7 or page 19 if you include the table of contents. Your time in service while flagged won’t count. S1 sucks so expect it to take awhile to show up in your units triple alpha( list of people up for promotion). This list is updated the 5 of every month

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2019 6:04 PM

2019-11-27T18:04:05-05:00

Depending on how fast training room takes to make it lol

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2019 11:29 PM

2019-11-28T23:29:11-05:00

Just wait to get SPC itll come when it comes, judging by your post you failed PT and finally passed ? that may prolong your promotion due to having that red flag but it will come as long as your flag is lifted. E2-E4 are guaranteed. Dont worry you'll get your shield eventually