How to get promoted from E-2 to E-5 within 3 years?

The standard TIS/TIG for promotions are
Primary Zones without waivers---
PV2 to PFC: 1 year TIS/6 months TIG
PFC to SPC: 2 years TIS/1 year TIG
SPC to SGT: 3 Years TIS/12 months TIG

Secondary Zone with Waiver:
PV2 to PFC: 6 months TIS/2 months TIG
PFC to SPC: 18 months TIS/3 months TIG
SPC to SGT: 18 months TIS/6 months TIG

This is pulled from AR 600-8-19, Enlisted Promotions and Reductions

Now, on to your question...Yes, it is possible. You will need to stand out among your peers at all levels in every aspect. You will need to hit all of your PME training requirements as soon as possible. This part can be difficult depending on your MOS. If you are in an MOS that is considered Low Density, then your seats for NCOES are smaller than High Density MOS's. You will need to have max ACFT and weapons score. Max points (as humanly possible) in military and civilian education). Stay out of trouble. Show your leadership you want to lead and can lead...and be READY to lead. I say this because promotions aren't just about getting more pay. If you are wanting the promotions simply for the higher pay, you are going to have bad days ahead of you. Be sure you are READY for the promotions. There is nothing wrong in stating that you are not ready. But, this is where a MENTOR comes in. Find NCOs that you want to emulate. Ask them to mentor you. Stick to them like white on rice in a glass of milk on a paper plate in a snow storm. If you want those waivers (and if memory serves, it's one waiver for TIS and one waiver for TIS...so you would need 2 waivers), you will need to show your Command that you deserves those waivers more than anyone else in the unit. I say this because units are given a set number of waivers for promotions. Waivers aren't candy they can just throw around. It is a finite resource.

Depending on the MOS, it could be done. One thing though. Being an NCO comes with a lot of responsibility, which is something that should not be taken lightly.

I did it in 2-1/2 years. This was in the mid-'80s though. Just be squared away in everything you do and hope you aren't in a MOS that doesn't promote.

I did it in 2-1/2 years. This was the mid-'80s.

All valid comments here but don’t forget about the Soldier of the Month boards. Doing well at the boards will definitely help you get promoted.

Yes you can get promoted to E5 within 3 years. I am a 91A and I did it. The key is 1. Know your job. Learn how to troubleshoot that tank. Most SM are just parts replacers. Once your team chief realize you are the best he will shield you and promote you. When you finish one job ask for another task or help out your battles finish there task. The more you do the more your learn. 2 Be on time 15 min prior to everything. 3 Be motivated for PT. 4 Make sure you're IAW 670-1 IE hair cut, shaving and clean uniform.

I did it in MOS not trained for, but was a lot of good times, and well worth all the self-study.

Purpose, passion, and focus

Much of making rank that fast has to do with the MOS you've chosen. Parroting what the WO1 below stated your combat arms MOS' generally make rank fast, however they're also quick to take it away too. I was in signal during my first enlistment and grass grew faster than I got promoted. My infantryman cousin went from PV1 to SSG in just over his first 4 year enlistment with 3 total rotations to Iraq & Afghanistan (we ran across each other durng one of them in 2007) and he wound up ETSing because he felt he made rank too fast and never really got to learn before he had to lead.

Whats the hurry?

The biggest part to get promoted that quickly is MOS. 3 years is standard for Infantry, Cavalry, some Artillery etc.. Mechanics, Chemical, Finance, Medical Service (except the W), all promote MUCH slower.

Not that I'm saying don't try, by all means do your best, look at your Professional Development Model and apply it, but don't be surprised if it takes a little longer, or is points are maxed for a while, etc...

I have a question ! Is there anyway that my duty station might change after I got an article 15 and that even if I signed for the battle buddy program ?