I am in a state of shock. The Lt Col board selection list was posted a couple of days ago. A very good friend of mine did not get picked up. She is an Academy grad, fluent in German and selected as an attache. Until we lost touch last August, she was my inspiration as a single woman doing her "damn" thing. My friend will get one more bit at the apple, but it is a long shot. If you are twice non-selected for promotion, the military will give you a severance package equivalent to one year's salary. Therefore, that person is usually 5-6 years away from receiving a pension for the rest of your life worth millions if you live to about 80. Labels: Aim high
My mother was astonished that someone could actually lose their job if he/she is not promoted. She thought you can just continue on as long as you want. Even when I told her about the personnel cuts in the recent years--in her mind the military is not based on merit. So for the rest of you who may have no clue:
Air Force
2d Lt: Bachelors degree and professional military education: Aerospace Basic Course
Capt: Squadron Officer School
Maj: Air Command and Staff College (it took me about 1 year to complete)
Lt Col: Masters degree (to even be competitive for this rank)
If you do not have any of these things, you will be non-selected for promotion or other words, self-eliminated. Your annual reports also have to be written well: recommendation for developmental education/higher level job and most importantly stratified amongst your peers (i.e. you are 1 out 30 Majors ). Also, your reports should include any annual/quarterly awards, outstanding/excellent ratings from inspections, pass/fail the physical fitness test (1.5 mile run, sit-ups/push-ups, etc... Everything positive that has been documented in the performance reports will be represented in a promotion recommendation form. Then the promotion board looks at a person's whole career in about 3-5 mins.
The good news is that my friend will definitely find a career on the outside world. She is so accomplished and savvy. It is just that you jump through a lot of hoops and sometimes risk your life, she even received a bronze star in Iraq, to be passed over in the end. The military can certainly build you up and chew you out.
Above all.
GI Jane
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