Instead, it provided for a transitional period whereby the Reserve is reducing total years service date in six-month increments until it is eliminated as a promotion selection factor by 2002. Although the Reserve Officer Personnel Management Act is having the desired effect as far as managing the officer force is concerned and people have a pretty good understanding of the law s provisions, a change of this magnitude is bound to lead to some misunderstandings or misconceptions. The boards have specific quotas to fill. Under ROPA you could be promoted if you were fully qualified, said Maj. As an officer trying to climb the corporate ladder, I would want to make sure my records are current and I have completed the appropriate professional military education.
Private education is also a factor.
You need to be progressive and focused on your career. The Reserve still allows for overgrades up to the rank of colonel. The secretary of the Air Force sets quotas based on service need by grade and competitive category. Once I m selected for promotion, I can voluntarily delay actually putting my new rank on until I find a position commensurate with my selected grade. Those who do receive permission to hip pocket their promotion may be granted up to a maximum of three years to find a job at the higher rank.