A seven level is required in order to become a senior non-commissioned officer such as a master sergeant. Reservists can advance in their specialty codes by seasonal training, computer-based training, and completing and passing certain self-paced tests called career development courses, or CDCs.

Can you get promoted while in the reserves?

On Thursday, Reginald Brown, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserves, signed a policy that permits reserve officers to be promoted even if they are not already in a higher grade vacant position, as long as their home unit could match them with a position that they can fill when they return.

How are reservists promoted?

Army and Air Force Reserve officers selected by a mandatory promotion board may be promoted at any time to fill a vacancy to which the officer is assigned, and those selected by a vacancy promotion board may be promoted at any time to fill the vacancy for which the officer was selected.