Can you become a lance corporal right out of boot camp?

Answer 1

It may sound strange, but getting to E-3 is tougher than getting O-1 by going to ROTC and getting commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. Why go through the hell of Lancing out of boot, when one could instead go for a commissioned straight out of university. No OCS, just ROTC and commission.

Answer 2

It is possible only if you have prior service. Military rank, all military rank, is granted under two conditions (in addition to others). These are time in rank and time in service. For instance, to be promoted from private E1 to private E2, you must have six months time in rank and six months time in service (this may have changed a bit from the 1980's when I served, but I doubt it--those who have served more recently please correct any error).

Promotions from E1 to E4 are decentralized. Although Congress still allocates how many slots are available, the final authority for promotion is the individual unit commander. However, promotion up to the paygrade of E4 is largely automatic (with some few exceptions). Commanders may, however, override the allocations for each rank based on the individual needs of the unit.

Below are the TIS and TIG requirements for promotion up to E4 (with permissible CO overrides in parentheses):

• PVT E1 to PVT E2 - six months TIG/TIS (2 months TIG)
• PVT E2 to PFC E3 - four months TIG as E2 and 12 months TIS (6 months TIS and 2 months TIG)
• Corporal/Lance Corporal/SP4 - six months TIG and 24 months TIS (6 months TIS and 3 months TIG)

Now, this all having been said, TIG requirements can be waived for new enlistees who have college credits (and in some cases who have joined the service under specific enlistment "Buddy" programs). Those with sufficient credits may enter the service with the rank of E2 or E3; however, unless the unit CO waives TIS requirements for further promotion, such requirements must still be met for further promotion. The only real advantages that early promotion offer is better pay grade for a longer period of time, TIG advantages (those who have served know that not all ranks are equal. Between the highest ranking SM is the one with the greatest time in service AND the greatest time in grade).