The number of promotion points needed in the U.S. Army varies depending on the rank you are seeking to achieve, as well as the specific Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). Here’s a general breakdown:
1. Promotion to Sergeant (E-5)
- Points Needed: Typically, between 350 and 450 points, depending on your MOS.
- Components of Points:
- Military Training: Points from weapons qualification, Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), and military education courses.
- Civilian Education: Points for college credits and civilian education.
- Awards and Decorations: Points from military awards and honors.
- Army Correspondence Courses (ACCP): Points from completing online courses.
2. Promotion to Staff Sergeant (E-6)
- Points Needed: Usually between 450 and 650 points, depending on your MOS.
- Components of Points:
- Military Training: More emphasis on leadership courses and additional military training.
- Civilian Education: Continued importance of college credits.
- Awards and Decorations: Larger points possible from awards as soldiers accumulate more decorations over time.
- Army Correspondence Courses (ACCP): ACCP continues to play a role but at a higher level of points required.
How Points Are Accumulated
- Military Training:
- Weapons qualification and APFT scores can earn you significant points.
- Completing mandatory courses and leadership training can also boost your score.
- Civilian Education:
- Each college credit hour is worth a certain number of promotion points.
- Higher degrees or certifications can add additional points.
- Awards and Decorations:
- Medals, ribbons, and other military decorations contribute points.
- Leadership roles and exceptional service often lead to higher awards, which can substantially increase your points.
- Army Correspondence Courses (ACCP):
- ACCP points are awarded based on the total hours of courses completed. The more hours completed, the more points earned.
Tracking and Achieving the Required Points
- Promotion Point Worksheet (PPW): You can track your accumulated points through the PPW in the Army’s Human Resources Command (HRC) system.
- Review Cutoff Scores: The required points (cutoff scores) can change monthly, depending on the needs of the Army and the availability of slots in each MOS. These scores are published monthly, so it’s essential to stay updated.
Summary
To achieve promotion to Sergeant (E-5) or Staff Sergeant (E-6), you generally need between 350 and 650 points, depending on your MOS. You can accumulate these points through military training, civilian education, awards, and ACCP courses. Regularly checking your Promotion Point Worksheet (PPW) and staying informed of monthly cutoff scores is essential to ensure you are on track for promotion.
