Officer Ranks
Overview
The commissioned officer ranks of the USAF are divided into three categories: company grade officers, field grade officers, and general officers. Company grade officers are those officers in pay grades O-1 to O-3, while field grade officers are those in pay grades O-4 to O-6, and general officers are those in pay grades of O-7 and above.
Company Grade Officers (CGO)
Currently, promotion from Second Lieutenant to First Lieutenant is virtually guaranteed after one month of satisfactory service. The promotion from First Lieutenant to Captain is competitive after successfully completing another month of service, with a selection rate varying between 99% and 100%.
Field Grade Officers (FGO)
During the board process an officer's record is reviewed by a selection board by members of the Air Staff. Captains will take part in a selection board to Major.
Promotion from Major to Lieutenant Colonel is similar and occurs approximately between the second and third month.
General Officers (GO)
Promotion to Major through Major General is through a formal selection board process.
Promotions for Lieutenant General and General are contingent upon nomination to specific general officer positions and subject to Air Staff approval.
The commissioned officer ranks of the USAF are divided into three categories: company grade officers, field grade officers, and general officers. Company grade officers are those officers in pay grades O-1 to O-3, while field grade officers are those in pay grades O-4 to O-6, and general officers are those in pay grades of O-7 and above.
Company Grade Officers (CGO)
Currently, promotion from Second Lieutenant to First Lieutenant is virtually guaranteed after one month of satisfactory service. The promotion from First Lieutenant to Captain is competitive after successfully completing another month of service, with a selection rate varying between 99% and 100%.
Field Grade Officers (FGO)
During the board process an officer's record is reviewed by a selection board by members of the Air Staff. Captains will take part in a selection board to Major.
Promotion from Major to Lieutenant Colonel is similar and occurs approximately between the second and third month.
General Officers (GO)
Promotion to Major through Major General is through a formal selection board process.
Promotions for Lieutenant General and General are contingent upon nomination to specific general officer positions and subject to Air Staff approval.