Originally Posted by
PurpleToolBox
If you're passed over for O-4 and then go to Guard/Reserve, you only buy yourself a little more time. Then you're the new guy at your new unit who has to go up against folks who may be well established with their commanders and leadership chain.
Not making O-4 is a major hurdle for Os. I've seen two Captains get the can in my reserve unit, a third who was allowed to continue but he kept getting passed over. I believe he has finally been kicked out.
USAF makes very stupid personnel decisions.
If you're an O-3 in the ANG and have SOS done, whether by in-residence or by correspondence, you will be ROPMA'd to O-4 at 7 years time in grade. You will not be passed over for O-4 unless you've had some serious disciplinary issues. I've even seen guys get promoted without PME, although this is getting more rare From what I understand, every officer position in the ANG is an O-4. It's O-5 and above that starts to get more competitive, but I haven't even seen many passed over for O-5 with PME done.