Originally Posted by
Slim11
Another reason is the ANG (and the ARNG where I retired) is a state-controlled asset. The states promote their own NG personnel. As an example, if you're an O-3 (captain) eligible for promotion to O-4 (major), you compete against all other captains in your state for an O-4 slot. Once you get the slot and are promoted, the state applies for federal recognition of your state promotion. Once granted, you pin on the new rank and receive the higher pay. You, and your family, stay in that state.
Someone correct me if this has changed but in the Reserves, the same captain competes against all other eligible captains nation-wide. You might be promoted to a major's slot in another area of the country. As a reservist not on AD orders, you may have to move at your own expense. If you have an airline job and commute to it but are in a reserve unit in your hometown you might be facing a double commute after promotion and QOL takes a big hit.
Everybody in ANG and AFRES gets promoted to O-3 as long as you aren't a dip-wad.
pretty sure that with ROPMA both ANG and AFRES meet a federal promotion board, at least for O-4 and O-5.
They both have unit vacancy promotion, but I know that AFRES still has to meet a board for O-5, not sure if ANG does.
Never heard of anyone in the Reserves at the O-5 or below level having to move (find another unit) to accept a promotion, at least as a flyer.
Typically this is done if you accept a promotion to O-6.