What are Promotion Boards?

Promotion boards are one of three components of your promotion process. A Board will consist of two commanding officers (usually your flight commanders) asking three questions. These questions are based on the knowledge you are expected to know as you promote. See the sections below on how to conduct yourself during a promotion board.

For more information on the rank-based questions asked, see the Promotion Materials page.

Entering the Room

1.

While waiting outside of the room, stand at Parade Rest until there is space in front of you. When you are next at the door, count to 30 in your head after the last person leaves. When you stand at Attention in front of the door, give a clean, professional knock (no rhythms or songs; preferably one to three crisp knocks) and wait for the commanding officer to reply "Enter" before entering the room.

2.

Once inside the room, march to your chair efficiently and Report In to the commanding officer on your left. Reporting In consists of saluting and stating "Sir/Ma'am, Cadet (Rank)(Name) reporting in as ordered, sir/ma'am". After, the commander will salute back and instruct you to take your seat.

Conducting Yourself

1.

While sitting, you should "sit" in the position of Attention. This includes sitting on the edge of your seat (comfortably), your back straight, and your hands resting on your knees. While not answering questions, keep your gaze forward. As a tip, don't move the chair from the position it's in or slide it across the floor.

2.

While answering questions, remain sitting at attention, but maintain eye contact with the commanding officer asking the questions (it could be either of the two). Your answer should follow the format of "Sir/Ma'am (restate the question)(answer the question) Sir/Ma'am". For example, if a commanding officer asks you "Who is the SASI of FL-035?" you would respond, "Sir/Ma'am, the SASI of FL-035 is (SASI rank and name) Sir/Ma'am". If you do not know the answer to a question, remain calm and professional. Answer with "I do not know" or another variation. Remember: Your board is not dependent on one question, so remain calm!

Exiting the Room

After you have answered three questions, wait for the commanding officer to state "Board, Attention" before standing. At this, you will rise from your chair without letting it slide across the floor and Report Out. Reporting Out is a salute toward the commanding officer on your left and the statement: "Sir/Ma'am, Cadet (Rank)(Name) reporting out as ordered, sir/ma'am". The commanding officer will dismiss you. After, march out of the room in a professional and efficient manner. Maintain your composure while exiting the room. Close the door quietly behind you.

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