How Long Does It Take To Become A Major In The US Air Force?

To become a Major (O-4) in the United States

Air Force, one must have served on active duty for approximately ten years and proven their ability to lead in high-stakes operations. Officers with good performance records, a wealth of operational experience, and proof of consistent responsibility progression are sought after by promotion boards.

Major, the first field-grade position, is a significant step up to higher leadership, sitting just above Captain (O-3) and below Lieutenant Colonel (O-5). The procedure of selection is competitive. Promotion boards consider qualifications for staff and command positions, educational accomplishments, and performance histories.

The Air Force values specialized skills that prepare leaders for changing global threats, so officers frequently need advanced academic work to be competitive. Although specific dates differ, a captain is usually promoted after serving approximately six years in grade, with an official pin-on awarded around the ten-year mark of active-duty service.

As AirForce.com says, “We offer a variety of programs to help you meet your goals and reach your true potential.”

Roadpath to Major

Officers who have served in a variety of staff or operational billets for ten years or more are usually qualified to become majors. As soon as someone joins as a Second Lieutenant (O-1), the journey from commissioning to Major commences.

After two years, a promotion to First Lieutenant (O-2) and subsequently, two years after that, a promotion to Captain (O-3) typically occurs. Six years at the rank of Captain are normally required to meet the Major board, and ultimate promotion is based on competitive selection and available spaces.

Photo: US Air Force

Officers with specific skills may advance more quickly, while others may have minor delays if their job field has lower promotion rates. The rank of Major represents a fundamental change in responsibilities, concentrating on more general organizational demands, regardless of specialization.

According to Air Force regulations, selection boards look at all aspects of an officer’s background, including professional development and yearly reviews. To strengthen their competitive advantage, many officers pursue master’s degrees or other formal education during this time.

Seniority is not the only factor considered when promoting someone from Captain to Major; intangible traits like character and problem-solving skills are also considered.

According to Air Force Times, “We need leaders and supporting staff throughout the [Department of the Air Force] … who have deep expertise in emerging technologies and their applications to military operations.”

“We must also have leaders with expertise in the cultures of our potential adversaries,” Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said in December 2023. “Such expertise and associated critical thinking skills are developed from many sources and experiences, including advanced academic degree programs.”

• Time in Grade: Approximately 10 total years before wearing Major rank
• Educational Emphasis: Encouraged to have at least a master’s degree by promotion board
• Performance Factors: Measured through annual evaluations, leadership metrics, and community involvement
• Promotion Boards: Convene at scheduled intervals, reviewing each candidate’s official record
• Deployment History: Weight given to operational experiences that demonstrate readiness

Photo: US Air Force

“Maximizing alignment of promotion boards to SCODs represents a strategic step toward enhancing our talent management decisions,” deputy chief of staff for manpower, personnel, and services Lt. Gen. Caroline Miller said in a statement. “This also provides transparency and consistency that are cornerstones of our promotion and evaluation system.”

Promotion boards convene at set times to examine eligible officers’ records. According to Air Reserve Personnel Center (ARPC), “Senior Raters should review their Master Eligibility List (MEL) weekly before the board convenes.”

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The Air Force announced the move to static closeout dates (SCODs) in February 2022:

• Colonels by Feb. 28
• Lieutenant colonels and majors by May 31
• Captains by Aug. 31
• First and second lieutenants by Oct. 31

Mustang to Major: the career timeline

• Airman Basic (E-1) to Airman (E-2): 6 months time-in-grade (for enlisted reference)
• E-2 to Airman First Class (E-3): 10 months time-in-grade
• E-3 to Senior Airman (E-4): 18–24 months time-in-grade
• E-4 to Staff Sergeant (E-5) and above: Based on written test performance, annual performance points, and achievements
• Second Lieutenant (O-1) to First Lieutenant (O-2): 24 months time-in-grade
• O-2 to Captain (O-3): Another 24 months time-in-grade
• Captain (O-3) to Major (O-4): Competitive selection, usually after 6 years at O-3

A clear path

To increase force readiness, solve shortages, and foster leadership growth, senior Air Force

commanders started an initiative to modernize officer performance management. The Air Force’s need to retain competent officers and expand its ranks of field-grade officers was reflected in a 2017 change that gives line officers a 100% chance to be promoted to major.

Senior officials stress a renewed faith in squadron commanders to maintain high standards, even if promotion recommendation forms are still required for officers with negative information or “Do Not Promote” recommendations.

Photo: US Air Force

The United States Air Force

made these changes as part of larger programs to increase readiness and lethality. These include expanding the force, lowering administrative workloads, increasing pilot retention, and granting commanders greater control over the training of officers.

Officer performance system updates will continue as more suggestions are accepted and gradually implemented.

“There have been no major changes to the Officer Evaluation System in nearly 30 years, but there have been significant changes to our force composition, mission, requirements and how our performance system reflects what we value in officers,” said Lt. Gen. Gina Grosso, Air Force deputy chief of staff for Manpower, Personnel and Services, in 2017.

Passing the gauntlet

Once an individual officer achieves the rank of Captain, there’s no guarantee of promotion in the future. Resilience becomes essential. For guidance and moral support, officers frequently seek the advice of mentors who have experienced comparable situations. Many find a fresh sense of purpose by restating their reasons for joining the military.

About 84% of the 2,367 eligible Air Force captains were promoted to major in 2024, slightly lower than 2023’s 86% selection rate.

Promotion rates varied by specialty, with information warfare (87.7%) and air operations/special warfare (84.3%) leading, while nuclear and missile operations (74%) posted the lowest selection rate.

Notably, around one-third of those chosen in 2024 had already been passed over once.

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A 2023 report by Air and Space Forces highlighted the shifting focus: “According to the most recent Department of the Air Force data, more than three-quarters of Active-duty majors and 97 percent of lieutenant colonels in the Air Force and Space Force possess at least a master’s degree, compared to just 40 percent of captains…”

“…But not enough of those advanced degrees are in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields.”

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“Please stop putting a major or [lieutenant colonel] (despite their devotion, exceptional attitude, and culture) in charge” of technical projects affecting millions of users “when they have no previous experience in that field,” Nicolas M. Chaillan, the first-ever chief software officer, wrote. “We would not put a pilot in the cockpit without extensive Flight Training

; why would we expect someone with no IT experience to be close to successful?”

According to War on the Rocks, “Grieving after being passed over is normal. You’re not alone. Others have gone through it before you.”

Compete to succeed

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The Air Force now considers education more when making promotion decisions. For master’s or doctoral degrees, officers usually enroll in in-person or online programs. This effort aligns with the need for strategic thinking, foreign language proficiency, and advanced technology in various positions.

For instance, a captain with expertise in Cybersecurity

could further his expertise by earning a doctorate. A public affairs professional could enroll in graduate courses in global communication to enhance their ability to oversee international partnerships.

Photo: US Air Force

By applying their academic knowledge to operational leadership, officers demonstrate the diverse range of abilities that the Air Force values at the Major level.

Practical experience is not excluded by the board’s concentration on advanced academics. It combines a theoretical foundation with real-world implementation. Officers who combine their academic degrees with deployment accomplishments are particularly noteworthy.

Compared to colleagues seeking ongoing improvement, those who disregard professional military training or more general intellectual endeavors may find themselves at a disadvantage.

The Air Force also makes investments in leadership development training pipelines. Officers are encouraged to take courses on cross-cultural communication, digital competence, and new risks. These skills combine with real-world leadership responsibilities to produce an officer corps that can tackle anything from coalition building to cyberattacks.

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Strength from hardship

In the Air Force, promotions preserve organizational vitality and reward people. To ensure balanced leadership, staff positions benefit from the new perspectives that each billet brings.

Although the service’s strategic imperatives often reserve staff command jobs for individuals with ranks commensurate with the tasks, one might nevertheless serve honorably without continuing upward.

Photo: US Air Force

Regardless of the result, a non-selection letter is always followed by a lengthy period of introspection. While some examine their current responsibilities further, others find new ways forward.

At the end of the day, there isn’t one answer, as every officer is different. The path of a career may be a straight line or a winding path; the key is to strive to be the best at what you do and fulfill your duties to the uniform, nation, and fellow service members to the best of your ability—and with that, your career will take its shape.

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