When do individuals competing for promotion begin their assessment?

Individuals competing for promotion begin their assessment during the promotion eligibility cutoff date. This timeframe is critical because it marks the period when all qualifications, experiences, and performance metrics are evaluated to determine if a candidate meets the necessary standards for promotion. Being assessed at this specific date ensures that all competitors are evaluated based on a consistent and equitable set of criteria, which reflect their readiness for advancement.

The relevance of the promotion eligibility cutoff date is foundational, as it determines who is eligible for promotion based on time in service, time in grade, and any other required qualifications that must be met by that specific date. This helps the promotion board ensure selections are fair and consistent across all individuals vying for promotion. Other options, such as completing additional training or being requested by a commanding officer, do not align with the standardized process set for promotion timelines, which is governed primarily by the cutoff date. Similarly, achieving full qualification in one’s specialty code does not automatically trigger an assessment; it is the cutoff date that officially starts the review and assessment process for promotion considerations.