On average, how long does it take to move up through each rank?
Marines The armed forces offer a highly structured environment, and part of that includes an established system of rank and promotion. There are separate rank systems for enlisted Marines and commissioned officers. On the whole, Marine officers move up according to the following schedule: from Second Lieutenant to First Lieutenant after two years, Captain after four, Major after 10, Lieutenant Colonel after 16, Colonel after 22, and the General officer ranks at some point thereafter. Enlisted Marines begin as Privates, Privates First Class, and Lance Corporals, before advancing to Corporals, Sergeants, Staff Sergeants, Gunnery Sergeants, First Sergeants (or Master Sergeants), and Sergeants Major (or Master Gunnery Sergeants). Advancement depends on your abilities, time in your rank, time in the service, the needs of the Corps, and your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). Generally speaking, rising through the ranks in the Marines takes longer than it does in the Army, since fewer sp
