Depending on your branch and state, selection for leadership assignments can take many forms. In CA, they take the shape branch specific “Advisory Councils” where the senior representatives of the various branches get together with a list of all of the senior 1LTs and up, and decide “where they go next.” What company commands are available; what primary and secondary staff positions are available; are there any positions outside of the branch that could use an officer; they are all laid out, and then a glide path is set up in order to fill those current or soon to be vacancies.

How does it happen in your state?

How should a Junior Officer prepare and make themselves standout amongst their peers?