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Quick question, as far as rank goes of officers,, how does one go about getting promoted from lets say second Lt. to first Lt, etc........second part, what do the colored bands on the chest of the shirts/jackets signify?....
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Company-grade officers (LT- Capt) (Ensign-LT Navy) are normally promoted by time-in-grade, and if you don't have any black marks on your record.
Firld-Grade officers (Maj-Col) (LCDR-CAPT Navy) get promoted by a promotion board comprising senior officers.
Flag Grade officers (BGen-Gen) (RADM Lower - Admiral Navy) are normally promoted by presidential nomination/congressional approval to the job they're assuming.
The "fruit salad" you see on the chest of uniforms are simply ribbons representing different awards/decorations received.