To accept a promotion to Chief Petty Officer, how many years of obligated service must a candidate have remaining?

To accept a promotion to Chief Petty Officer, a candidate must have at least two years of obligated service remaining. This requirement ensures that individuals who are promoted to this significant rank have a commitment to the service that aligns with their new responsibilities. The policy is designed to guarantee that newly promoted Chief Petty Officers can properly fulfill their duties, contribute to their commands, and mentor junior personnel without the immediate risk of departing the military shortly after their promotion. The two-year requirement reflects the expectation that these leaders will stay in service long enough to make a meaningful impact in their roles.