What date is assigned as the new time-in-rate for an E-7 advanced on 16 September?

The new time-in-rate for an E-7 who is advanced on 16 September is assigned based on the advancement cycle of the exam taken. When a service member is advanced, their effective date of advancement is pivotal to establish when they can start accruing time-in-rate for future promotions.

In this case, the correct answer is linked to the timing of the advancement cycle. Specifically, the regulation stipulates that the effective date of advancement corresponds to the start of the advancement cycle, which is 1 September for those who took the exam during that cycle. This helps maintain consistency regarding qualifications and promotions across the ranks, ensuring that all personnel within the same cycle are evaluated and advanced under the same rules.

The other options provided are incorrect because they cite different starting points that do not align with the established dates for advancement cycle exams, leading to confusion about how time-in-rate accumulates based on the advancement cycle. The advancement cycle begins on 1 September, making this date the basis for timing concerning the E-7 promotion on 16 September. Thus, option A accurately represents the date assigned for the new time-in-rate following the advancement.