Promotions are probably one of the highlights of the year for all cadets. In order to be promoted, you simply must do a good job. 

General:
Promotions will be based on the whole person concept. Using the information contained in the promotion folders, which will include performance, wear of the uniform, write-ups, grades, school activities, and recommendations from administrators and staff. At no time will a cadet who is failing JROTC or has been suspended prior to the promotion board, be promoted. The Cadet Battalion Commander in coordination with the Commandant will fill staff positions.
Promotions are not automatic. Cadets are eligible for promotion if they meet the minimum eligibility criteria, however the Commandant will make the final decision based on attitude, behavior and contributions to PMA and the Cadet Corp.
Recommended cadets must participate in at least one school activity, including but limited to military special teams, clubs, and/or varsity and junior varsity intramural teams.  Additionally, each candidate must maintain a grade point average of 2.0 (at least a “C” in all classes.)

Promotion Boards:
Temporary/Staff promotion boards will consist of six cadet officers including the Cadet Battalion Commander. The Commandant will advise the Temporary/ Staff promotion board. A cadet may achieve temporary promotion in rank once each semester, provided there is an immediate need to fill a vacancy.
Permanent promotion boards will consist of six enlisted cadets including at least one military instructor and the Commandant.   The Cadet Executive Officer will also serve on the permanent promotion board. A cadet may achieve one permanent promotion each school year.
The promotion board is responsible for compiling a promotion list of eligible cadets who has successfully passed the board in order of merit.  Cadets will be promoted from that list as vacancies arise.

Promotion Process:
General
Cadets are considered for promotion throughout the school year, as determined by the Commandant. Typically, promotions will occur during the first semester after the midterm examinations and during the second semester after the midterm examinations.

Early Promotions
Early promotions are designed to recognize outstanding cadets (officer and NCO) by rewarding them with an early promotion to the next higher rank. Cadets considered for promotion are only those who have clearly exhibited outstanding performance in leadership, job performance and citizenship.

LET Specific Criteria

LET I

Cadets will remain a private until the below criteria is met:

1. Cadets must successful complete PMA’s Freshman Leadership Seminar and Military Orientation prior to promotion to Cadet Private First Class.
2. Cadets may compete for promotion up to the rank of Cadet Sergeant provided they are a private, are recommended by their instructor, meet all requirements as specified above and appear before the promotion board.

LET II

Cadets will retain their rank until the above criteria is met; however, cadets who meet the criteria may apply for promotion as outlined below:

1. Cadets must submit a resume
2. Cadets must successfully complete either the Junior Cadet Leadership Course (JCLC) or the PMA Advanced Cadet Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) Course.
3. Cadets may compete for promotion up to the rank of Cadet Staff Sergeant through Sergeant Major provided they are a Corporal or Sergeant, are recommended by their instructor, meet all requirements as specified above and appear before the promotion board.

LET III

Cadets will retain their rank until the above criteria is met; however, cadets who meet the criteria may apply for promotion as outlined below:

1. Cadets must submit a resume
2. Cadets must complete Cadet Troop Leadership Training (CTLT) in June.
3. Cadets may compete for promotion to Second Lieutenant through Captain provided they hold the rank of a Sergeant or above
4. Cadets may compete for promotion to Cadet Major through Cadet Colonel provided they have successfully completed the Cadet Staff College at Volk Field and hold the rank of an officer.
5. Cadets may compete for promotion to the rank of Cadet Second Lieutenant through Colonel provided they are recommended by their instructor, meet all requirements as specified above and appear before the promotion board.

LET IV

Cadets will retain their rank until the above criteria is met; however, cadets who meet the criteria may apply for promotion as outlined below:

1. Cadets must submit a resume
2. Cadets must graduate fro the Cadet Staff College at Volk Field

Demotions:
Cadets in leadership positions who demonstrate unsatisfactory performance or conduct may be replaced at the discretion of the Commandant. The Cadet Commander or cadet staff may make recommendations to the Commandant concerning replacement of the cadet officers for poor performance or conduct.
It is not the policy of Phoenix Military Academy to relieve a cadet from a position and reduce the cadet rank just for the sake of rotation. This will be done only for cause as determined by the instructors with the approval of the Commandant. If a cadet is removed for cause, it will only be after counseling and an opportunity to improve. Cause for removal includes low academics, substandard job performance, conduct, dress and appearance, as well as lack of motivation and poor attitude.