Promotion Points Calculator

Army Promotion Points Calculator (E-5 SGT Criteria)

This calculator estimates total promotion points based on common Army regulation categories for advancement to Sergeant (E-5). Enter your points based on current PPW (Promotion Point Worksheet) standards.

Estimated Total Promotion Points

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function calculatePromotionPoints() { // 1. Get Inputs and validate numbers var weaponsBadgeStr = document.getElementById('weaponsBadge').value; var acftInput = parseFloat(document.getElementById('acftPoints').value) || 0; var awardInput = parseFloat(document.getElementById('awardPoints').value) || 0; var milEdInput = parseFloat(document.getElementById('milEdPoints').value) || 0; var civEdInput = parseFloat(document.getElementById('civEdPoints').value) || 0; // Ensure no negative inputs if (acftInput < 0) acftInput = 0; if (awardInput < 0) awardInput = 0; if (milEdInput < 0) milEdInput = 0; if (civEdInput < 0) civEdInput = 0; // 2. Define Caps for E-5 (SGT) criteria // Note: These caps are based on standard regulations but change periodically. var capWeapons = 160; var capACFT = 180; var capAwards = 165; var capMilEd = 240; var capCivEd = 160; // 3. Calculate Category Scores var weaponsPoints = 0; if (weaponsBadgeStr === 'expert') { weaponsPoints = 160; } else if (weaponsBadgeStr === 'sharpshooter') { weaponsPoints = 125; } else if (weaponsBadgeStr === 'marksman') { weaponsPoints = 85; } // Weapons points do not need capping if dropdown values are correct, but good practice. weaponsPoints = Math.min(weaponsPoints, capWeapons); // Apply caps to inputted scores var finalAcft = Math.min(acftInput, capACFT); var finalAwards = Math.min(awardInput, capAwards); var finalMilEd = Math.min(milEdInput, capMilEd); var finalCivEd = Math.min(civEdInput, capCivEd); // 4. Total Calculation var totalPoints = weaponsPoints + finalAcft + finalAwards + finalMilEd + finalCivEd; // 5. Display Results document.getElementById('totalScoreDisplay').innerHTML = totalPoints.toFixed(0); var breakdownHtml = "Category Breakdown (Capped for SGT):" + "Weapons Qualification: " + weaponsPoints + " / " + capWeapons + "" + "ACFT Points: " + finalAcft + " / " + capACFT + "" + "Awards & Decorations: " + finalAwards + " / " + capAwards + "" + "Military Education: " + finalMilEd + " / " + capMilEd + "" + "Civilian Education: " + finalCivEd + " / " + capCivEd; document.getElementById('pointBreakdown').innerHTML = breakdownHtml; document.getElementById('resultArea').style.display = 'block'; }

For enlisted soldiers in the U.S. Army looking to advance to the ranks of Sergeant (E-5) and Staff Sergeant (E-6), understanding and maximizing the Promotion Point Worksheet (PPW) is essential to career progression. The semi-centralized promotion system relies heavily on a point-based metric to determine who makes the cutoff score for the next rank.

The Promotion Points Calculator above provides an estimate of your total standing based on the major categories defined in Army Regulation 600-8-19. While cutoff scores fluctuate monthly based on the needs of the Army by MOS (Military Occupational Specialty), knowing your score allows you to identify areas for improvement.

The Major Promotion Point Categories

Points are accumulated across distinct categories, each with specific caps depending on whether you are seeking promotion to SGT or SSG. The calculator above uses caps relevant to E-5 (SGT) criteria.

1. Military Training (Weapons & ACFT)

This category rewards physical fitness and soldiering skills.

• Weapons Qualification: Your most recent qualification on your assigned weapon grants specific points. For SGT criteria, shooting "Expert" grants 160 points, "Sharpshooter" grants 125, and "Marksman" grants 85.
• Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT): Your raw ACFT score is converted into promotion points. While a perfect 600 score on the ACFT is impressive, the promotion points for this category are currently capped (e.g., 180 points maximum for SGT). It is vital to check current conversion charts to know exactly how your raw score translates.

2. Awards and Decorations

Points are awarded for various achievements, including Army Achievement Medals (AAMs), Army Commendation Medals (ARCOMs), Good Conduct Medals, and specific badges like the Combat Infantry Badge (CIB) or Airborne wings. Each award has a specific point value defined by regulation, cumulative up to a category cap (e.g., 165 points for SGT).

3. Military Education

This category includes resident Noncommissioned Officer Education System (NCOES) courses, such as the Basic Leader Course (BLC), as well as computer-based training. While resident courses offer significant points, soldiers often maximize this category by completing Army Correspondence Course Program (ACCP) hours and specific online certifications denoted on their ATRRS transcript. This category often has a high cap (e.g., 240 points for SGT), making it a primary focus for soldiers needing a quick point boost.

4. Civilian Education

The Army highly values continued learning outside the military. Points are awarded for accredited college credits earned, degrees achieved, and technical certifications. Typically, one semester hour of college credit equals a set number of promotion points (often 2 points per credit hour). This category is capped (e.g., 160 points for SGT), incentivizing soldiers to pursue associate or bachelor's degrees.

Strategies for Maximizing Your Score

If your calculated score is below the recent historical cutoff scores for your MOS, focus on the categories where you are furthest from the cap. The fastest ways to increase points usually involve:

1. Completing correspondence courses to max out Military Education.
2. Improving Weapons Qualification at the next range date.
3. Submitting transcripts for any college credits earned.

Use this calculator regularly to track your progress as you complete new training or receive new awards. Always verify your official points on your actual Promotion Point Worksheet via the HRC website, as regulations and point values are subject to change.