Promotions
Member promotions are split by two types; Duty Performance and Special Promotion.
Duty Performance promotions are promotions after the member has completed all the required professional development activities and the time in service. Here are the requirements for performance based.
| Promotion to | Minimum Skill Level | Time-In-Grade | Approval Level |
| 2d Lt | Level 1 | 6 months as a member | Squadron |
| 1st Lt | Level 2 | 18 months as 2d Lt or TFO (or combination thereof) | Squadron |
| Captain | Level 3 | 30 months as 1st Lt or SFO (or combination thereof) | Group |
| Major | Level 4 | 4 years as Captain | Wing |
| Lt Col | Level 5 | 5 years as Major | Region |
For requirements on obtaining your skill level, see Professional Development and CAP Regulation 50-17
Special Promotions are for members that are seeking the same rank as what they have/had in active duty status, a professional skill set that is authorized in CAPR 35-5, reinstating a prioir rank after a break in service, or being promoted to a grade that is commensurate with a duty position, such as a Wing Commander being promoted to a full bird Colonel, or the National Commander being promoted to Major General.
Since Special Promotions are not recorded in eServices like Duty Performance Promotions are, commanders need to forward a Form 2 with justification and documentation. For an example, SM John Smith was an active duty Colonel in the Air Force, he would like to carry over that rank to the Civil Air Patrol. Since Lt Col is the highest grade that a member can achieve with out a special appointment, a Form 2 will be submitted with special promotion checked, stating that he was an active duty Colonel. You will send this form with a DD214, or other legal document showing his grade, attached to the next higher headquarters for approval.