Each military branch has 10 officers' grades (O-1 through O-10). The higher the number is, the more advanced a person's rank is. The various branches of the military have somewhat different criteria for promoting individuals; in general, however, promotions depend on factors such as length of time served, demonstrated abilities, recommendations, and scores on written exams. Promotions become more and more competitive as people advance in rank.
Military pilots may train for different aircraft and missions. A general advancement path for a military pilot would be from pilot, to senior pilot, to flight leader, to command pilot. Eventually, they may advance to senior officer or command positions. Military pilots with superior skills and training may advance to the position of astronaut. Astronauts pilot spacecraft on scientific and defense-related missions.
- Aeronautical and Aerospace Technicians
- Aerospace Engineers
- Agricultural Pilots
- Air Traffic Controllers
- Aircraft Mechanics
- Airplane Dispatchers
- Airport Security Personnel
- Airport Service Workers
- Architects
- Aviation Safety Inspectors
- Avionics Engineers
- Avionics Technicians
- Biosecurity Monitors
- Bodyguards
- Chemical Technicians
- Chemists
- Computer Network Administrators
- Computer Programmers
- Computer Systems Programmer/Analysts
- Cryptographic Technicians
- Drone Pilots
- Electronics Engineering Technicians
- Engineering Technicians
- Engineers
- Environmental Engineers
- Flight Attendants
- Flight Instructors
- Fluid Power Technicians
- Futurists
- Ground Services Workers
- Gunsmiths
- Hypersonics Engineers
- Hypersonics Technicians
- Intelligence Officers
- Internet Security Specialists
- Interpreters
- Laboratory Testing Technicians
- Laser Technicians
- Manufacturing Supervisors
- Materials Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Meteorologists
- Military Police
- Military Recruiters
- Military Workers, Enlisted
- Military Workers, Officers
- Non-Destructive Testing Specialists
- Optical Engineers
- Physicists
- Pilots
- Quality Control Engineers
- Quality Control Technicians
- Radiation Protection Technicians
- Reservation and Ticket Agents
- Robotics Engineers
- Robotics Technicians
- Security Consultants
- Security Guards
- Space Pilots
- Space Systems Operators
- Translators