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AFP Rank Progression Calculator

AFP officer rank progression from Cadet / 2Lt to higher commissioned ranks with time-in-grade.

Enlisted track (AFPSAT entry)

RankYearsSGMonthly
Private (Pvt)0733,672
Private First Class (PFC)1835,880
Corporal (Cpl)3938,198
Sergeant (Sgt)51040,631
Staff Sergeant (SSgt)81142,884
Master Sergeant (MSgt)121245,258

Officer track (PMA / ROTC + AFPSAT)

RankEntry pathYearsSGMonthly
Second Lieutenant (2Lt)PMA cadets, ROTC + AFPSAT01760,293
First Lieutenant (1Lt)31863,696
Captain (Capt)61967,266
Major (Maj)112070,944
Lieutenant Colonel (LtCol)152175,004
Colonel (Col)202279,289
Brigadier General (BGen)2626105,466
Major General (MGen)3027113,283

Salary per RA 11939 (AFP modernisation pay scale). Years column is minimum TIG before promotion eligibility — actual promotion depends on slot availability + performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become an AFP officer?

Three main paths: (1) PMA — 4-year academy at Baguio, commission as 2Lt on graduation; (2) ROTC graduates with AFPSAT clearance can apply for direct commission as 2Lt; (3) lateral entry for licensed doctors, lawyers, engineers, and CPAs (mid-career officer slots).

AFPSAT is the Armed Forces of the Philippines Service Aptitude Test — the entry exam for enlisted recruitment, ROTC scholarships, and reservist programs. Passing AFPSAT plus completing CMT (Citizen Military Training) makes you eligible for commission as 2Lt.

Yes — AFP base pay is roughly 25–30% higher than PNP at equivalent ranks per RA 11939. Plus AFP gets combat duty pay, hazard pay, and quarters allowance that often exceeds basic pay during deployments.

2Lt → 1Lt: 3 years TIG. 1Lt → Captain: 3 years. Captain → Major: 5 years. Total ~11 years from PMA graduation to Major (assuming you clear required schools — Officer Candidate Course, Basic Course, etc.).

Mandatory retirement age is 56 for officers and 56 or 30 years of service for enlisted, whichever comes first. AFP modernisation also allows early optional retirement at 20 years for both groups.

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