<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, arial">quote:</font><HR>That's pretty much how it works in todays military. Officers get 3 chances at promotion, one each year after they have served the minimum time at each rank. If they get passed over 3 times, they are no longer eligible to Be promoted. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I'm not sure which military was being referred to, but that's not how it works in the U.S. Air Force. Once an officer is passed over twice they're pretty well done, however they continue to meet the promotion boards until they separate or retire. I got passed over for Lt Col a grand smashing total of five times.
Of course, after the first two I knew I had a better chance of being elected President, but they kept sending my records off to be reviewed anyway.
I can't speak to the other services, but the Air Force only lets commanders stay in place for two years. The rationale is, in addition to trying to keep opportunities available for up-and-coming officers, after two years as a commander your brain is mush.
I can vouch for that personally. I can't imagine being in command of B5 for three to five years. I'd think Lochley would have to be made of iron, on medication, or they'd find her hanging by her fingernails from the ceiling one day.
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Edited for spelling error, oops.
[This message has been edited by fanuilh (edited February 02, 2002).]