Publication index
AR 600-8-19
Enlisted Promotions and Demotions
AR 600-8-19 is the enlisted promotion and demotion regulation: eligibility, the semi-centralized promotion system for sergeant and staff sergeant, promotion boards, and administrative demotions. It is one of the most frequently revised regulations in the Army, and the promotion point tables change with it. Always work from the edition currently posted on APD, not a saved copy.
Open the official record- Type
- AR
- Edition verified
- March 2026
What to take from it
- Enlisted promotions run under three systems: decentralized (PV2, PFC, SPC), semi-centralized (SGT and SSG), and centralized (SFC, MSG, SGM).
- Promotions to sergeant and staff sergeant are semi-centralized: the board recommends, HQDA sets the promotion point cutoff scores.
- Establishes eligibility criteria, including time in service, time in grade, and required professional military education.
- Promotion point values and eligibility rules change with each revision -- verify the current edition before counseling a Soldier.
- Supersedes AR 600-8-19 dated 21 June 2024; note the title is Enlisted Promotions and Demotions, not Reductions.
These points are our summary, written for recall. They are not a substitute for the publication and they will not cover everything a board can ask. Read the source.