Speaking for the Australian Army it was then and is now possible to rise from the ranks. Many Regimental Quartermaster Sergeants (RQMS) are promoted to Major as Quartermaster. Many other soldiers go to Duntroon (now that it is the lesser Officer Training Unit, junior to ADFA.) Here trained soldiers are put through what is referred to as a "knife and fork course". Previously Scheyville and Portsea also acted as training units for 'rankers' being considered for promotion, particularly in the huge expansion of the Army in the Vietnam era.. However it was understood that Lieutenant Colonel was as high as they would ever climb except in hugely unusual circumstances. Major was more common. The senior posts are "reserved" for Graduates of Duntroon (in the old days) and ADFA now. Cheers, Ted Harris ----- Original Message ----- From: <AUS-MILITARY-D-request@rootsweb.com> To: <AUS-MILITARY-D@rootsweb.com> Sent: Friday, June 16, 2006 10:54 PM Subject: AUS-MILITARY-D Digest V06 #120