A TSgt is eligible for promotion to MSgt after becoming a 7 level. Which combination of TIG and TAFMS is correct?

• A. 23 months TIG, and 7 years TAFMS
• B. 23 months TIG, and 8 years TAFMS
• C. 24 months TIG, and 8 years TAFMS
• D. 24 months TIG, and 7 years TAFMS

Answer: (C)

Time in grade and time in active federal service determine eligibility for promotion to Master Sergeant after earning the 7-level. After you reach the 7-level, you must have at least two years in your current rank (24 months TIG) and at least eight years of total active federal service (8 years TAFMS). This ensures you’ve spent enough time in the rank to demonstrate leadership and have sufficient overall experience.

The combination that meets both thresholds is 24 months TIG and 8 years TAFMS. A TIG of 23 months falls short of the two-year minimum, and 7 years of TAFMS falls short of the eight-year minimum, so they don’t satisfy the standard eligibility requirements.