One thing to keep in mind for FTS these days. Aviation is hurting for bodies in the flying squadrons. That coupled with the shifting screen groups is driving promotion to O-5 waaaay down for FTS pilots. Guys are being hung onto for the squadron manning and not having their highwater FITREP when they go to the board. I think the O-5 in zone selection rate was right around 30% the past two years for FTS pilots, and according to the detailer brief earlier this year, and it's not forecasted to change much over the next several years.
So, if you're an O-3 and you get FTS, odds are you'll pick up O-4, but O-5 isn't "guaranteed" like it was as recent as 4-5 years ago.
So, if you're an O-3 and you get FTS, odds are you'll pick up O-4, but O-5 isn't "guaranteed" like it was as recent as 4-5 years ago.