As a 2LT chomping at the bit to drop the dreaded 'butterbar' stigma, I dream of an accelerated promotion - but I know that I have a lot to learn yet. My first impression of the Army was promotions were/are too quick. I came over from the USMC side as a Sgt., and automatically assumed that all indivduals wearing three stripes had been around at least a hitch ( ~4 yrs) or so. I have found that is not the case, as I have met numerous soldiers with only 3 yrs in that are E-5. They have a lot of potential, but not the TIG/TIS, to really know what is going on. I wonder if the current promotions in the officer corps won't follow a similiar path.