Dragoon

To become a Dragoon within the Timaran Army takes years of training and to be chosen by a dragon. 
The first step to attaining the rank of Dragoon has actually two paths in the beginning before merging on the path to become a Dragoon. For a common soldier, they must distinguish themselves on the field of battle or through their rising in the ranks of the military. Often an individual who takes this path is not chosen until they reach the rank of captain but it is not impossible to be chosen of a lower rank. The other way is to display magical powers and go through the training of the Chroma Arcanum and become a full-fledge mage of the Empire. Once their training is complete they are eligible to be chosen but usually are not until the mage has shown their capabilities in combat or diplomacy.
The next step has already been briefly discussed requires the individual to display their combat capability, their keen mind, or their capability to cast powerful spells. Once this is done their name is then recommended to the Dragoon Council by their commanding officer or by a dragoon.
After their name is put forth the council looks at their record and chooses a selection among the many candidates that are sent to them and narrows it down to 25 to stand before them for a Trial. 
The Trial itself changes year by year and while some trials do share similar themes they are often changed to prevent the candidates from cheating and for those who failed and are reselected to challenge them so they not become complacent. 
If they pass the trial they are then introduced to a dragon. If they do not impress the dragon then their journey comes to an end. Only 5 are ever chosen, with one going to each dragon flight. 
However, the rank of Dragoon is not reached until a dragon rider and the dragoon complete their training and are recognized by an elder rider and dragon as a Dragoon.