The Republic of Terrace Military Organization

The Republic of Terrace has a volunteer military.
Most enlisted personal sign a five year enlistment contract. During that time they must rise to at least the second rank, or else they will be considered dead weight and mustered out of service. Officers who attend the military academy have three years to rise to the next rank, or else they are mustered out and have to reimburse the government for their training.
After the first period promotions typically occur every three to nine years, with the average at six years. When a member has been in for nine years without a promotion they are usually mustered out to allow younger members to take their place.
After the war with New Terra Firma, the Terrace government almost immediately started to reduce the size of the military. This reduction left fewer and fewer senior posts available, and has put a lot of pressure on the lower ranks. There are always more people at the lower ranks than senior ranks. Those that are wanting make a career in the military have to have some sort of advantage to rise in the ranks. This has become less about competence and more about political connections.