Which statement correctly describes seniority when two officers share the same grade?

• A. Time in service determines seniority
• B. Alphabetical order determines seniority
• C. Number of assignments determines seniority
• D. Date of Rank (DOR) earlier means senior

Answer: (D)

When two officers hold the same grade, seniority is determined by Date of Rank—the officer promoted to that grade earlier is the senior. Date of Rank is the official date a person was promoted into that grade, and it serves as the tie‑breaker for precedence among peers in the same grade. Time in service and time in grade are important for other aspects of career progression, but they don’t set who is senior when the grade is equal. Alphabetical order or the number of assignments aren’t used for determining seniority. For example, if two majors were promoted to major on different dates, the one promoted earlier is the senior and would have precedence in matters affected by seniority.