How fast does the above average coastie advance on the enlisted side? Preferably the aviation side. I know it is a very broad question with a lot of different factors, but I'm just curious. I'd imagine it would take longer to advance in the USCG due to the high retention rate and overall smaller size compared to the other branches. Am I right?
How fast you advance does have a lot of variables. To begin with, it depends on your motivation level, the rating you are in (BM, MK, AMT, etc.), How well you study for tests, awards you've received, sea time, time in service, time in paygrade...
The jump from E-3 to E-4 varies depending on the length of your 'A' school list, the length of the school, and you getting all of your rating practical factors and EPME practical factors signed off. Once you are an E-4, you must have at least 6 months as an E-4 before you can advance to E-5. This is not to say that you will automatically advance after 6 months though. You have to have all of your rating practical factors and EPME practical factors signed off for the next paygrade and depending on that rating, you may have an end of course test as well as a servicewide exam where you compete against all the other members of your rating and paygrade. If you are looking for aviation rating specific information, try asking this question either in the aviation section, or in the section of the rating you are interested in.
As far as personal experience, I made E-6 (SK1) in just under 6 years in the Coast Guard. Some ratings are faster and some are slower, but that really depends on you. I've seen people that are really great at their job make Chief (E-7) in just under 7 years.
I'll echo about everything that PO C said. It is mostly about you. Even within some ratings, is can vary a lot. I have seen people retire (at 20 years) in my rating at E-5 when I made E-9 under 16.
