Being that PA is a relativly small field when it comes the amount of people in it, does that make it harder to make rank or easier? Sorry if this question sounds petty, just something that crossed my mind.

It's a very small field. PA3 and PA2 billets have been interchangable for a while now so it's not too hard to make 2nd. 1st is a usually a short wait, but the rate is pretty full so it's hard to say how it will be in a year or 2. Chief and up ... it's pretty competative.

Hope that helps.