Short of junior officers, the Army has adopted a new policy toward Second Lieutenants. In the past, Second Lieutenants had only one chance for promotion to First Lieutenant (after 18 months of service) and if not selected were quickly discharged. Under the new rules, Second Lieutenants who are passed over are given a six-month evaluation period during which they could be promoted if recommended by their commanders. Those with potential can be given a second extension, or even a third (but not 18 months beyond their original eligibility date) before being discharged.--Stephen V Cole