Commander Mode - Promotion and Awards Question

[Sticks_n_Rudder]

Ive been in the early release and all ive seen is wings, purple heart, and air medal. All my squad are also butter bars. I was hoping for an XO who was an O2 or O3. When does someone get up for promo? Are all the other medals unlocked now? Ive got some AI mates with a wicked track record and best they got is air medal with oak cluster.

Edited August 4 by Sticks_n_Rudder
Typos

[LukeFF]

For now, all your squad members start at the lowest ranks. They can be promoted as you gain award and promotion points for completing operations.

Two campaign medals are available for the USAF and are usually seen within 30 days of starting a new career.

Medals above the Air Medal require exceptional valor and combat experience. In reality, when looking at the records of who was awarded medals, there are a lot of Air Medals in the list and not much else.

[Banzai]

One of my dudes is up for Silver Star after shooting two enemy planes in one mission. I am at 18% of the campaign and completed a number of operations but cannot promote any of my pilots yet. 

[Sticks_n_Rudder]

Thanks Luke! Ive been dying to promote some dude I made my XO cause hes about to be an ace. Wanted to through some silver bars on him and maybe get him a BS or SS. 

 

I love this system. I feel bad cuz I have a lot of Pilots getting hurt and I want to sling them the purple heart but I don't want to waste the points so I save it for dudes hospitalized 10 or more days

[Sticks_n_Rudder]

35 minutes ago, Banzai said:

One of my dudes is up for Silver Star after shooting two enemy planes in one mission. I am at 18% of the campaign and completed a number of operations but cannot promote any of my pilots yet. 

2 planes? I had a guy shoot down 3 and he was nominated for the air medal. I have a lot of dudes with purple hearts and air medals

[LukeFF]

37 minutes ago, Banzai said:

One of my dudes is up for Silver Star after shooting two enemy planes in one mission. 

Yep that's about right.