Final answer:
The highest promotion recommendation allowed for O1 and O2 paygrades is to the immediate next paygrade, O2 and O3, respectively, based on performance, responsibilities, and potential.
Step-by-step explanation:
The highest recommendation for promotion that is allowed for paygrades O1 and O2, with the exception of Limited Duty Officers, is a recommendation to the next higher paygrade, which would be O2 for an O1 and O3 for an O2. The process of promotion for officers includes receiving evaluations and recommendations based on their performance, abilities, and potential for increased responsibility. Unlike the General Schedule (GS) used for civil service, which has a structured scale based on education and experience, military promotions are based on a combination of factors, including evaluations from superiors, time in service, and time in grade.