Final answer:
In the U.S. Army, secondary zone requirements for promotion to Sergeant (SGT) include 17 months of service and five months in grade, while promotion to Staff Sergeant (SSG) requires 46 months of service and seven months in grade, along with a commanding officer's recommendation and other criteria.
Step-by-step explanation:
The secondary zone requirements for promotion to the ranks of Sergeant (SGT) and Staff Sergeant (SSG) refer to the early promotion system within the U.S. Army. For both ranks, there are specific criteria involving time in service and time in grade, as well as professional development courses, leadership skills, and physical fitness. Soldiers can be considered for promotion in the secondary zone if their performance is exceptional and they stand out among their peers.
Typically, to be eligible for promotion to SGT in the secondary zone, a soldier needs 17 months of time in service and five months of time in grade. For promotion to SSG, a soldier needs 46 months of time in service and seven months of time in grade. Moreover, soldiers need a recommendation from their commanding officer and must satisfy other requirements, such as passing the Promotion Board and completing necessary Professional Military Education (PME).