Staff Promotion and Demotion Programs

BY ORDER OF THE EMPIRE OF APOLLO

EMPEROR OF THE EMPIRE OF APOLLO

INSTRUCTION 26-604

01905 [PENDING] April 2026

Operations Support

STAFF PROMOTION AND DEMOTION PROGRAMS

COMPLIANCE WITH THIS PUBLICATION IS MANDATORY

Accessibility: This instruction is accessible to all current and prospective staff members and leadership of the Empire of Apollo.

Releasability: There are no releasability restrictions on this publication.

Office of Primary Responsibility (OPR): HQ/A1M

Certified By: [Name and Title of Certifying Official — Pending]

Pages: Pending

Summary of Changes: Initial release, establishing detailed guidelines for the promotion and demotion of staff members within the Empire of Apollo to support a structured and professional community environment.

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1.1. Roles and Responsibilities.

The Empire of Apollo Deputy Chief of Staff (DCOS) for Manpower, Personnel, and Services, HQ/A1: Reserved for later use.

1.2. Promotion Authority.

A Moderator (ECA4) or non-executive equivalent promotes to the grades Newb Class 1 through Esquire Class V.

A Head Admin or Commander (ECA 6 or 7) or non-executive equivalent promotes to grades Helper (ECA1) through Moderator (ECA4); Knight Class I through Duke Class V.

The Component Commander (ECA8) promotes to grades Administrator (ECA5) and Head Administrator (ECA6). This authority may be delegated to the vice component commander, staff director, or equivalent level commander, but may not be further delegated.

A Governor promotes to grades Arch Duke Class I through King Class V.

The Kingdom Commander or King (ECA10) promotes to the grade of Commander (ECA7) and Component Commander (ECA8).

The Emperor promotes to the grade of Governor (ECA9) and higher. The Emperor and Vice Emperor can promote any member to the next higher grade.

To promote a staff member to the next higher ECA, a position vacancy must exist with a direct effect to the operational welfare of the Empire of Apollo and the staff member must be eligible in accordance with the grade promotion requirements in Chapter 2.

1.3. Announcement of Promotion Dates. Reserved for later use.

1.4. Establishing Dates of Rank. Reserved for later use.

1.5. Determining Promotion Ineligibility.

When members are rendered ineligible for promotion, they cannot be considered for promotion to the grades of ECA1-ECA11. Reasons for promotion ineligibility:

(a) Has been convicted by The Empire of Apollo courts or is undergoing punishment, or has a Letter of Reprimand (LOR) within the last 6 months.

(b) Is on the control roster per AEI 26-605, Adverse Staff Administrative Actions.

(c) Has been convicted by a civilian court or is undergoing punishment (excluding minor traffic violations), suspended punishment/sentence, probation, work release program, or any combination of these or similar court-ordered conditions.

(d) Is pending administrative demotion action pursuant to Chapter 3.

(e) Is not recommended for entry into upgrade training or is withdrawn from upgrade training for failing to progress to the next higher level.

(f) Declines to attend AEPE according to AEI 26-7, Training and Professional Development.

A staff member or the member's commander may request a waiver for reasons outlined above. Requests should be limited to extreme cases that warrant promotion eligibility. Requests should not be used as a reward for rehabilitated behavior. All levels of command may disapprove these requests. Appeals may be routed up to HQ/JAH who holds final say unless the promotion in question outranks them, then it goes to the next Empirical Officer in the CoC that is two grades higher or to the Emperor for final say.

1.6. Accepting Promotions.

Members who accept a promotion may be eligible for reassignment and selective retraining in the projected grade.

1.7. Promotion Ceremonies.

Commanders may conduct promotion ceremonies on the last day before the promotion effective date. Ceremonies do not affect pay, seniority, or entitlements.

1.8. Declining Promotions.

Members may decline a promotion in writing any time prior to the effective date (for example, voluntary resignation). The declination letter must include name, Discord handle and all other platforms set to display a rank for that member, and a statement of understanding that reinstatement will not be authorized.

1.9. Professional Empire of Apollo Education Requirements. Reserved for later use.

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2.1. Staff Member Eligibility.

[NOTE: This section to be moved to AEI 26-602]

To be eligible to join the staff of the Empire of Apollo and ascend to the rank of Helper I, an applicant must meet the following criteria:

Age: Applicants must be 18 years or older to be considered for any staff position. (T-0)

Active Member: Member must be an active and contributing member of the Empire of Apollo in some fashion. (T-0)

Before being eligible to apply for a Novice position, they must attain the rank of Esquire in the general membership ranks outlined in AEI 26-603, General Membership Structure and Perks. (T-2)

The member must also have been with the Empire of Apollo for a minimum of 60 days before being eligible to apply for a Helper position. (T-2), (T-3) for 50% reduction in the requirement.

Character and Integrity: Candidates should have a reputation for integrity, respect, and ethical behavior consistent with AEI 1-1, Culture and Standards, and AEI 26-601, Staff Code of Conduct.

Background and Screening: All applicants are subject to a screening process to verify they align with the Empire's values. This includes reference checks and, where applicable, criminal background checks.

Technology Proficiency: Basic proficiency in communication and collaboration tools, such as email, messaging platforms, and any proprietary systems used within the Empire.

2.2. Selection to a Staff Position.

A member selected to fill an official posted vacancy in accordance with AEI 28-4, Staff Vacancies must complete the following to attain the official title of Novice and begin their official orientation and staff training:

(a) Read AEI 26-601, Staff Code of Conduct and sign TEOA Form 26-002, Statement of Understanding.

(b) Read and sign TEOA Form 26-003, Non-Compete/Disclosure Agreement.

A Novice selectee is NOT authorized to view confidential or proprietary information of staff-restricted documents, trainings, or command, control, and communications capabilities until both TEOA Form 26-002 and TEOA Form 26-003 are signed and recorded by a competent Empire of Apollo authority of ECA-4 or higher.

2.3. Promotion of Novice to Helper II — ECA 0-2.

Novice (ECA-0) to Helper I (ECA-1): Upon successful completion of all items in section 2.2, a Novice may be granted the Rank/Role of Novice on all applicable platforms. The Novice will be assigned to a Training Manager to begin initial skills training. Official training begins on Day of Training 1 (DOT-1). Novice staff have 30 Days of Training to complete all initial skills items and be certified competent.

A Novice is fully qualified for promotion to Helper I at:

- Graduation of the initial skills training; (T-2)

- A passing score on the initial skills exam of 70% or higher; (T-2)

- 30 days' time-in-grade as a Novice; (T-2)

- Attained the rank of Squire in general membership ranks. (T-2)

If the promotion authority deems the Novice incompetent or finds they are failing to adapt, the promotion authority may authorize an additional 30-day probationary period. If the Novice fails following the 30-day probation, the Novice will be dismissed for Failure to Adapt and the promotion authority must document this on TEOA Form 26-004, Revocation of Initial Staff Selection.

Helper I (ECA-1) to Helper II (ECA-2): Helper I's are promoted to Helper II upon meeting minimum requirements of:

- Successful completion of the 1 Level Master Training Task List (MTL) items; (T-2)

- Satisfactory completion of the Helper II evaluation; (T-2)

- 60 days time-in-grade as a Helper I. (T-2)

- Attained the rank of Knight in general membership ranks. (T-2)

2.4. Promotion Through Moderator II — ECA 3-4.

Helper II (ECA-2) to Moderator I (ECA-3): Fully qualified Helper II's are promoted to Moderator I when selected to fill a vacancy posted per AEI 28-4, Staff Vacancies and meet the following:

- Successful completion of 3 Level Master Training Task List (MTL) items;

- Completion of The Empire of Apollo Command Control and Communications training per Executive Order XXXXX;

- Completion of The Empire of Apollo Email familiarization training;

- Satisfactory completion of the Helper II evaluation;

- A recommendation for promotion on their most recent Performance Evaluation per AEI 26-606;

- 90 days time-in-grade of Helper II. (T-2), (T-3) for 50% reduction in requirement;

- Attained the rank of Baronet in general membership ranks. (T-2)

- Attained the Title of Initiate of Apollo.

Moderator I (ECA-3) to Moderator II (ECA-4): Moderator I's are promoted upon meeting:

- Successful completion of the 5 Level Master Training Task List (MTL) items;

- Satisfactory completion of the Moderator II evaluation;

- 120 days time-in-grade as a Moderator I.

- Attained the Title of Adept of Apollo.

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3.1. Demotions.

Do not use administrative demotions when it is more appropriate to take actions specified by the Empire of Apollo Revised Code. The unit commander recommends demotion action to the demotion authority. Members who have been separated cannot be demoted. If the commander has sufficient reason to initiate demotion action, use the entire staff record in deciding whether demotion is appropriate. When appropriate, give staff members an opportunity to overcome their deficiencies before demotion action is initiated. Commanders should maintain supporting documentation of all rehabilitation and probationary actions.

Do not suspend administrative demotions. The demotion authority, with administrative jurisdiction, can restore the member's previous grade, if no other ineligible condition exists. If the demotion authority restores the member's previous grade following the demotion, they must do so sometime between three months and six months after the effective date of the demotion. HQ/K1 will be the final approval authority for grade restoration. Restoring grade should be an uncommon occurrence.

In cases where the demotion reason has been removed, the original date of rank and effective date will be restored.

A commander that demoted a member two grades may restore the member to only one grade (example: a Moderator demoted to Helper I may be restored to a Helper II, instead of back to a Moderator).

3.2. Who Can Demote.

A Commander (ECA7), or equivalent level commander, may demote Admins (ECA5) and below. Equivalent level commander is defined as a senior officer in the grade of Commander (ECA7) within the member's supervisory chain. Note: Higher levels of command may also demote, but a Commander (ECA-7) is the lowest level of authority.

The Kingdom Commander or King (ECA10) may demote those in the grades of Head Administrator (ECA6) through Component Commander (ECA8). This demotion authority may be delegated no lower than the Kingdom vice commander, Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower, Personnel and Services, or equivalent level commanders.

The Emperor or Vice Emperor are the only authorized individuals to demote a Governor (ECA9) or King (ECA10).

The appellate authority is the next higher-level commander. In the case of delegated authority to a vice commander, the appellate authority will be the commander who delegated the original duty.

3.3. Reasons to Demote.

(a) Trainee Status Termination: Members are demoted to their former grade when their trainee status ends if they were promoted in anticipation of completing the Initial Skills Requirements.

(b) Demotion Based on Skill Levels: Demote staff members to a grade that corresponds to their skill level. Use the date their skill level was reduced as the effective date of demotion.

(c) Failure to Fulfill Responsibilities: Staff members may be demoted for failing to fulfill Junior Staff, Middle Staff, or Senior Noncommissioned Officer responsibilities.

Junior Staff Responsibilities: Junior Staff are responsible for representing the Empire of Apollo in a professional manner both on and off-duty. Junior Staff must understand, accept, and embody the Empire of Apollo core values and exhibit professional behavior, respect for authority and high standards.

Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) Responsibilities: In addition to fulfilling Junior Airman Responsibilities, NCOs must lead and mentor subordinates to best accomplish the mission. NCOs must demonstrate a high level of personal and professional conduct that serves as an example for others to follow.

Senior Noncommissioned Officer (SNCO) Responsibilities: In addition to fulfilling NCO responsibilities, SNCOs must epitomize excellence, professionalism, pride, and competence, while serving as a role model for all members. SNCOs must lead people and manage programs while maintaining the highest level of readiness to ensure mission success. SNCOs who fail to monitor, correct, and advise subordinates and leaders when needed have not executed their responsibility.

(d) Commission of a Serious Offense: In cases where a member commits an offense and disciplinary action is precluded or not appropriate, a commander may administratively demote the member. The commander should find by a preponderance of evidence that the member committed the offense before initiating the demotion process. A serious offense includes an offense where a punitive discharge would be authorized for the same or a closely related offense under the applicable disciplinary code.

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Administrator II: Senior administrator responsible for advanced policy enforcement, decision-making, and special projects.

Administrator: Handles administrative tasks, provides oversight, and supports moderation teams in a supervisory capacity.

Commander: Leads the entire staff organization, manages cross-department operations, and ensures adherence to strategic goals.

Head Administrator: Oversees all administrative functions, ensuring compliance and providing strategic leadership.

Helper II: Senior helper with responsibilities extending to basic moderation tasks and supporting the Moderation Team.

Helper I: Entry-level support providing guidance to community members by answering help tickets or responding to messages in server threads and chats.

Helper Trainee (Novice): A newly selected staff member who is set to begin training.

Joint Server Commander: Highest authority below the Emperor, tasked with setting overarching policies, providing guidance, and leading strategic planning across the Empire.

Moderator II: Experienced moderator responsible for more complex conflicts and offering mentorship to junior staff.

Moderator: Enforces rules, manages conflicts, and assists in maintaining order.