Upgrades
To be absolutely clear...
Upgrades are determined solely by Seniority.
If you meet the requirements, your name goes into the selection process.
If you don't meet the minimum requirements your name is bypassed, but automatically reconsidered during the next selection board.
A more senior bypassed candidate can still jump ahead of a less senior candidate depending on course dates.
And yes, there is a seniority list for upgrades. Just because it doesn't say it in the OMA doesn't exclude the application of internal management policies.