How do you get a higher rank when joining the army?

If you participate in ROTC in college, completion of the first two years will allow you to enter the military in the third pay grade rather than the first.

There are other organizations who's training will net you advanced pay on enlistment, for example; training as a cadet in your local Civil Air Patrol squadron.

National Guard recruiters will also award advanced pay grades if you help recruit other people.