What rank would Maverick from Top Gun have to be to still be in the Navy today? #shitpost

Driving to Air Wing Fallon, my buddy and I come up on the topic of Top Gun. We then wonder how Maverick could still be in the Navy in present day. So we decide to science the shit out of this.

If Maverick, who is a Lieutenant in 1986, promoted at the earliest opportunity (four years from O-1 to O-3) we can assume that he joined in 1982. At the time of the film, we don't know his age. Tom Cruise was 23 turning 24 when the film released. Assume that Maverick graduated from college a year early (and did NOT attend the Naval Academy) to establish a baseline age of making LT when he was 23. So, 23 year old LT Pete Mitchell has been in the Navy for four years at the time of the movie.

Minimum time in grade will not apply because he is a hotshot, but he is still beholden to Navy regulation with respect to time in service. Minimum TIS for O-4 is ten years. 1986 + 6 is 1992. Maverick makes O-4. He's 29. Has to wait six years to promote to O-5. 1992 + 6 is 1998. Maverick makes Commander, he's 35. Has to wait another six years to make Captain. 1998 + 6 = 2004. Maverick is 41. HYT for a Captain is 30 years, Maverick must make Admiral before 2012, otherwise he retires at age 49.

So, for Maverick (and Iceman, since Val Kilmer also wants to reprise his role) to still be Navy when the sequel is released, they both have to be Admirals.

Can I get a math check? Happy Saturday!