During my time (1980s), layers were promoted to LCPs, at least
one other gunner in each detachment (at least in my battery) were
also promoted to LCP. Therefore, the "rest ... remained PTEs" are
not true.
That LCP is the highest rank that conscripts can climb is also
untrue. In the first ICT of my former unit, a layer - LCP (a
Hokkien peng who could only speak a few words of English), was
appointed detachment commander (established rank of SGT) because of
a shortage of trained Arty NCOs. Subsequently, the appointment
became permanent.
