completing class work for it...but clearly, in the minds of those above him, he deserved that recognition. Also, the practice of wearing the stripes of a CMS before completing all requirements (e.g. class work) is an approved practice within our military (see "Frocking" in the link below).
Tim Walz's performance earned him that rank...your performance earns you the rank of "Master Anal-Retentive Nit Picker" ;-)
Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frocking