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A Guide for the Air Force Officer and DoD Civilian
Enlisted Promotion Guide
Source: The Enlisted Professional Development Committee 21st Space Wing
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Enlisted Promotion Guide
Why are some people promoted to each grade the first time eligible and others face promotion pass over year after year? An obvious answer might
be that some people are naturally sharper than others. True, personal motivation and ability plays a critical part in the Air Force enlisted
promotion process, but there is more to the story. "Fast burners" have usually had a mentor or supervisor to help them learn how the promotion
system works and to map out a strategy for achieving the next promotion and further advancement beyond that. They have also shown motivation and
determination and been willing to invest the time and effort to do what is necessary to make them competitive for promotion in addition to maintaining
a high level of performance on the job.
This guide is intended for two audiences. First, the information contained in this guide should help each enlisted member enhance his/her own chances
for promotion by providing a thorough understanding of the promotion system. Just as important, this guide supports supervisors (civilian, enlisted
and officer) who must know how to help their top performers compete successfully for promotion. A successful career is usually a team effort
involving personal commitment and outside support. High promotion rates are the sign of a healthy organization and reflect an effective team effort.
"It was neither preaching nor praying that made a better man of me, but one or two people who believed in me
better than / deserved, and / hated to disappoint them.” -- Owen Wister
There are few surprises in our enlisted promotion system. Timelines are known years in advance and promotion testing months are the same from
year to year. While some people think certain aspects of the promotion program are unfair, an understanding of the program and comparison with
promotion processes of other military services and civilian industry show that we have a visible, equitable system. As you read through this guide,
hopefully these facts will become clear.
Junior Enlisted Promotions
Airmen are generally promoted through the grade of senior airman by meeting minimum time in grade (TIG) and time in service (TIS)
requirements, and...with the commander's recommendation. Promotions are never automatic. In each case, the commander reviews the individual's
record of performance to determine that the promotion is warranted.
Timelines for airman promotions are outlined below.
| Promotion to Airman (Amn) |
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Airmen Basic (AB) are eligible for promotion to Amn at 6 months' TIG and
recommendation of immediate commander. |
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| Promotion to Airman First Class (A1C) |
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Amn are eligible for promotion to A1C with 10 months' TIG and
recommendation of immediate commander. |
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NOTE: Some individuals are promoted to A1C directly out of basic training
if they have college credit or participated in junior ROTC. The recruiter,
prior to entry on active duty, makes this determination. |
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| Promotion to Senior Airman (SrA) |
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Promotion to SrA occurs at 36 months' TIS and 20 months' TIG, or 28
months' TIG, whichever occurs first. Member must also meet skill level requirements and be recommended by immediate supervisor and
commander |
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| Below the Zone (BTZ) Promotion to SrA |
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A recommendation for promotion to SrA BTZ is one of the best things you
can do to take care of your “best and brightest.” Eligibility occurs 6 months
earlier than the fully qualified point. Airmen must meet skill level requirements and be recommended by their immediate supervisor and
commander. Boards are held four times per year (December, March, June, and September) to consider eligibles. Up to 15% of those eligible may be
promoted each cycle. In order to be competitive for BTZ promotion to SrA, individuals must
have distinguished themselves from their peers. This will usually be evident
through rapid completion of upgrade training, attaining distinguished or honor graduate status at technical training, participating in unit, base, and
community activities, completing off-duty education, and, most importantly,
performing at a level that far exceeds standards as evidenced by an effective, enthusiastic Enlisted Performance Report. Supervisors should
mentor their deserving junior airmen to ensure they will be competitive when
they are within their BTZ "window."
Contact your local MPF, Promotions Section, for more specific eligibility
criteria and timelines for SrA fully qualified and SrA BTZ promotion. |
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| Enlisted Promotions - SSgt through MSgt |
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With the exception of STEP (Stripes for Exceptional Performers),
promotion to the grades of staff through master sergeant is based strictly
on weighted, objective factors under the Weighted Airman Promotion System (WAPS). (See
Enlisted Promotion Factors at the end of this section
for the formula used to compute these factors.) |
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Promotion factors fall into three areas: knowledge (Specialty Knowledge
Test (SKT) and Promotion Fitness Examination (PFE)), performance (enlisted
performance reports and decorations), and longevity (time in service/grade). |
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Although supervisors and commanders play a large role in performance report ratings and decoration submissions, individuals earn high ratings and
decorations through their performance. Since test preparation is strictly an individual responsibility, 78% of the total points available under WAPS
(knowledge and performance) are in the hands of the person competing for promotion. Criticisms of WAPS often reflect the perspective of those affected.
Individuals with little time in service and time in grade may perceive that the points awarded for time in service/grade give more senior people an advantage.
Senior personnel often comment that the high percentage of the total points awarded for test scores gives an advantage to junior personnel who test well
but who may not be "seasoned" enough for the next rank. The fact is that experience and maturity are indicators of potential and should not be removed
from the promotion formula. At the same time, there are those who have the dedication and desire to advance rapidly and are willing to put forth the effort
and study time necessary to score well on their tests. WAPS accommodates both.
While each promotion point is important, adding a decoration or the normal points acquired for time in
grade/service will generally not be enough to ensure promotion. The key to rapid promotion lies in effectively
preparing for promotion testing. The idea that someone doesn't test well usually
means they don't know how to prepare or do not have the commitment to devote the time necessary to ensure a solid test score. Some individuals are
so junior in grade that they require maximum scores on each test to be promoted, but this is rarely the case.
Some people find certain study methods more effective than others. Remember that group study and sharing of promotion test information is not
authorized, but a supervisor or peer can instruct you on study methods. Seek out someone who seems to be on the fast track for promotions and ask
how they prepare. A common answer will probably be that they start preparing months in advance of their test date and devote several hours
each night to study. Other methods that have also worked are recording the entire Career Development Course or PFE manual on audiotape for
playback during commutes to and from work or while deployed or typing CDCs or PFE manuals. Find out what works for you. The bottom line...if you
are not averaging 75% on your SKT and PFE, your current method of study is not working.
Supervisors and commanders have the responsibility to write strong performance reports and decorations to reward deserving individuals. By
setting and enforcing high standards, and then reserving top performance reports and decorations for only those who have earned them, the
supervisory chain helps ensure the right people get promoted. Therefore, supervisors and commanders must learn how to prepare effective
performance reports. The EPR word picture is important for promotion to all grades. Additionally, it’s especially important to build a record that
shows depth and breadth of experience when the individual competes for senior grades. Remember, although EPRs for only the last 5 years are used
to compute the weighted EPR score, promotion boards review EPRs for the past 10 years. It is possible for someone to compete for SMSgt with an
EPR she received as a SSgt in their promotion folder.
Senior NCO Promotions
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Promotion to senior and chief master sergeant is based upon a two-tiered process. The weighted factors of time in grade and service, decorations,
and EPRs are counted. Instead of an SKT and PFE, those competing for the senior grades take only a single test, the USAF Supervisory Examination
(USAFSE).
The greatest distinction between junior and senior NCO promotions is the promotion board score. A maximum board score of 450 points can account
for over 56% of the total points available. Therefore, even if an individual is very competitive in all weighted factors, they must also receive a high board
score in order to be selected for SMSgt or CMSgt. Many senior NCOs do not fully understand the board process and, consequently, do not know what
they can do to ensure a top board score. We'll attempt to explain the board process and provide a table, which helps illustrate what constitutes a weak,
average, and superior record.
A senior NCO promotion board is comprised of separate panels, which review all records within a given Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC). Each panel is
made up of two CMSgts and one colonel. The charts on the following page illustrate the scoring scale and process. The panel members must consider
the factors of performance, professional competence, leadership, job responsibility, breadth of experience, specific achievements, and
education, then score each record between 6 - 10 points. The panel members’ scores are then added together and multiplied by 15. If the
record indicates recent significant disciplinary action, a weak performance history, or other major disqualifiers, the panel may declare the individual
"Not Fully Qualified," (NFQ) and not score the record. In "NFQ" cases, the individual's commander is notified of the panel's decision and the
individual does not receive a promotion scorecard.
The table at the end of this section illustrates the general differences between strong and weak records. This table can also be used to help
perform an assessment of a record (or build a stronger record). Keep in mind that some panels may use the full scoring scale and award someone a
board score of 450. Other panels may score differently and only award a high score of 405. Since the same panel scores all records within a specific
AFSC, this difference in scoring does not create inequities.
While our table gives some pretty clear examples, most records are strong in some areas and weaker in others. For example, a college degree or winning
an award at a resident PME course are generally positive factors, but they won't offset markdowns on an EPR or other negative factors. The key in
preparing for senior NCO promotion boards is to identify both strong and weak areas and then work to strengthen the weak points. Remember this, if
completing a CCAF degree or a strongly written top EPR persuades each board member to increase their assessment of a record by only one point,
this results in 45 additional board points!
Before starting a records assessment, consider the following. The "average" senior NCO has a history of good performance reports (usually all "5s" and
"9s", no markdowns, with senior-rater endorsements), at least an associate's degree, and is probably close to maximum points for decorations.
Therefore, don't assume that these factors alone will place your record in the "outstanding" range. These factors form the baseline for promotion
board scores (averaging a board score range of 337.5 to 360). Well written EPRs which show specific mission impact, enthusiasm, and scope of
accomplishment, combined recognition received, PME completed, etc., form the basis for above average scores.
To begin the records assessment, your SNCOs need to ask your orderly room or military personnel flight for a records review print out. They need
to validate that data on this printout is accurate--is information on duty title/duty history correct, are decorations, PME and education level
accurate? If they find inaccurate information, they should contact the appropriate office of primary responsibility to have it corrected. Ensure
they follow-up and ask for another RIP in a week or so to make sure their record is updated with the corrected information.
In addition, they can review copies of the EPRs in their base-level personnel record, or they may request a copy of the contents of their promotion
folder from the Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC) by writing to:
HQ AFPC/DPPBR2
550 C Street West Suite 5
Randolph AFB TX 78150-4707
When your SNCOs receive this copy of their record, have them closely review each EPR for administrative accuracy. Is the correct box "x'd"
showing the proper endorsement level? Next, review the job descriptions starting with the top EPR. Do the responsibilities listed show career growth,
describe the number of people supervised, dollar value of equipment used, impact on mission? If the same duty title and job description have been
used for several years in a row, it could indicate stagnation--often perceived as a negative by board members. The best advice is to update the job
description from year to year. List only significant additional duties such as, Unit Resource Advisor, Safety NCO, etc.
In evaluating the reverse of EPRs, have them look for specific achievements and enthusiasm. A board member may spend only 2-5 minutes evaluating
a record! Significant achievements jump out at board members and are not hidden behind superfluous and extraneous praise. The most effective EPRs
show what they did, how they did it, and what the result was.
Enlisted Promotions
Questions and Answers
Question: Do I have a better chance of getting promoted through the regular process or through a supplemental promotion board?
Answer. Your best opportunity for being promoted is through the regular board process. The January 1996 Supplemental Promotion Board considered
204 individuals for promotion and promoted 8 (3.9% rate). This rate is substantially lower than the promotion selection rate during the normal
selection process. Therefore, it is very important to closely examine your promotion Data Verification RIP (DVR) to ensure errors are not discovered
after the promotion board meets. Also review all enlisted performance reports to ensure the right boxes are “x'd” (senior rater vs deputy, etc.).
Finally, follow-up aggressively on any pending decorations since a decoration, which is approved after promotion selections are announced, may not be
counted for that promotion cycle.
Question: What is the significance of the promotion eligibility cutoff date (PECD)? Do documents such as EPRs or decorations need to be finalized and
in my record by the PECD in order to count for promotion?
Answer: The PECD provides time to allow AFPC to screen promotion selection folders for senior NCO boards to ensure all required documents
are on file. The PECD also allows a standard date to be used for calculating EPR, decoration and other weighted promotion factors. Additionally,
individuals compete for promotion in the Air Force Specialty that they held on the PECD, not an AFSC into which they may be retraining in to. While an
EPR does not have to be filed in the personnel record by the PECD, the closeout date of the EPR has to be prior to the PECD. In the case of
decorations, the close-out date has to be prior to the PECD, and the decoration has to be approved by the final approval authority prior to the
date promotion selectees are determined. This is necessary to prevent decorations from being submitted after the fact in order to game the
promotion system.
Question: Does the senior NCO promotion board get to review USAF Supervisory Examination scores or other weighted factors?
Answer. No. The promotion panel views the promotion selection folder only and does not have access to the USAFSE score; however, the board is
provided a personnel data RIP that shows Total Active Military Service Date, decorations, and other personnel data.
Question: Since I test several months before the promotion release date, why can't I find out immediately how well I scored on the tests?
Answer. The Air Force Personnel Center provided the following clarification: "Questions are challenged all through the promotion cycle and
must be reviewed. The Air Force Occupational Management Squadron reviews each question that is challenged on Promotion Fitness Examinations
or Specialty Knowledge Tests. Just before the selection phase of the promotion cycle, a final score key with all deleted questions is made and all
tests are scored. Therefore, someone's score could be a "75" on the PFE in January and drop to a "70" in June when the promotions are released."
Question: Where do enlisted promotion quotas come from?
Answer: The number of enlisted members that can be promoted for each grade every cycle is based on the total projected vacancies with allowances
for those people who get promoted but are lost through normal attrition. Air Staff announces the number of people that can be selected (promotion
quota) a few days before selections are made. The Air Force Personnel Center enters the quota into a computer where the Weighted Airman
Promotion System scores are stored. A computer program then distributes the quota equally based upon the promotion eligible population within each
Air Force Specialty Code. The computer can select more than the target number if there are ties in cutoff scores. Once the selection phase is
completed and an actual number of “selectees" are identified, the promotion selection rate is announced.
Enlisted Promotion Factors
SSgt - MSgt
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Factor Maximum Formula |
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100 |
Specialty Knowledge Test 100 Percentage correct on 100 question, career field specific test |
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100 |
Promotion Fitness Examination 100 Percentage correct on 100 question, general military knowledge examination |
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40 |
Time in Service 2 points for each year of total active military service up to 20 years (1/6 of a point per month) |
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60 |
Time in Grade ½ point for each month in grade up to 10 years |
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25 |
Decorations AF Cross (11), Silver Star (9), Amn’s Medal, Bronze Star, MSM, Purple Heart (5), Air Medal,
Aerial Achievement Medal, AFCM (3), AFAM (1) |
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135 |
Enlisted Performance Reports Time weighted formula (See AFI 36-2502,
Table 2-2, Rule 6) |
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460 |
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Enlisted Promotion Factors
SMSgt - CMSgt
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Factor Maximum Formula |
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100 |
USAF Supervisory Examination 100 Percentage correct on 100 question, general military knowledge examination |
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25 |
Time in Service 1 point for each year of total active military service up to 25 years
(1/12 of a point per month) |
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60 |
Time in Grade ½ point for each month in grade up to 10 years |
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25 |
Decorations AF Cross (11), Silver Star (9), Amn’s Medal, Bronze Star, MSM, Purple Heart (5), Air Medal,
Aerial Achievement Medal, AFCM (3), AFAM (1) |
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135 |
Enlisted Performance Reports Time weighted formula (See AFI 36-2502,
Table 2-2, Rule 6) |
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345 |
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450 |
Board Score Based on subjective evaluation of promotion folder |
| Combined Total |
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795 |
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