Command chief shares secrets to success for enlisted

  • Published
  • By Rebecca Amber
  • Staff writer
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Chief Master Sgt. David Smith, 412th Test Wing command chief hosted a mandatory enlisted all-call at the base theater April 13. Smith spent most of the hour sharing the road map to being promoted - good EPR's (Enlisted Performance Reports), education and special duties. 

The Enlisted Evaluation System is undergoing changes to make it equitable, explainable and executable. The new EPR focuses in on job performance, making sure each Airman is doing the best job that they can do. These EPRs are no longer associated with a number scale. Instead, they are ranked: promote now, must promote, promote, not ready or do not promote.

Time in service and time in grade points are being phased out over the next three years until they are no longer a factor in promotion eligibility, making a "Promote Now" rating a significant advantage. 

Smith encouraged each Airman that has not had an Airman Comprehensive Assessment to ask for one. The assessment clearly outlines where each Airman is at in their career and how they can improve.

It is important to note, that an EPR is only used as an assessment tool and is not part of the forced distribution process, unless an Airman is promotion eligible.

Forced distribution is a squadron commander-focused program that only affects Senior Airmen through Technical Sergeants. Each squadron commander is responsible for allocating personnel to be promoted within their squadron or unit.

Some squadrons may be considered too small for their commander to choose promotees, if they do not meet the minimum personnel requirements. In that case, the decision would be up to the next senior rater with the minimum number of personnel required - either the group or test wing commander.  

According to Smith, the ultimate goal is to make sure everyone feels they have an equal opportunity to be promoted.

Master and Senior Master Sergeants will continue to use the same process that has always been used. The only difference will be the number of stratifications and senior rater endorsements they can acquire.

Enlisted Professional Military Education (EPME) is also rolling out with a lot of changes. Smith says the new blended EPME experience is a brand new learning concept that makes Airmen also accountable for their own education. It incorporates both distance learning, which covers basic education, and residence, a more comprehensive education.

While residence is not a requirement, if an Airman is selected, they are highly encouraged to attend. The chief was clear in stating that if at all possible, he will not approve a request for deferment. Delaying an opportunity for residence could result in missing the opportunity altogether.

"Whether you're getting out of the service, whether you're planning on making chief, which everybody should do - and staying 30 years, you want to go to these courses. These are some great courses," said Smith.

Both education and Development Special Duty can make a positive impact in an individual's likelihood to be promoted. On average, less than 10 percent of those nominated for special duties are selected.

"It's a big deal to be nominated to those special duties," said Smith, noting that even a nomination can set you apart in an EPR. "If you were nominated it's because you were one of the best."

Airmen will only be nominated for special duties if they are the best fit for the job.

"There's no pipeline, there's no career field with these special duties and that's why it's important - the Air Force doesn't run without this process."

In the coming weeks, Smith along with Brig. Gen. Carl Schaefer, 412th Test Wing commander, will be stopping by various units unannounced. The visits are intended to give leadership an opportunity to see Airmen during their daily routine and to get to know the units better.