PROMOTION REQUIREMENTS�AND RECOMMENDATIONS ��FROM CMSGT KEVIN C. REITER COMMAND CHIEF, 157 ARW�CAO JULY 2023

A MESSAGE FROM THE 157 ARW CCM

• Promotions are earned, not owed. Our Airmen earn their stripes through hard work, sustained performance and dedication to their craft. This slideshow is intended to be a tool to help you understand the current enlisted promotion process for the 157 ARW. Use this for yourself, to mentor others or to manage a section/flight/unit/Squadron or Group.

- Kevin C. Reiter, 157 ARW/CCM

• DAFI 36-2502 states: The fact a member meets each of the eligibility criteria outlined in this instruction does not automatically guarantee promotion to the next higher grade. Meeting minimum eligibility criteria only indicates that a member can be considered eligible for promotion. Promotion is not a reward for past performance, but recognition of the member’s potential to successfully serve in the higher grade.

MOST COMMON ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL PROMOTIONS

• DAFI 36-2502:
• An Airman must be the SOLE occupant to the valid unit manpower document (UMD) position (cannot be in excess) for promotion. **Check FY Recruiting and Retention Programs for any ETPs.**
• Must be assigned to a valid unit manpower document position with an authorized grade greater than or equal to the grade for which the member is being recommended, except for STEP I & II promotions (See Slide 4 & 5).
• Must not be assigned as an overgrade to the UMD. (i.e. be a TSgt in a SSgt UMD position)
• Airman must be eligible and willing to enter into an ANG service commitment for retainability requirement for promotions to the ranks of MSgt through CMSgt in accordance with the appropriate Air Force assignments instruction.
• RETRAINING: The Airman must obtain a 3-skill level in their current duty AF specialty code prior to the promotion recommendation.

STEP I (TSGT-MSGT) PROMOTION INFORMATION

• DAFI 36-2502: This program was developed to provide a promotion opportunity only for those highly qualified and most deserving based on demonstrated potential. ANG STEP I promotions must be reserved for a very limited number of truly outstanding and deserving members who have demonstrated potential for positions of increased responsibility. (T-1). A deserving Airman promotion is not a reward for past service, nor is it authorized solely due to an Airman’s attainment of the minimum eligibility requirements. This program allows members to be promoted to TSgt or MSgt without regard to the unit manpower document authorized grade. A force management plan must be in place so that promotions under the STEP I do not prevent the promotion of eligible NCOs, occupying valid vacancies, under the unit vacancy promotion program. (T-1). This program does not apply to members serving on a full-time Statutory Tour. (T-1).
• 157 ARW/CCM: This program should be used very sparingly on a case-by-case basis. STEP I Promotions are available for ALL STATUSES. See DAFI 36-2502 for all eligibility criteria.

STEP II (SMSGT-CMSGT) PROMOTION INFORMATION

• DAFI 36-2502: This program was developed to provide promotion opportunity to SMSgts and CMSgts for truly exceptional TRADITIONAL (Technicians and AGRs are not eligible for this promotion program) guard enlisted leaders where vacant unit manpower document authorizations do not exist. This program is based on calendar year, and each STEP II promotion must be executed in the current calendar year.
• 157 ARW/CCM: This promotion program is managed by the State Command Chief. The State CCM has the authority to promote 1 SMSgt and 1 CMSgt each year through the STEP II promotion process. Joint Force Headquarters is responsible for ensuring all members nominated and selected for promotion under STEP II are eligible. A STEP II eligibility roster is generated by JFHQ and sent to Commanders and Chiefs each year. Eligible members must submit a package to the State CCM followed by an in-person promotion board led by the State CCM with the Wing CCM, Group Chiefs (9Gs) and Wing HRA.

JUNIOR ENLISTED AIRMEN:�AB-SRA

• The fuel to our daily missions. This tier’s focus and priority is on learning and consists of Airman Basic (AB), Airman (Amn), Airman First Class (A1C), and Senior Airman (SrA). This tier should be developing their Airman Leadership Qualities and be familiar with foundational and occupational competencies to perform at the basic and intermediate levels.

PROMOTION TO AIRMAN (AMN)/E2

• DAFI 36-2502 Requirements:
• 3 Skill Level
• 6 Months Time-in-Service from Basic Military Training (BMT) Start Date
• 6 Months Time-in-Grade from BMT Start Date
• Education Required: Graduation from BMT
• Promotion Process: 157 ARW Form 2 Approved at the Squadron Level
• Airman are still learning and adapting to the military profession and are expected to understand and conform to military standards, customs and courtesies while beginning to show occupational proficiency.

PROMOTION TO AIRMAN FIRST CLASS (A1C)/E3

• DAFI 36-2502 Requirements:
• 3 Skill Level
• 12 Months (1 Year) Time-in-Service from Basic Military Training Start Date
• 6 Months Time-in-Grade
• Education Required: Graduation from Basic Military Training
• Promotion Process: 157 ARW Form 2 Approved at the Squadron Level
• Airman First Class apply their knowledge and skills to become highly efficient in their career field and focus on learning their 5-skill level.

PROMOTION TO SENIOR AIRMAN (SRA)/E4

• DAFI 36-2502 Requirements:
• 3 Skill Level
• 24 Months (2 Years) Time-in-Service from Basic Military Training Start Date
• 12 Months (1 Year) Time-in-Grade
• Education Required: Graduation from Basic Military Training
• Promotion Process: 157 ARW Form 2 Approved at the Squadron Level
• Senior Airman perform as skilled technicians and become well-versed trainers. They begin developing supervisory and leadership skills to advance their professional growth. SrA gain supervision experience of individuals and begin build skills in leading teams. Upon completion of Airman Leadership School, a SrA may have an opportunity to become an official supervisor.

NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICERS:�SSGT-TSGT

• The “backbone” of the United States Air Force. This tier focuses on training, supervision, and task execution and consists of Staff Sergeant (SSgt) and Technical Sergeant (TSgt). NCOs lead by example as role models to all and ensure proper use of resources within their control. They become proficient and internalize the Airman Leadership Qualities and progress toward intermediate and advance foundational competency levels. Additionally, they continue their development through Enlisted Professional Military Education and career-broadening positions, as they begin building a strong network within and outside their organizations. As Noncommissioned Officers progress in this tier, the focus will be on establishing proficiency:

PROMOTION TO STAFF SERGEANT (SSGT)/E5

• DAFI 36-2502 Requirements:
• 5 Skill Level
• 48 Months (4 Years) Time-in-Service
• 12 Months (1 Year) Time-in-Grade
• Education Required: Airman Leadership School (In-Residence or Correspondence)
• Promotion Process: 157 ARW Form 2 Approved at the Squadron Level
• Staff Sergeants earn the 7-skill level and further develop as technicians, supervisors, and leaders. They are responsible for their subordinate’s development and effective accomplishment of all tasks.

PROMOTION TO TECHNICAL SERGEANT (TSGT)/E6

• DAFI 36-2502 Requirements:
• 7 Skill Level
• 72 Months (6 Years) Time-in-Service
• 24 Months (2 Year) Time-in-Grade
• Education Required: Airman Leadership School (In-Residence or Correspondence)
• Promotion Process: 157 ARW Form 2 Approved at the Squadron Level
• Eligible for STEP I (ALL STATUSES)
• Technical Sergeants further development by striving to be technical experts while providing excellent attention to detail, establishing effective communication, and fostering a positive culture of trust within the organization.

SENIOR NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICERS: MSGT-CMSGT

• Senior Noncommissioned Officers: This tier preserves our legacy and heritage by focusing on leading teams and shaping the future force. The ranks consist of Master Sergeant (MSgt), Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt), and Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt). As Senior Noncommissioned Officers progress in this tier, they actively integrate subordinates’ talents, skills, and abilities with other teams to effectively accomplish the mission. Additionally, they seek joint and interagency professional development opportunities to build partnership capacity. Senior Noncommissioned Officers should be highly proficient at the Airman Leadership Qualities and have a comprehensive knowledge of the foundational competencies operating at the advanced and expert levels. All Senior Noncommissioned Officers mentor their subordinates and peers through continual education, training, and experience to develop ready and disciplined teams. They also play a unique and critical role in developing and advising officers to lead teams successfully. A

PROMOTION TO MASTER SERGEANT (MSGT)/E7

• DAFI 36-2502 Requirements:
• 7 Skill Level
• 96 Months (8 Years) Time-in-Service
• 24 Months (2 Years) Time-in-Grade
• Retainability Requirements: AGR – 24 Months, DSG/TECH – 12 months
• Education Required: NCO Academy (In-Residence or Correspondence)
• 157 ARW CCM Recommendations:
• TAFMS – 8 Years (AGR Only)
• Squadron Level Involvement
• Promotion Process: 157 ARW Form 2 Approved at the Wing Level
• Eligible for STEP I (ALL STATUSES)
• Master Sergeants are technical experts that begin transitioning from first-line supervisors and trainers to leaders of teams with operational competence and overall effectiveness.

PROMOTION TO SENIOR MASTER SERGEANT (SMSGT)/E8

• DAFI 36-2502 Requirements:
• 7 Skill Level
• 132 Months (11 Years) Time-in-Service/STEP II – 204 Months (17 Years)
• 24 Months (2 Years) Time-in-Grade
• Retainability Requirements: 24 Months/STEP II – 36 Months
• Education Required: SNCO Academy (In-Residence or Correspondence) & CCAF and/or Associates or higher from a nationally or regionally accredited academic institution
• 157 ARW CCM Recommendations:
• TAFMS – 11 Years (AGR Only)
• Group Level Involvement
• Promotion Process: 157 ARW Form 2 Approved at the Wing Level
• Eligible for STEP II (DSG ONLY)
• Senior Master Sergeants are experienced operational leaders that continue to develop their leadership and management skills. They strive to learn the art of strategic leadership and earn the 9-skill level.

PROMOTION TO CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT (CMSGT)/E9

• DAFI 36-2502 Requirements:
• 9 Skill Level
• 168 Months (14 Years) Time-in-Service/STEP II – 204 Months (17 Years)
• 24 Months (2 Years) Time-in-Grade
• Retainability Requirements: 24 Months/STEP II – 36 Months
• Education Required: SNCO Academy (In-Residence or Correspondence) & CCAF and/or Associates or higher from a nationally or regionally accredited academic institution
• 157 ARW CCM Recommendations:
• TAFMS – 15 Years (AGR Only)
• Wing Level Involvement
• Promotion Process: 157 ARW Form 2 Approved at the Wing Level. Must meet w/CCM.
• Eligible for STEP II (DSG ONLY)
• Chief Master Sergeants serve in the highest enlisted grade and hold strategic leadership positions with tremendous influence at all levels of the Air Force.