THE ENLISTED FORCE
Overview
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Enlisted Force Foundation
US Air Force Enlisted Force Evolution
World War II
The Career Force
CMSAF and SEAs
The Enlisted Force Structure
Mandatory Requirements for NCOs
Specific Responsibilities
Enlisted PME
Enlisted Force Foundation
• Organization
– Used Many Ranks From 1775
– Adopted British Army & Navy Concepts with Minimal
Changes
• Professional Military Names
– Names Use For Ranks Go Back Several Centuries
• Soldier: a person who serves in military for pay
• Sergeant: comes from Latin word, serviens
• Insignia
– First US Military Insignia Used During Revolutionary
War
– By Order of Then General George Washington
US Air Force Enlisted Force
Evolution
• Beginnings
– Need to Bolster Military Aviation
– Army Signal Corps
• WWI
• WWII
– Need for Technical Skills
– Enlisted Pilot Program
The Career Force
• Changing American Society’s Perceptions
• Internal Changes
– Doolittle Board
• Structure
– 55/45 Policy
– 55% Career & 45% First Term
Force Management
• Airman Career Program
• WAPS
• TOPCAP
NCO Duties and Status
• Work Without Supervision
• Understand Complex Job Related Problems
• Train Subordinates
SMSgt and CMSgt
• Opened Up Promotions
• Promote Highly Qualified NCOs
• Eased Promotion Stagnation (Korean
Hump)
CMSAF and SEA
• Following Tradition of USA and USM
– USAF Created CMSAF, Oct 1966
– Chief Paul Airey Became First CMSAF, Apr 67
• SEA Position Created in 1970
– Fill Communication Gap btw CMSAF and
MAJCOMs
– Title Formally Changed to Command CMSgt
on 1 Nov 98
The Enlisted Force Structure
• Philosophy
– Provide Stable Career Structure for Enlisted
– Opportunity for Individual Professional Career
Growth
– Carefully Manage Formal Training, PME, &
Promotions
– Reflect Air Force Core Values
Purpose of Enlisted Force
Structure
• Defines Specific Responsibilities For Each
Enlisted Rank
• Relationships & How Each Rank Fits in the
Organization
• In 1977, Reorganized Into Three Tiers
– SNCO Tier
– NCO Tier
– AMN Tier
Senior NCO Tier
• CMSgt
– Highest Air Force Enlisted
– Superintendents and Managers
– Provide Senior Enlisted Leadership
• SMSgt
– Superintendents or Managers
– Continue Professional Development
• MSgt
– Craftsman and Supervisory Positions
– MSgt(S) Should Enroll in & Complete AFSNCOA
Correspondence Course
NCO Tier
• TSgt
– 7 Skill Level
– Supervisors
• SSgt
– Craftsmen with Some NCO Supervisory
Responsibilities
– Hold Either 5 or 7 Skill Level
AMN Tier
• SrA
– Transition From Journeyman to NCO
• AIC
– Expected to Master Skills in New Career Field
• AMN
– Understand & Conform to Military Standards
• AB
– Apprentice Acquiring & Demonstrating Knowledge of
Mil Customs, Courtesies, Traditions, and AF Standards
– Learning Military and Technical Skills
Mandatory Requirements
• NCOs Must:
– Consider Professional Development of Subordinates
– Attain & Maintain Skill Level Commensurate with
Rank
– Secure & Promote PME for Self & Subordinates
– Develop & Maintain Thorough Understanding of
Supervisory Techniques
– Actively Support AF Policy of Zero Tolerance for
Discrimination & Sexual Harassment
References NCOs Must Be
Familiar With
• UCMJ, Manual For Courts Martial; DoD 5500.7R,
Joint Ethics Regulation; & AFPD 36-29, Military
Standards
• Mission & History of AF Mission and Unit of
Assignment
• Customs & Courtesies
• AF Promotion Program (AFI 36-2502, Airman
Promotion Program)
• Enlisted Assignment System
• Air Force Awards and Decorations Program
Specific Responsibilities
• PME
• Formal Civilian Education
• Assignments and Utilization
Enlisted PME
• College For Enlisted PME
– ALS
– NCOA
– AFSNCOA
Summary
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Enlisted Force Foundation
US Air Force Enlisted Force Evolution
World War II
The Career Force
CMSAF and SEAs
The Enlisted Force Structure
Mandatory Requirements for NCOs
Specific Responsibilities
Enlisted PME