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 R, Joint Ethics Regulation; & AFPD 36-29, Military Standards Mission & History of AF Mission and Unit of Assignment Customs & Courtesies AF Promotion Program (AFI , 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