by Debbie Gildea
Air Force Personnel, Services and Manpower Public Affairs
3/28/2012 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas -- Stripes for Exceptional Performers nomination packages meeting the Central STEP Board and the Combatant Command Board are due to the Air Force Personnel Center enlisted promotions section by April 6, AFPC officials said.
The fiscal 2012 central and COCOM boards will meet April 23-24, according to Senior Master Sgt. Jeff Noxon, the enlisted promotions and training superintendent.
The STEP promotion program offers commanders a limited opportunity to immediately promote enlisted members to staff sergeant, technical sergeant or master sergeant. STEP promotions recognize Airmen who exhibit exceptional potential, said Noxon.
"The STEP program is a tool commanders can use to promote people that, in the commander's eyes, are deserving of immediate promotion." he said. "When Airmen know that the possibility exists that they could be spot promoted, it gives them additional reason to do their best work."
For more full nomination criteria and package requirements, or information about other personnel issues, visit the Air Force Personnel Services website at https://gum-crm.csd.disa.mil.
Comments
4/3/2012 8:19:43 PM ET Outstanding program that has been turned into a political hollow shell that Chief McCoy can no longer stand. It is a sad thing when the creator or a program hates what it has been turned into.
D, MDL
4/2/2012 9:27:29 PM ET Only a few more days to write your own packages and submit them to leadership.
Sgt Whoever, conus
4/1/2012 11:55:43 AM ET The guidance on STEP is pretty clear. It's not supposed to be a below-the-zone for SSgt and above. It is to recognize that not everyone tests well to provide an opportunity to recognize Airmen who merit consideration for their performance and enjoy the benefit of greater rank equivalent to that performance. Very few can be submittedselected compared to the normal promotion process. It's up to local commanders to properly administer the program.
TSgt M, SAFB
4/1/2012 8:27:59 AM ET This is another broke AF program that is not executed as intended. Too often this is used to promote those that are supposedly performing above their grade but don't perform well on tests. If they were execptional performers they should be able to demonstrate their knowledge through two simple tests. Also with promotion rates as high as they are there is no need for this program anyway.
Deployed, Afghanistan
3/30/2012 6:23:22 PM ET Being one of those who've actually earned one of these promotions I can say that my leadership put me in for it based on my work excelling at duties well above my paygrade AND demonstrating the maturity to serve at that higher paygrade. I tested multiple times for my rank and would missed it by single digits each time. The system worked as intented for me and I'm sure many others.
TSgt, San Antonio
3/30/2012 3:53:01 PM ET The idea behind STEP is for Exceptional Performers not People Who Don't Know Their Job Well Enough to Take a Test On It. The WAPS program's only real flaw is the EPR...everyone gets a 5 so it basically cancels itself out. SKT testing in particular is more valid than anything because you test on uh YOUR JOB. How can anyone really say with a straight face I'm really good at my job I just don't test well. That's all the SKT is...your job. Suck it up shut up and learn your crap. If you truly know your job requirements well then answering a short test about it shouldn't be that difficult.
MR W, DM AFB
3/30/2012 8:54:35 AM ET I partially agree with the NCO from Randolph. In my experience the STEP promotions have not been used correctly. They should be for those that are performing at a level higher than their rank. This could be because they don't test well but their performance is exceptional. Those promotions aren't bad. They should also be for those that the promotion system can't keep up with their abilities and performance. I have seen too many of the really good guy that hasn't made rank so we'll help him out situations
Paul, Hanscom
3/30/2012 12:13:53 AM ET NCO...you are not alone I share the same thought as you and I have seen the same thing happened before too. I wish an Air Force General or maybe even CMSAF Roy would take a look at this program and make the much needed corrections that it deserves.
TSgt, JBPHH
3/28/2012 8:43:46 PM ET The only problem with the STEP program is that its only used for individuals that dont make rank. Someone who may make rank and still goes above and beyond doesnt even get a look at. Individuals should just study if they want to make rank. I've seen too many times that a person who deserves the stripe gets passed over because they havent been at their current rank as long as someone who gets nominated. I may sound like a debbie downer but its the truth. How long someone has been at their current rank shouldnt be the basis for a STEP nomination.
