There are many great experiences to be had as a commander but none are more rewarding then watching one of your own experience success.

This past week I had the pleasure of welcoming back one of our wing's newest Basic Military Training graduates. As the young Airman entered my office with his posture straight and his eyes wide I couldn't help but feel a twinge of pride. He had successfully completed a huge milestone in his life and his sense of accomplishment was contagious. This was a young man who will likely have many more successes in his Guard career and when he does, how will I recognize those accomplishments?

One of the tools in the Air National Guard to recognize successes is the Evaluations System. It is designed to recognize the contributions and accomplishments of our service members. Officers are recognized through an Officer Performance Report, enlisted members in the Active Guard and Reserve (AGR) program receive an Enlisted Performance Report and traditional guardsmen receive feedback in the form of a Performance Feedback Worksheet. All are accomplished on an annual basis and are designed to capture your greatest successes throughout the year.

Regardless of your status and the type of evaluation you receive the real importance is how the information is shared. All feedback should be honest, constructive and timely. (AFI 36-2406, Officer and Enlisted evaluations). Another opportunity to recognize success is through the Awards and Decorations Program. This program provides tools to recognize members individually or collectively. It is a relatively easy process and is automated through the Air Force Personnel Center (vPC-GR Dashboard).

There are options for state accomplishments or federal successes; for individual achievements or unit wide successes. Did you know that you can even recognize those outside of your respective squadrons? The philosophy may vary, but I suspect we all agree that accomplishments deserve to be recognized and the Awards and Decorations program is a great way to do so. (AFI 36-2803, Air Force Awards and Decorations)

Lastly is the Promotion Program. Promotions are intended to recognize the successes of our members while also indicating confidence in their abilities to perform in the next grade or at the next level. For promotions, certain eligibility requirements must be met such as skill level, time-in-grade, time-in-service and a passing fitness assessment. Once all of the eligibility requirements are met, your leadership decides on the suitability of promotion.

There are far too many promotion programs to mention in this article so if you have further questions please review ANGI 36-2502, Promotion of Airmen or AFI 36-2504, Officer Promotions or contact the Force Support Squadron.

As that Airman turned to exit my office last week I couldn't help but hope that his pride will continue and he will experience many more successes throughout his career. When he does, as I fully expect he will, I hope I am there to recognize those successes through whichever program is suitable.