News

Promotion policies change Jan. 1

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Grant Saylor
  • 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Changes to enlisted policies will soon affect the way Reservists at McChord AFB and throughout the command get promoted. 

Air Force Reserve leaders announced eight policy changes taking effect Jan 1. Officials from the 446th Mission Support Squadron's career enhancement office recommend 
Reservists pay particular attention to three of the policy changes. 

The first policy change may encourage Airmen to maintain excellent attendance records. Reservists with any unexcused absences in the 12 months prior to the promotion effective date are no longer eligible for promotion. 

Current policy allows promotion consideration for Reservists with fewer than nine unexcused absences. The policy change will ensure commanders closely monitor Reservists' participation in drill weekends. 

"This doesn't mean the squadron commanders do not currently take absenteeism into consideration when reviewing a member's promotion application," said Chief Master Sgt. Janice Kallinen, 446th Mission Support Squadron. "It's just that now, he won't have the authority (to promote if a member has any unexcused absences)." 

The second change streamlines the Promotion Enhancement Program. PEP boards, currently held twice a year, will be once a year. However, AFRC officials say this will not change the number of PEP slots available. 

In addition, Senior Master Sgt. Lyle Harvey, 446th MSS, chief of career enhancement, said PEP board changes do not affect the Deserving Airman Commissioning Program, which will still convene a selection board twice a year. 

The third notable change to promotion policies requires chief master sergeant-selects to attend training before assuming the higher grade. Reservists selected for E-9 will attend either the Chief Orientation Course at Robins AFB, Ga., or the active-duty operated Chief Leadership Course, at Maxwell AFB, Ala. This differs from the past wing policy allowing promotion to chief if they attend one of these courses within one year. 

Other changes coming Jan. 1 include: 

Promotion dates: Airmen up to the grade of E-4 will be promoted with an effective date of the day all eligibility requirements are met, regardless of status, and Active Guard Reserve Airmen will no longer be required to serve in a position for 90 days before being considered for promotion. 

Promotion eligibility:  For promotion to E-7 through E-9, Airmen must now have 24 months retainability before being considered for promotion.
Promotion roadblocks: Promotions will no longer be considered for Airmen in units that are within 12 months of base realignment and closure actions, deactivations or other programmatic actions. 

Promotion posthumous: Airmen who have been selected for promotion who become deceased prior to the effective date may still be promoted. 

For more information, contact the 446th MSS Career Enhancement Office at 982-3135.