NCOs take STEP forward in rank

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Shane Dunaway
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Two staff sergeants were promoted to technical sergeant and one technical sergeant entered the senior NCO ranks as a master sergeant Jan. 11 here.

Technical Sgts. Andre Perry and Luther Holsonback, an air traffic control watch supervisor and Airman Leadership school instructor respectively, and Master Sgt. Michelle Barefield, an explosive ordnance disposal specialist, were recognized through the Stripes for Excellent Performers promotion program as their commanders presented them with new stripes.

The program was initially tested during fiscal year 1981 and implemented on a permanent basis the following year.

The STEP program is not to be used as a below-the-zone promotion. STEP promotion opportunity is limited, therefore only one STEP promotion per career is allowed.

According to Air Force Instruction 36-2502, Table 2.1, Airmen promoted to the grades of staff sergeant, technical sergeant and master sergeant must have at leave 3, 5 and 8 years total active federal military service respectively at the time of STEP promotion.

"An AF Form 1206 is prepared when the person's leadership feels the Airman is deserving of the next rank increase," Sergeant Perry said. "Normally, the individual has already tested for promotion, but did not score high enough to get promoted."

According to results from the 2007 technical sergeant promotion cycle for the Weighted Airman Promotion System, the average selectee time in grade was 5.25 years.

Reaching the rank of technical sergeant was the hardest one for me, Sergeant Holsonback said. I am extremely excited to earn this rank along with the responsibilities it requires. This has really made me realize that dedication and hard work do not go unnoticed.

These NCOs diligent efforts in their career fields enabled them to break through to the next level and they encourage their peers to show that same effort.

"It's not a job, but a profession, and if you keep that mindset, you will be able to become the professional that our Air Force wants us to be," Sergeant Holsonback said. "Once you accept that responsibility, people will recognize that and reward it."