AB  AMN  A1C

Enlisted Force Structure Tier: The enlisted force structure is comprised of three distinct and separate tiers, each correlating to increased levels of education, training, and experience, which build increasing levels of proficiency. The three tiers correlate to increased leadership and managerial responsibilities, with each tier building on the responsibilities of the previous one. The tiers are junior enlisted Airmen, Noncommissioned Officer, and Senior Noncommissioned Officer. (AFH 36-2618, para 3.1.1 and responsibilities in para 4.4)

Junior Enlisted Airmen: The fuel to our daily missions.  this tier's focus and priority is on learning and consist of Airman Basic (AB), Airman (Amn), Airman First Class (A1C) and Senior Airman (SrA).  This tier should be developing their Airman Leadership Qualities and be familiar with foundational and occupational competencies to perform at the basic an intermediate levels.  

Airman Basic (AB): primary focus is to adapt from civilian to military lifestyle.  Additionally, focus on adapting to requirements of the military profession, acquiring knowledge of military customs, courtesies, and Air Force standards, as well as striving to attain occupational proficiency. Perform basic tasks under close supervision. The written abbreviation for Airman Basic is “AB” and the official term of address is “Airman Basic” or “Airman.”  (AFH 36-2618, para 3.1.1.1.)

Airman (Amn): are still learning and adapting to the military profession and are expected to understand and conform to military standards, customs and courtesies while beginning to show occupational proficiency.  Airmen begin to show occupational proficiency at basic tasks and still require significant supervision and support. The written abbreviation is “Amn” and the official term of address is “Airman.”  (AFH 36-2618, para 3.1.1.2.)

Airman First Class (A1C): apply their knowledge and skills to become highly efficient in their career field and focus on earning their 5-skill level.  fully comply with Air Force standards and devote time to increasing skills in their career fields and the military profession, while becoming effective team members. After a short time at their first duty station, they are often skilled on numerous tasks. Continued supervision is essential to ongoing occupational and professional growth. Typically, the 5-skill level is earned at this grade. The written abbreviation is “A1C” and the official term of address is “Airman First Class” or “Airman.” (AFH 36-2618, para 3.1.1.3)

Responsibilities of all Junior Enlisted Airmen: 

Developing Self:  

• Act as an Air Force ambassador both on- and off-duty.  

• Abide by all things that build a military professional; these principles are described in detail in previous chapters.  

• Accept and accomplish all duties, responsibilities, and lawful orders in an efficient manner. Work to find harmony between your personal desires and Air Force needs.  

• Address any issues that could detract from mental readiness. Seek assistance through support agencies. Be proactive in contacting a Wingman to seek help.  

• Work toward identifying, correcting, and reporting behaviors that may put yourself or others at risk. Provide clear guidance and follow-up as necessary through appropriate channels.  

• Contribute to a culture of dignity and respect by enforcing a zero-tolerance policy for sexual harassment, sexual assault, and discrimination.  

• Maintain spiritual and physical readiness to establish a sense of purpose or personal priorities to develop the skills required to persevere in times of distress.  

• Properly maintain financial responsibilities and make informed decisions on budgets, investments, and life-long goals.  

• Be knowledgeable and stay informed on current events affecting the Air Force.  

• Ensure no discredit to the Air Force or compromise to operational security occurs while using personal and government information systems, including but not limited to, social media. 

• Pursue development through voluntary education (school, certification, reading, etc.), base organizations, and community partnerships. 

Developing Others:  

• Contribute to a professional climate and culture by supporting leaders’ decisions, seeking clarification when needed, and aiding others in understanding.  

• Be alert for behavioral changes and/or signs of stress, depression, and self-harm.  

• Build relationships that promote well-being and optimal performance. Key components of social readiness are teamwork, communication, and social support.  

• Identify and communicate any barriers regarding equal opportunity, toxic leadership, or toxic followership for all Airmen. 

Developing Ideas:  

• Use technology to identify data and information; explore, create and manage digital content; and appropriately interact in a virtual environment. Follow organizational protocols for the use of electronic devices. Get help for computer system problems as needed and participate in online training.  

• Apply learned concepts or methods to new situations and consider previous solutions to generate new ideas.  

• Gain buy-in through seeking input from others and use facts to support points of view when meeting with team members. Work to validate sources of information prior to seeking support. 

Educational Focus Areas: primary goal of those in the junior enlisted tier is mission accomplishment.

• Basic Military Training

• Technical Training School

• Mission Essential Skills Training (MEST)

• 5-Skill Level Upgrade Training

Foundational Knowledge: 

• Airman Leadership Qualities (ALQs) (MyPers Article (CAC Enabled)) - 10 qualities that will be used as feedback tool for enlisted and officers.

• AF Foundational Competencies - 24 competencies for all Airmen, categorized into four groups: Developing Self, Developing Others, Developing Ideas, and Developing Organizations.

• The Enlisted Force Structure - AFH 36-2618, or the Little Brown Book - learn AF Leadership Levels (Ch 2), Tiers, Ranks, and Roles (Ch 3), Responsibilities by Tier (Ch 4)

MT Leadership, Mission, History and State Partnership Program (SPP):

• MT National Guard State Leadership and 120th Airlift Wing Leadership 

• MT National Guard Mission and Vision and 120th Wing Mission and Vision

• MT Air National Guard History

Key Air Force Systems to Know: (CAC Enabled)

• Air Force Portal – one-stop to access Air Force and ANG sites and resources.

• MTANG SharePoint - one-stop access to MTANG 

• AROWS (Chrome or Edge) - to access and track your orders

• DTS - create travel authorizations and travel vouchers

• MilConnect – update personal information and your SGLI 

• myPay – pull your Leave and Earning Statement (LES), setup Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), etc.

• vMPF – pull RIP, PCARS, update vRED

• myLearning -Training records, Computer Based Training 

• PRDA - Virtual Personnel Services Center, access to military personnel records, EPRs, Orders, Decorations, etc.

Promote Organizational Culture:

• Participate in squadron, group, wing, and community events and activities (i.e. Vigilante Council, Honor Guard, Wing Innovation and Community Action Team (CAT))

• Professionalism, Attitude, Work Ethic, Camaraderie Maintain Mission Readiness: fitness assessment, medical and dental, mobility, AFSC Upgrade Training