SENIOR AIRMAN
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)
Senior Airman (SrA): Encompass all the previous junior enlisted requirements of AB - A1C to perform as skilled technicians and become well-versed trainers. They begin developing supervisory and leadership skills to advance their professional growth. Senior Airmen gain supervision experience of individuals and begin building skills in leading teams. Upon completion of Airman Leadership School, a Senior Airman may have an opportunity to become an official supervisor.
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.
Foster inclusion by actively learning from, listening to, and engaging with teammates from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
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.
Focus Areas: primary goal of those in the junior enlisted tier is mission accomplishment.
5-Skill Level Upgrade Training
Air Force Training Course (AFTC)
Airman Leadership School (ALS)
Civilian College Courses, CLEPs/DSSTs - work toward CCAF or Associates Degree
Complete an Individual Development Plan each year
Request 360 Feedback through myVector (via AF Portal)
Learn the Enlisted Evaluation System – EPRs, Feedback Sessions, etc.
Develop Leadership and Supervisory Skills
Trainer and/or Mentor for one or more Airman
Supervisor Safety Training
John Maxwell leadership 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, (aka 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
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. Junior Enlisted Council JEC, Diversity and Inclusion, 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
Volunteer for Additional Duties to learn new skills
Attend a mock board and request feedback
WAYS TO DEVELOP YOURSELF