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'Less is best' when it comes to EPR stratification

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman John Gordinier
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney McKinley wrote an enlisted perspective Aug. 28 which focuses on senior rater endorsement criteria, to include a Community College of the Air Force degree completion, and stratification on enlisted performance reports.

Chief Master Sgt. Gary Rutledge, 20th Fighter Wing command chief, read the perspective and highlights some key points of Chief McKinley's focus.

According to Chief McKinley's perspective, the new policy requires the completion of a Community College of the Air Force degree and Senior NCO Academy for senior rater endorsement consideration.

Chief Rutledge commented. "For awhile, I've been asking all senior NCOs: 'What's your plan? Are you planning to finish your CCAF degree?' Having a CCAF degree will give you a better chance for promotion. Very few people are getting promoted to senior master sergeant and chief master sergeant without their CCAF degrees. Next year individuals must have their CCAF degree and SNCOA for a wing endorsement, which will enhance their promotion possibilities."

Chief McKinley also addresses stratification.

According to Chief McKinley's letter, stratification comments, which are essentially a ranking of individuals amongst their peers, are not new, but in recent years they have taken on a life of their own. Well-meaning supervisors, command chief master sergeants and commanders have devised literally hundreds of ways to stratify as many senior NCOs as possible. Unfortunately, these stratification comments have become overused, vague and subjective. Stratification is now perceived to be a prerequisite for promotion for senior NCOs. Stratification statements can be a valuable tool for commanders to highlight truly exceptional performers. However, these statements must be the exception and not the rule.

"It is a misconception that you cannot get promoted without stratification," said Chief Rutledge. "You can. In fact, many are promoted without stratification. If 10 master sergeants are stratified out of 140, many of the other 130 will still get promoted depending on their job performance.

"This new policy is going to narrow stratification, because statements were getting too vague," he said. "Stratification sends a message of where the person stands among their peers. For example, number 3 of 176 master sergeants in the wing, less stratification is best.

"Stratification is a decision of the commander based on records and performance," Chief Rutledge said. "If your job performance is great, CCAF and SNCOA have been completed, constantly challenging yourself with new jobs and increased responsibility, you will get promoted, regardless of stratification. A lot of people say 'promotion opportunity is taken out of your control'; that's wrong. It's more in your control."