Securing BTZ

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jarad A. Denton
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  From the first day of basic military training, Airmen are told the actions they have carry far-reaching consequences.

After either 36 months time-in-service or 20 or 28 months time-in-grade, depending on the length of the enlistment, Airmen become eligible to promote to Senior Airman a full six months early.

This process, called the Senior Airman below-the-zone program, is designed to promote Airmen who demonstrate exceptional qualities recognized by the wing commander of their base. Airmen are encouraged to demonstrate outstanding military bearing and job performance at all times to be considered for BTZ.

"Preparing for BTZ is not something you just do during the few months prior to being eligible," said Master Sgt. Tina McFadden, 28th Bomb Wing and 28th Comptroller and Contracting Squadron first sergeant. "An Airman has to perform their best at all times. This gets them recognized as deserving of the nomination when their eligibility window comes up."

In addition to having a stellar record on the job, Airmen must also demonstrate certain traits which regard them as a "well-rounded" person.

"Award package bullets I see that stick out above others are 'distinguished graduate' or better, leadership in situations rather than assisting, career-development-course completion early and with high scores, educational achievements, winning awards, volunteering and involvement in base committees," said Sergeant McFadden.

Sergeant McFadden also encourages Airmen to get involved in organizations such as the Active Airman's Council and dorm council. She also stressed the importance of recording the impact Airmen make, whether it be their grade point average, CDC score, number of hours volunteered or amount of money generated or saved from a particular event.

She also believes Airmen sometimes get caught up in the rumor that certain criteria carry more weight than others.

"I believe an Airman's education and base involvement are of great importance," she said. "However, I am looking at this person through a piece of paper. I don't believe a blanket statement for what is more important can be put on this. It is on what the person has accomplished thus far in their career."

By maintaining an exemplary record, both on and off-duty, Airmen can put their best foot forward and submit a truly competitive BTZ package.

"I chair the wing BTZ board," said Chief Master Sgt. Clifton Cole, 28 BW command chief. "There is nothing harder, or more satisfying, than having to recommend to the wing commander a tough choice between better and the best."