How hard are you competing for SRA BTZ?

A1C Clay Slater — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 04:20:59 -0400

I volunteer a lot, I do self improvement classes, and I help my office with process improvement. But I don't do any of that with the goal of BTZ, though that would be nice recognition. I'm not just trying to get BTZ though, because I feel like Airmen with BTZ as a goal don't work as hard as they did as an A1C once they put on SRA due to BTZ. I work hard because I work hard.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Apr 24 at 2015 7:42 AM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 07:42:20 -0400

It looks like you are doing all the right things for the right reasons. I would concur to a degree that the shear number of folks I have seen over my career that make BTZ and then end up not making SSgt till a cycle or so after their BTZ board peers.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2015 12:19 PM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 12:19:32 -0400

It can be tough based on where you are stationed and who else is competing against you. I know an A1C that probably would have made it at the first unit I was a part of, but he didn't at our GSU.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2015 12:26 AM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 May 2015 00:26:41 -0400

I agree with working hard because it's what we should do, however striving for BTZ in my eyes is a good thing. I worked hard with volunteering on and off base, went to school, did self improvement classes and a lot of other things to include honor guard that got me BTZ. it was nice because it was recognizing the individual for going above and beyond however just by getting BTZA it doesn't mean you're better off than others. If you get it GREAT! if not you will still succeed if you want to. But you have a good point in regards to some not working as hard as they did to get it. It's important to keep the hard work ethic going.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2016 1:56 PM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 May 2016 13:56:23 -0400

It sounds like you have all your ducks in a row, but to make BTZ it all depends on who you are going against and if you are doing at the squadron level or base level. I went up for my board in October and if it was at the squadron level I would have a better chance in getting it due to the fact that I just got out of honor guard and was volunteering. But at the base level, where I was competing at, there were better packages and a lot more competition. I lost because I didn't have any college classes. You seem to have a pretty solid package going for you. Hope you get it!

Response by SSgt Nicholas Merchant made Jan 28 at 2017 6:45 AM

SSgt Nicholas Merchant — Sat, 28 Jan 2017 06:45:41 -0500

I made BTZ but I enrolled in college courses immediately upon arriving at my duty station also scored 5s on my EPRs and OJT I volunteered for extrs duty and alot at the kennels, when I was in it was by squadron snd I was up against 13 others, do what youre doing

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2017 10:42 AM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Jul 2017 10:42:31 -0400

Out of all the A1Cs going for btz in our crew chief shop, a few came in later in their life and already have plenty of degrees. I'm straight out of high school so I'm not even trying. I still do a lot of volunteering just because I have nothing better to do with me free time though...

Response by A1C Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2017 12:16 AM

A1C Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Aug 2017 00:16:02 -0400

Whether u get BTZ or not keeping up the hard work pays off in the long run. At least thats what everyone has been telling me. In my short experience so far there arnt that many hard working individuals and its the hard workers that are always the best to latch on to as a mentor.

Response by A1C Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2018 9:50 AM

A1C Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Feb 2018 09:50:30 -0500

It's good to strive for BTZ and work hard but don't chase bullets, friends, or step on anyone to get BTZ. I love to call those people fast burners. Also don't fret if you don't make staff the first time. I personally was not put up for it because I didn't have everything needed to be put up for it. Even my supervisor still wanted to put me up but my leadership wouldn't approve it. I also didn't really put in the effort because I personally wasn't ready for the stripes either. I was and still am focusing my time into my work and my online class right now. I don't care to volunteer or do things that people think I should do because that's not my priority right now.

So my advice is if you really want it, go for it and blow your competition out of the water. Just don't lose yourself, friends and step on people to get it. Someone I used to be friends with tried taking credit for something I did and I called them out respectfully cause I was in uniform. Don't be a shitty person like that.