What do think about those SrA who think of themselves as just airman?

2015-02-16T07:50:49-05:00

Some SrA don't step up to the plate when it comes to being a Senior Airman. What do you think the problem is?

Response by LTC Jason Strickland made Feb 16 at 2015 8:08 AM

2015-02-16T08:08:16-05:00

Whether it's an Airman - a Marine, a Soldier, or a Sailor - the qualities we want exhibited in our future leaders begin to present themselves right away. TSgt Terry Hudson, I think it's okay that some "step up to the plate" and some don't. As a leader, I want those that have the passion, the tenacity, and the drive to emerge among their peers.
Sure, our military is teaching everyone how to become a leader and instilling various attributes associated with patriotism and selfless service, but early on in a military career, it's okay to have some take the initiative and (most of) the others not. It will all work out in the end. Thanks for the question and initiating the discussion!

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2015 8:21 AM

2015-02-16T08:21:18-05:00

I am currently stationed on a forward deployed airbase. Maybe it's just me or maybe it's the way the Air Force is set up but, I don't see a lot of Air Force NCOs stepping up. I see a lot of MSgts hanging out with junior Airmen and I almost never see any SSgts or TSgts making any corrections on anyone, much less setting the example. I mean the mustaches and makeup are getting out of control around here.

I am not bashing on the Air Force by any means but I definitely see a big difference between Army and Marine NCOs compared to Air Force NCOs. Seriously, unless a CMSgt makes a correction nobody polices themselves. They are very professional when I address them (even though they call me sir) but look at me like I am from another planet if I tell them to fix themselves.

One of our basic responsibilities as NCOs and leaders is to enforce our services regulations. It is very important to maintain good order and discipline.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2015 8:30 AM

2015-02-16T08:30:17-05:00

It can be that you don't transfer after promotion. Since the "buddies" are junior they see themselves as one of the guys. Tge military does a disservice to young leaders by not transferring.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2015 11:25 AM

2015-02-16T11:25:17-05:00

When I was in, I took the mentality that, even though I was an A1C, I would seek out responsibility. While I was in the armory, I was doing the job of a SrA. The SSgt & TSgt in charge saw that I was capable & let me run the show.

I have to concur w/ other statements here. To me, it seemed like some of the SrA were coasting through until their hitch was up - they weren't ever going to test for SSgt. I was fortunate enough to have a SSgt & TSgt that cared enough about my development to push my ability & reward performance w/ responsibility. Perhaps this is why some SrA don't step up? They have attained the rank, but don't see any added responsibility for it (since its the last solely TIS rank earned)?

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Feb 16 at 2015 1:23 PM

2015-02-16T13:23:52-05:00

It all starts with "the little brown book" More formally know as AFI 36-2618 The Enlisted Force Structure.

3.1. General Junior Enlisted Airman Responsibilities. Junior enlisted Airmen must:

3.1.1. Accept and execute all duties, instructions, responsibilities, and lawful orders in a timely and efficient manner. Complete assigned tasks and accomplish the mission. Place the requirements of official duties and responsibilities ahead of personal desires. Issue lawful orders when placed in charge of a work activity or other junior enlisted Airmen to complete assigned tasks.

3.1.2. Detect and correct conduct and behavior that may place themselves or others at risk.

3.1.3. Understand and demonstrate the institutional and occupational competencies required to accomplish the mission as outlined in AFDD 1-1, Leadership and Force Development; AFPD 36-26, Total Force Development; AFI 36-2640, Executing Total Force Development; and the appropriate Career Field Education and Training Plan (CFETP). These competencies are gained through a combination of education (for example, Airman Leadership School (ALS) and CCAF), training (for example, basic military training and career development courses), and experience (for example, serving in special duty positions, actively participating in professional organizations, and having a thorough understanding of this Air Force instruction (AFI) to ensure proper mentoring is received and provided). All Air Force formal education programs, training, and experiences are designed and synchronized to provide increasing proficiency in institutional and occupational competencies.

3.1.4. Maintain the highest level of personal readiness to meet mission requirements:

3.1.4.1. Be technically ready to accomplish the mission. Attain and maintain a skill level
commensurate with their rank and maintain a high degree of proficiency in their duties as
outlined in their CFETP. Junior enlisted Airmen should earn a CCAF degree to further expand
their professional development and technical expertise.

3.1.4.2. Be physically ready to accomplish the mission. Attain and maintain excellent physical
conditioning and always meet Air Force fitness standards. Actively participate in the Air Force
fitness program.

3.1.4.3. Be mentally ready to accomplish the mission. Issues that can affect and detract from
mental readiness are quality of life, financial problems, sexual harassment, discrimination, stress, marital problems, and substance abuse. These types of issues can prevent individuals from focusing on the mission, diminish motivation, erode a positive attitude, and reduce the quality of work. This negatively impacts mission accomplishment. Take positive steps to resolve mental readiness issues in a responsible manner.

3.1.4.3.1. Be alert for signs of substance abuse in yourself and others. Substance abuse not
only involves the use of illegal drugs, but more commonly, involves excessive or
irresponsible consumption of alcohol or over-the-counter medications. All must be aware of
the warning signs of substance abuse and seek appropriate assistance through the chain of
command, chaplain, or other appropriate referral agency.

3.1.4.3.2. Be alert for signs of depression or suicide in yourself and others. If severely
depressed or suicidal, immediately seek assistance through the chain of command, chaplain,
or other appropriate referral agency. Remain with a potentially suicidal person until relieved
by the proper authority. Junior enlisted Airmen have a very important role in suicide
prevention.

Specifically, SrA are additionally charged with:

3.2.4. Senior Airman (SrA). SrA commonly perform as skilled technicians and trainers. It is
essential for SrA to begin developing supervisory and leadership skills through progressive
responsibility on the job, completion of ALS, individual study, and mentoring by their supervisors and others. When they perform as trainers and supervisors, SrA strive to establish themselves as effective first-line supervisors through the maximum use of guidance and assistance from the NCOs and SNCOs who lead them. SrA may serve as reporting officials upon completion of ALS. SrA operate at the tactical expertise level of leadership. The official term of address is Senior Airman or Airman.

Now with that out of the way, it now comes down to TWO critical questions.

1. Are Airmen holding themselves accountable to the standards outlined in the little brown book? If they are, they are separating themselves from more junior Airmen.

2. Are the NCOs/SNCOs/Officers above them holding them accountable to the little brown book? If they are, they are separating SrA from more junior Airmen in both tasks and level of responsibility.

If the answer to either (or both) of those questions is "no", you have found the root cause.

You do have an "institutional" issue where it is often viewed that E1-E4 are "Airmen" (the Tier) and to a large degree interchangeable, especially for non-AFSC specific taskers. This is true to a degree, just as SSgt/TSgt are interchangeable for some taskers, MSgt/SMSgt's are interchangeable for others.

This is further hindered by a perception that SSgt's are now just "super SrA" due to the years of high promotion rates. I personally do not subscribe to the "Super SrA" mantra and hold my Airmen (of all ranks) accountable to the standards set forth in the AFI's as well as what standards are set in our Airmen Comprehensive Assessment or ACA (formally know as feedback).

The biggest problem is simply, there are folks that are always "not going to step up". There is actually a ton of research in this area and it is not unique to SrA, the Air Force, the Military or even the government. The most common one is called the Peter Principle (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Principle).

Response by SMSgt Bryan Raines made Feb 16 at 2015 2:45 PM

2015-02-16T14:45:07-05:00

The problem is not one specific item or area. It is comprised of several things, I think the main one being lack of accountability up and down the chain. One other commentator on this thread mentions the "little brown book" and the roles and responsibilities of the AF enlisted ranks. If every AF (and any of our sister service enlisted who are or may be joint deployed) enlisted person from CMSgt to "slick sleeve" would read it, understand it and enforce it there would be a lot less problems with the AF enlisted. I ran into a lot of problems as a Squadron Superintendent with my SNCOs and NCOs "fraternizing" (yes I know that is not really the correct term) with their subordinates. When I told my SNCOs that they should not be hanging out with their junior enlisted they looked at me like I was some sort of alien creature. They had no clue what I was talking about and did not seem to think that there was anything wrong with being best friends with an E-3 or E-4 much less with an E-5 or E-6. I am happy to say the ones who got it went on to make E-8 and few are still in with good chances of making E-9. We are all accountable for what we do and in the "little brown book" I distinctly remember that NCOs and SNCOs were supposed to mentor their subordinates. I feel that the mentoring was lacking and from what I see here may still be lacking in the AF enlisted ranks. If true mentoring were being done we would not be seeing the lack of discipline and poor habits today.

Response by MSgt Frank Martin made Aug 23 at 2016 7:36 AM

2016-08-23T07:36:53-04:00

Back when I was an SrA, it was the "mid-step" to be an NCO at the Rank of Sergeant (E-4) (mid 1987). I was given some task's that were a little broader and I just simply worked them into my workflow. But I guess I was weird because it just made sense to do them. Then go through the then NCO Preparatory Course and was told more was expected from me etc. The 1st Sergeant in my unit was a crusty Chief Master Sergeant that was always pushing us SrA to do things broader than when we were lower rank Airman.

But then I made the magic Time-in-Grade for promotion to Sergeant. OMG.. THEN the 1st Sergeant was holding you accountable for everything.. even stuff that was not particularly in your realm of responsibility or control. It was a humbling experience for me. Funny thing was.. My duty section responsibilities increased, but my NCOIC leadership there was telling me that they thought I was doing the same things when I was a lowly A1C, just did not have the rank for it.

I always considered that 1st Sergeant to be a pain in the butt and out of touch. But when I got sent to my next base in Korea.. I actually missed him and his mentorship, no matter how rough and crusty it was. He was probably the best 1st Sergeant I had in my 22 years, 8 months, and 14 days of service.. it just took me that long to realize his "pushing" me as a Senior Airman helped me.

Response by Lt Col William Poole made Aug 23 at 2016 4:16 PM

2016-08-23T16:16:51-04:00

I had a general once tell me that I couldn't and shouldn't expect the same high level of performance from every airman. He was right.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2018 6:22 PM

2018-08-24T18:22:54-04:00

I believe it has to do a lot w how they’re treated. When I sewed on I gained a lot of respect, but some also said you’re just a glorified A1C