Enlisted Force Structure. Do you have it?

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 10:29:29 -0500

The Air Force actually has an Air Force Instruction (AFI) that governs the Enlisted Force and its duties by both rank tier and specific rank.

I always keep a few hard copies, known as "the little brown book" in my desk drawer. Before the age of the smart phone I carried one on me, now I have the digital version in my phone as a handy reference. I use it all the time for on the spot mentoring and formally when doing our required Airmen Comprehensive Assessments or ACA (formally feedbacks) to highlight where I am getting my expectations from. It is not just me making these requirements/expectations up, they are no kidding black and white requirements in the AFI!

I am always shocked when I have an Airmen that has no idea about the Enlisted Force Structure, I am dismayed when an NCO doesn't know about it, and disappointed as recently as last week when I had 2 Officers in a class I was teaching that had no idea what it was.

So for our sister service folks, here is the "little brown book": http://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/publication/afi36-2618/afi36-2618.pdf

AF Members: Do you routinely use the Enlisted Force Structure?

Sister Service Members: Does your Service have a Reg, Manual, Instruction, etc that is roughly the same? If not. would you want one?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2015 10:59 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 10:59:52 -0500

I believe that the Army may have a specific one, but a quick google search cites the Army's 'Blue Book' Tradoc Pam 600-4 Chapter 6 outlines the rank structure.

For your convenience: http://www.tradoc.army.mil/tpubs/pams/TP600-4withChange1.pdf

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Feb 17 at 2015 12:26 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 12:26:42 -0500

http://www.marines.mil/Portals/59/Publications/MCRP%205-12D%20Organization%20of%20Marine%20Corps%20Forces.pdf

This is the complete Marine Corps Force Breakdown. Roles & Responsibilities is a lot more fluid, as it changes from unit to unit. We've got a lot more "as needed" and "as directed" going on.

Response by Maj Matt Hylton made Feb 17 at 2015 12:36 PM

Maj Matt Hylton — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 12:36:53 -0500

At least for me, I was not taught anything about the actual AFI for Enlisted Force Structure while going through officer PME (Air and Space Basic Course or Squadron Officer's School). The first flavor I got of it through official PME was in Air Command and Staff College.

That being said - my first supervisor at my second assignment in AK introduced me to it formally, since that was my first job working directly with and supervising enlisted members. He was a GS-12 but also a retired SFS MSgt, so he was a BIG help during those formative years of transitioning from Lt to Capt for me.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2015 2:13 PM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 14:13:55 -0500

Actually, I have about 15 copies on my desk and it is part of the initial assignment brief I have with all of my people. After being a PME instructor for years, I simply assume that most have not seen the EFS and those that have seen it have not read it thoroughly. We also have a copy of the EFS and AFDD 1-1 above the urinals for some additional reading time.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2015 3:39 PM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 15:39:07 -0500

Memorized, it is. ((in my best Yoda)) Lol.

Honestly, I am also astonished at how few Junior Enlisted are aware that it exists or are vaguely familiar with it.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2015 6:08 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 18:08:57 -0500

I honestly give one at every feedback session and make sure my SSgt's have enough to give their ratees. It's the basic standard that the AF gives and we are given it day one of basic training (not in lil brown book form). I personally believe if you are not in compliance with an AFI how can you be a firewall 5. There are a lot out there that cannot do the basic in their tier. IMHO

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2015 7:01 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 07:01:56 -0500

We issue hard copies out to everyone in the unit along with the 1-1 (doctrine) and the core values. It's like a little box set.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2015 7:38 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 07:38:44 -0500

I keep the blue book, the brown book, and a notepad in my left cargo pocket. So I have them when I need them.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2015 8:33 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 08:33:55 -0500

The Army has FM 7-22.7 The Army Noncommissioned Officer Guide which outlines duties and responsibilities, history, leadership, training, and counseling.

FM 6-22 Army Leadership: Competent, Confident, and Agile

FM 7-21.3 The Soldiers Guide

There are literally more documents than the average Soldier could read on being a Soldier.

The responsibilities of each enlisted Soldier varies greatly depending on their job or MOS so individual job related manuals break down more specific duties and responsibilities.

Response by Matthew Torrelli made Feb 18 at 2015 1:51 PM

Matthew Torrelli — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 13:51:04 -0500

The U.S. Army has the same thing.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2015 3:26 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 15:26:36 -0500

I sure do. Given to me by my first supervisor. AFI 36-2618.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2015 4:46 PM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 16:46:34 -0400

Thanks for this