Shredouts, CDCs, and Testing?

TSgt Melissa Post — Wed, 02 Mar 2016 06:41:33 -0500

As a 2M0X1, I am tested on both the ICBM side as well as the ALCM side. However, I have never touched an ICBM. Do you think they should do away with testing over the side you do not currently work on? Or should they still consider it all one field when you reach 5 skill-level?

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Mar 2 at 2016 7:26 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Wed, 02 Mar 2016 07:26:39 -0500

I can only assume your "monitor" or AFSC Coordinator (the person who assigns you duty locations) doesn't know what you tested under and only knows rank, AFSC, schools you've attended, and billets you've held.

That said, you can end up "anywhere" your AFSC exists. I was an 0231 (intel analyst). I started at a Grunt BN. I NEVER used Targeting (Air Side), so if I ever got sent to an Air Unit, it was a skill I would need to relearn. Since the Air Force tests are based on "Skill Knowledge" it incentivizes you knowing that information for promotion.

Basically, just because you don't use it doesn't mean you shouldn't know it, especially if you are going to be rewarded for knowing the entire MOS.

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Mar 2 at 2016 12:19 PM

Capt Tom Brown — Wed, 02 Mar 2016 12:19:18 -0500

Here is another question which I would probably have an opinion on if I only knew what those terms meant. :-)

Response by MSgt Aaron Brite made Mar 2 at 2016 12:42 PM

MSgt Aaron Brite — Wed, 02 Mar 2016 12:42:36 -0500

Testing over the entire AFSC helps the personnel center compare equally across the AFSC for promotion points and to assign you as needed, not just across one system. It's rough butnit maintains flexibility in the force and keeps airmen on their toes. Just be glad you don't have 7 or more airframes to remember. O_o

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2016 2:30 PM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Mar 2016 14:30:09 -0500

As you stated already...your shred-out goes away once you achieve the 5-lvl and that is what your CDC is testing you for. Always remember, you are not being promoted based on what you are currently doing/currently know, you are being promoted on your potential in the next rank/skill lvl.

We have similar issues in the CE community. Our 3E4X1s were merged with 3E4X2s...one is water systems and one is fuels systems. In many instances water guys don't work on fuels stuff and vice versa, however, from a readiness standpoint all 3E4s need to be familiar with each system.