Airmen gain promotion tools at 'BTZ & Beyond'

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. R.J. Biermann
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  More than a dozen Malmstrom Air Force Base Airmen attended the first-ever "BTZ & Beyond" session June 17.

The event, hosted by Malmstrom's 5/6 Alliance Mentor Program members, focused on teaching attendees how to prepare for below-the-zone promotions to senior airman.
"We wanted to set any Airman up for success within their BTZ window," said Tech. Sgt. Elizabeth Ayala, 819th RED HORSE Squadron materials testing NCO in charge and program lead. "This session was purposely scheduled before packages go up to the boards."

Throughout the day, Airmen learned about eligibility requirements, how to complete an Air Force Form 1206, how to prepare for the board and what to expect after making or not making BTZ. Attendees also met two Airmen who received BTZ.

According to Senior Airman James Manco III, 341st Force Support Squadron promotions technician, for eligibility, airmen 1st class have to meet the appropriate time-in-service and time-in-grade requirements: 36 months TIS and 20 months TIG or 28 months TIG, whichever comes first.

"Members must have also obtained a three skill level and be recommended by their unit commander," he said. "In situations such as retraining, where an Airman is unable to obtain their three skill level before the projected promotion date, the skill level will be waived and retroactive pay will be acquired after obtaining a three skill level."

Manco also noted that Airmen who have received negative administrative actions may be ineligible.

"Items that would make a member ineligible to compete would be, the member has failed their career development course end-of-course test once or more, is being forcibly retrained, failed a physical fitness test, is on a control roster, has an unfavorable information file, received an Article 15, been convicted of a crime off-base, et cetera," Manco said.

Having undergone a BTZ board along with his promotion package and won, Staff Sgt. Hugo Reinor, 341st Medical Group physical therapy technician, shared several tips to help attendees prepare for their BTZ board.

Airmen interested in preparing for the board can also attend the Big Sky Top 3 Association's Mentor Program "Meet the Board" brief. The brief, tentatively scheduled monthly and held at the Education and Training Center, helps prepare Airmen for an awards board or job interview. The session includes a short presentation and discussion about uniform wear, preparing for the question and answer portion of the board, and concludes with a mock board where attendees act as board members and individuals go before the 'board.'

For more information, call Senior Master Sgt. John Carter, 341st Missile Security Forces Squadron operations superintendent and "Meet the Board" brief coordinator, at 731-6968 or email at john.carter.28@us.af.mil.

The idea for "BTZ & Beyond" has only been a few months in the making and came simply from Airmen in need of mentor advice.

"I thought it'd be good to learn about our window, to know what to do to get BTZ and what kind of bullets make a good package," said Airman 1st Class Angela Smith, 341st Comptroller Squadron customer service technician and Airman's Council vice president. "I approached the 5/6 Alliance because there was nothing to help Airmen zone in to BTZ. I asked if they could help."

Ayala heard Smith's request and volunteered to kick start the Mentor Program.

"There's so much we can do for our Airmen," said Ayala. "Especially with our unique mission, we need to make sure [all] Airmen get the mentorship they need. In the absence of a good supervisor, there should always be two to three mentors."

After attending the event, Smith said she received the necessary tools to help her prepare for a BTZ promotion.

"The program was very helpful in telling us what we need to know and how to get there," Smith said. "The information I needed was all here, in one place."

Ayala said "BTZ & Beyond" will be held quarterly, to coincide with BTZ windows, and is tentatively scheduled next for September.