21st Space Wing command chief talks Enlisted Forced Distribution

by Tech. Sgt. Jared Marquis
21st Space Wing Public Affairs

1/13/2016 - PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- As Enlisted Forced Distribution rolls out with this year's E6 Enlisted Performance Reports, Chief Master Sgt. Idalia Peele, 21st Space Wing command chief, took time Jan. 7 and 8 to explain the process and give Airmen here the chance to ask questions regarding the way ahead.

"Ultimately, what you've done in the past to get promoted hasn't changed," said Peele. "The process has changed and the emphasis is more on performance, but you still need to follow the guidelines in the (enlisted force structure) handbook."

During the three sessions, Peele talked about rules of engagement, the timeline and the overall effects of EFD on promotion.

One of the main benefits of this process, is it allows commanders input on the promotion process, said Peele. For technical sergeants and below, forced distribution limits the top two promotion recommendations a commander is authorized to give to time-in-grade/time-in-service promotion-eligible Airmen. The restrictions under forced distribution are tied to historical promotion rates in each grade and are designed to ensure those Airmen receiving a top-tier promotion recommendation have a distinct advantage for promotion while ensuring others remain competitive for promotion.

The number of promotion recommendations each unit has are based on the number of promotion-eligible Airmen assigned. Unit commanders with more than 11 promotion-eligible Airmen can award their own recommendations - the top 5 percent will be awarded "Promote Now," while the remaining top 15 percent will be awarded "Must Promote."

Those with 10 or fewer promotion eligible will meet the Enlisted Forced Distribution panel chaired by the Senior Rater, which for the 21st SW is Col. Douglas Schiess, 21st SW commander. Chief Peele said for the E6 promotion eligibles who will meet the EFD panel, there are 16 total recommendations available for the Wing.

In addition to the senior rater, commanders who have submitted members for the recommendations will be part of the panel and have an opportunity to advocate for their Airmen.

Airmen who receive one of the top two promotion recommendations will receive a distinct advantage in weighted points relative to their peers. Currently a "Promote" recommendation is worth 200 points, while a "Promote Now" is worth 250 points and "Must Promote" 220. Promotion-eligible Airmen not recommended for promotion receive a "Not Ready Now" (150 points) or "Do Not Promote" (50 points).

"EFD has brought a much needed change to our promotion system," Peele said. "This process will allow commanders to influence the promotion of those who are truly superior performers."