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838th AEAG Airmen facilitate AAF promotion tests

  • Published
  • By Capt. Jamie Humphries
  • 438th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
KABUL, Afghanistan --  Junior enlisted members of the Afghan Air Force in Shindand, completed steps one and two of promotion tests recently in an effort to evaluate eligible members for the rank of E-5.

According to personnel officials, promotion testing for the ranks of E-4 to E-5 and E-5 to E-6 are the only ranks handled directly by the AAF per Ministry of Defence policy with all other ranks handled centrally through the MoD on an annual basis.

The three-part promotion test includes a literacy exam, physical fitness evaluation and professionalization board. Nearly 90 members participated in the Shindand test facilitated by Italian Air Force personnel members in conjunction with AAF personnel officials.

"These tests were important because it was the first time that the AAF has evaluated their personnel by testing their abilities in the classroom and through physical fitness, explained Italian Air Force Chief Gaetano Picierro, of the 838th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group."

The literacy test consisted of 20 questions and aimed at assessing the candidate's literacy level. The test was monitored by a civilian teacher and advisers with supplies being provided by the group. Those members receiving at least a 50 percent on the test were eligible for the next two portions of the promotion process.

The next portion of the test aimed at testing the AAF member's eligibility for promotion is the physical fitness test which is evaluated by having them complete a 1.2 mile run, pushups and sit-ups.

"The PFT is designed to measure their vascular and muscular endurance," said Capt. Sean Rainey, 438th Air Expeditionary Wing. "It is similar to our (AF) PFT, however, when you compare the run times between the AF standards and the AAF standards, they (AAF) actually have to run a mile a little faster than we do to pass!"

The final portion of the test, with an estimated completion in July, is the professionalism board which is a combination of analysis on professional skills and questions about professionalism in the AAF. Members will meet a seven-person panel led by the Shindand AAF Command Sgt. Maj. and be asked a series of questions while evaluated on personal dress and appearance standards. Members will also receive points based on their weapon's qualification results.

The top 50 percent of AAF members receiving the highest combined scores on the promotion tests are eligible for immediate promotion. The other 50 percent will be eligible for promotion based on the Air Force incremental line number system.

In all, 400 AAF members are being evaluated with tests also being conducted at Kabul and Kandahar wings as well as detachments associated with the 438th Air Expeditionary Wing across Afghanistan.

"They (tests) are designed by the Afghans to instill a quality standard, like our Air Force in their enlisted force, specifically the noncommissioned corps," said Maj. Gary Troy, from the 438th AEW.

Coalition members explained the testing was important because it's the first time AAF members have evaluated their own Airmen.

"This activity was a great success," said Picierro. "All the AAF members were absolutely excited about the test and everyone was proud to show what they were able to do."