The Enlisted Force Structure

The Enlisted Force Structure AFI 36-2618

Overview • Philosophy of the Enlisted Force Structure • Purpose of the Structure • Three-Tier Structure • NCO Rank and Authority • General NCO Responsibilities • Mentoring Subordinates • Specific NCO Responsibilities

Philosophy of the Enlisted Force Structure • Provide stable career structure • Provide professional growth • Manage training, education and promotions • Reflect AF Core Values

Purpose of the Enlisted Force Structure • Define specific enlisted rank responsibilities • Establish enlisted rank relationships (how each rank fits into the organization) • Determine career progression

Enlisted Force Three-Tier Structure

NCO Rank and Authority • NCO’s delegated authority to exercise leadership. • NCO’s carry out orders of those appointed over them. • NCO’s give orders in the exercise of their duties.

General NCO Responsibilities • Consider professional development of their subordinates. • Maintain high degree of proficiency. • Develop and cultivate leadership skills and professional development. • Apply effective supervisory techniques. • Possess understanding of AF standards, customs and courtesies. (cont)

General NCO Responsibilities (cont) • Ensure proper accountability of property and funds. • Execute duties in a timely manner. • Plan, develop, conduct and supervise training. • Adhere to Safety practices. • Support “zero tolerance” for discrimination, sexual harassment, and abuse. (cont)

General NCO Responsibilities (cont) • Resolve personnel problems. • Counsel and correct inappropriate behavior. • Recognize and reward outstanding performance. • Implement approved policies, directives, and programs. • Provides guidance and direction to subordinates.

Mentoring Subordinates • Assist the member in adjusting to CAP environment and unit of assignment. • Observe, counsel and correct regarding on- and off-duty performance, professional relationships and personal appearance. • Correct marginal or substandard behavior. • Appropriately recognize and reward.(cont)

Mentoring Subordinates (cont) • Support all unit and wing activities. • Provide guidance, direction and training. • Promote an overall understanding of all CAP missions. • Encourage reading of all CAP Cadet directives. • Leave your legacy.

Specific Senior NCOResponsibility • CMSgt: Highest enlisted rank--managers and superintendents providing senior enlisted leadership. • SMSgt: Performs as superintendents and managers using broad leadership and management skills. • MSgt: Functions primarily in craftsman and supervisory positions. (cont)

Specific Senior NCO Responsibility(cont) • SNCOs are assigned duties commensurate with their skill level and rank. • Responsible for leadership and developing personnel under their supervision. • Must be alert to detect adverse morale trends and provide feedback to chain. • Establish and maintain rapport and open lines of communication. (cont)

Specific Senior NCO Responsibility (cont) • Lead by example for unit, wing and community service involvement. • Ensure training violations are not tolerated. • Take the lead achieving, maintaining and enforcing personnel appearance standards. • Foster a climate that ensures good order and discipline.

Specific NCO Responsibility • TSgt: Qualified to perform highly complex technical duties in addition to providing responsible supervision. • Obtain maximum subordinate performance and ensure mission accomplishment. • Broaden professional expertise and supervisory techniques. (cont)

Specific NCO Responsibility (cont.) • SSgt: Primarily craftsmen with certain NCO supervisory responsibility. • Supervisory duties differ from those of TSgt only in scope and span of control. • Responsible for subordinates and effective accomplishment of assigned tasks.

Summary • Philosophy of the Enlisted Force Structure • Purpose of the Structure • Three-Tier Structure • NCO Rank and Authority • General NCO Responsibilities • Mentoring Subordinates • Specific NCO Responsibilities

The Enlisted Force Structure