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CGOC learns officer promotion process

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Carolyn Glover
  • Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Members of the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Company Grade Officers Council assembled in the Consolidated Maintenance Operations Facility auditorium Nov. 18 to develop an understanding of the officer promotion process.

Col. Mark Ellis, U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center director of schools, briefed the members of the CGOC on his recent experiences as a member of the captain's selection board, which convened in July of this year.

Ellis joined a group of other senior ranking officers to evaluate the potential of the Air Force's future officer corps. The records of more than 3,196 Air Force first lieutenants met this board and 95 percent, or 3,020, were promoted to the rank of captain. This was the first year since 2002 such a board was conducted, as a part of Air Force force-shaping initiatives.

"I was pleasantly surprised at the rigor we went through to ensure every officer was evaluated as fairly as possible and select the most qualified officer corps for our future Air Force" said Ellis.

He explained the ins and outs of a competitive package, the board selection process, the roles of the board members and the board president, and the results release process.

"Col. Ellis provided a great overview of the promotion board process," said 1st Lt. April Widman, 305th Maintenance Operations Squadron operations officer and CGOC president. "His insights allowed CGOs to see a current perspective on the inner workings of the board process, not just for this captain's board but for all future promotion boards."

He explained the importance of reviewing records as that is what meets the board, emphasizing the need for documenting strong, "positive discriminators," such as stratifications, awards and other successes. He also pointed out how technical training school failures, low rankings and negative administrative actions, such as Letters of Reprimand, were potential discriminators, often hindering the chance at promotion.

"Make sure all the information in your records that meet the board are accurate," Ellis explained. "Try to get some good discriminators in your records ... something that sets you apart from the rest. A lot of what you accomplish as a lieutenant can show up in your major and lieutenant colonel (promotion recommendation forms). The promotion process is very competitive ... even at the captain level."

Ellis' advice and recommendations were not only relevant to the lieutenants present during his briefing. Several captains attended the briefing as well, so as to develop a better understanding of how best to prepare the junior officers they supervise.

"Col. Ellis indirectly expressed how crucial every opportunity is for our young lieutenants," said Capt. Jaime Szmodis, 305th Air Mobility Wing executive officer. "It's important Col. Ellis' message is echoed to ensure lieutenants take full advantage of every professional military education (opportunity), initial career field training and career development opportunities. With less than 3.5 years of accomplishments prior to the promotion board, any small setback exponentially separates one from their peers; illustrating the importance of 'excellence in all we do'."

All servicemembers should review their records at least 90 days prior to meeting a promotion board. This can be done either through a permissive TDY to Air Force Personnel Center, San Antonio, Texas or through a phone review.