Justwanttofly

I think this sentence out of the PDSM answers the question “The applicant’s Senior Rater is the nominating official (i.e., a wing commander or equivalent in a Senior Rater position)”. for example, you want to potentially get cgo of the quarter….just because you did some cool stuff in the quarter doesn’t mean you’re competitive to win that quarter. Your supervisor is going to use their discretion to determine if they’re going to submit a package for you. Same concept, if your sq/gp/wg doesn’t believe you’re competitive they don’t HAVE to submit or “nominate” you. I’m not saying it’s right but it’s how it works. Last year my WG/CC didn’t endorse my package because in his mind I didn’t have enough time in the career field or wasn’t close to the 2.5 year rated service commitment even though I was ranked 1/9 at my sq and then #2 at the group. My old Sq/CC tried to advocate for me the GP/CC tried and my new SQ/CC tried to advocate but nope. Did it suck? Yes but here I am a year later applying. #1 out the sq #1 out the gp…and no one knows where they ranked at the wg. So no there’s no reg that states they don’t have to push packages to the board if they don’t want to, but it’s common practice with any type of board.

I’m seeing a lot of comments about PCSM and what the board looks for and etc…I do want to say that if you happen to make it to the board, you have just as equal of a chance to make it as the next person. With that being said…the more competitive you make yourself, the better chance you have of being picked up. Now if you’re already in the rated community, for example RPA it’s going to be tough, and the reason being is because of the standards at the sq/gp/wg. Each command is entitled to judge and rack and stack as they please. If they want you to have a specific PCSM before they push you then that’s their stipulation and if you want it bad enough then I know you have it in you to get the score required. Now, you could be the best in your career field….that doesn’t mean you’ll be a good manned pilot, or that doesn’t necessarily show leadership potential. Are you doing something different than what every other person is doing who is applying to this board. Are you making an impact outside of work? Are you talking about how great you’ve been in your current career field and that’s it? Remember, the Air Force is ALWAYS going to choose what’s best for the Air Force and if your desires and interests fit into what the Air Force needs AND wants, then you have a good shot at getting picked up. Lastly, I’ll say this, keep killing it and growing in whatever you are doing currently. If this path is meant for you, it’ll happen. I’m a believer in God and do believe in his will and timing. I’m applying this year and if it’s meant for me I’ll get it. And I truly believe the same for you. Whether it’s your first time applying or third…don’t get discouraged. Good luck to everyone !