BTZ: a fast-track to success

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Samuel Taylor
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  What is the definition of a successful Air Force career? For some, the answer may be: "to provide stability and support for my family;" "to complete my education goals;" or simply, "to serve my country." For many first-term Airmen, the definition of success - at least in the short-term - is to earn a Below the Zone promotion to Senior Airman.

Much more than just a six-month advance of Senior Airman pay, a BTZ selection recognizes an individual for devoting numerous man-hours to perfecting their craft in the work place while showing consistent involvement outside their base's gates. It is an avenue for motivated individuals to be put on the fast track towards a supervisory position. This guide is intended to help Airmen who aspire to earn a BTZ promotion along the path towards selection.

Is BTZ right for you?
Though the opportunity is available to anyone, BTZ is not for everyone, warns Staff Sgt. Chaka Sellers, an Airman Leadership School instructor with the 436th Force Support Squadron.

"Airmen who receive BTZ might not be ready for the responsibility of testing for staff sergeant and becoming an NCO, so they should take caution before rushing through the ranks," said Sellers. "Airmen should understand that receiving BTZ tells leadership, 'I am ready for more responsibility.'"

But for Airmen who are ready, BTZ is a welcome career boost, as was the case with Senior Airman Raul Rodriguez, aircrew ground equipment journeyman with the 436th Maintenance Squadron, and recent BTZ recipient.

"BTZ shows recognition of the hard work that most Airmen are doing anyway," said Rodriguez. "There are many Airmen who do not get selected that are just as deserving as the winners."

Rodriguez exemplified many of the cornerstones of a success BTZ package, including superior job performance, base involvement with the reverse dignified transfer team, self improvement through secondary education, and community service at a local animal shelter - a significant investment of time, yet one he deemed worth the effort.

Insider tips for success
When it comes to judging Airmen for BTZ, Chief Master Sgt. David Smith, maintenance superintendant with the 436th Maintenance Squadron, has been there and done that; he has served as a BTZ board member numerous times, and now serves as the president of every BTZ board in the 436th MXS. He offers Airmen an insight into the mind of a BTZ board member:

"The most important factors are going above and beyond their peers by pursuing leadership opportunities on-and-off base, going to school, and taking an active role in squadron and wing-level programs and events; things like physical fitness scores are typically outstanding at the board level anyway, and are secondary in our decision-making," said Smith. "Most importantly is Air Force impact. It won't count against Airmen in career fields that don't deal with money or expensive equipment - it's about how they make their presence felt within their career field's scope."

While an impressive award package is crucial, a successful face-to-face interview helps seal the deal, said Smith.

"When we meet Airmen in person, we are looking for confident communication, perfect military appearance and bearing, and Air Force knowledge," said Smith. "We will ask about their hobbies and family, and then ask for opinions about internal and external issues currently affecting the Air Force."

But don't go running off to check the proper distance from a nametape to sew an occupational badge, said Smith. BTZ boards do not play "stump the dummy," instead asking broad questions that reveal the character of the Airman. Smith recommends more practical preparations.

"Make sure your uniform is perfect; and rehearse your introduction, which includes who you are, where you work and how you support the Air Force mission, what your aspirations are, whether or not you are married and have children, and your hobbies," said Smith.

Understanding the process
Each quarter, the 436th Force Support Squadron Military Personnel Flight sends a list of Airmen eligible for BTZ consideration based on factors such as time in service and time in grade to supervisors throughout base. The number of eligible members each quarter determines several important factors, including: the maximum numbers of stripes that can be awarded at a board, and whether squadrons can hold their own promotion boards.

These names are sent out to supervisors throughout base, who in turn choose whether or not to recommend Airmen for BTZ. Nominated Airmen then go before a board to compete for selection based on a point system. One component of the score is the award package score, which is comprised of: leadership and job performance, worth a maximum of 20 points; significant self improvement and base and community involvement, worth a maximum of 5 points.

Squadron-level, or internal, boards (containing at least seven eligible Airmen) are typically conducted in person (unless several members are not on base, in which case a "records only board" judges Airmen solely on their award package). These face-to-face boards assign a "board score." If a member is not present for a face-to-face board due to authorized reasons, they are awarded an average of the board scores given to fellow candidates. This board score, combined with the award package score, makes up the total score that determines the BTZ recipients.

Large squadrons have the option of holding an internal board, in which the competing Airmen, and their senior NCOs judges, are from the same squadron. On the other hand, small squadrons (containing less than seven eligible Airmen) may each send a maximum of two Airmen to the Central Base Board, which pools the Airmen from squadrons without their own board. The CBB is run by a senior NCO from each group and functions exclusively as a "records only board."

Based on the number of eligible Airmen per board, a quota of stripes is set. For example, a board with between seven and nine eligible members may assign one stripe, while a board with 17-23 eligible Airmen may assign three stripes. Members selected at a squadron-level board or the CBB are then confirmed by the wing commander and promoted approximately a month later, well on their way toward their ideal Air Force career.