JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Personnel from Headquarters Air Force and the Air Force Personnel Center visited Joint Base Charleston - Air Base July 20, 2015, to share information about Enlisted Evaluation System and Weighted Airman Promotion System changes.
During the briefings, EES/WAPS subject matter experts spoke about changes that have already been implemented, those slated for implementation in the months ahead and the reasons and philosophy behind the changes.
"This is one of the most significant changes to the enlisted evaluation and promotion system in a generation," said U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Peggy Poore, AFPC commander. "So, we feel it's important to bring this information directly to commanders and Airmen and allow them to ask questions and get immediate answers from the experts."
The briefing team hosted two all-calls to ensure all Team Charleston members received the information face-to-face. In addition, the team held a Q & A session.
"Team Charleston, Team FSS and the Road Show team were ready and willing to deliver and receive information," said Chief Master Sgt. Debra Mosley, 628th Force Support Squadron superintendent. "It was nice to see everyone engaged in this unique opportunity. The team was the best of the best. They were subject matter experts showing they cared by providing clear and concise responses to multiple questions. Bottom Line: Knowledge is power. Knowing the facts may prevent possible misperceptions allowing for possible favorable views on the changes to the promotion and evaluation system."
An essential change to the new system is that the evaluation will focus on an Airman's job performance.
"The briefing was right on target," said Mosley. "It is important because it provided a sound foundation to a new evaluation system and clarified Air Force intent and expectations. Why a Roadshow? To ensure duty performance is the number one factor considered as we implement the Enlisted Evaluation System."
Mosley believes one big take-away from today's brief is that "It is the new Airman Comprehensive Assessment (feedback)" that will determine the outcome of an evaluation. If feedback is timely and the midterms are truthful, the EPR will not be a surprise. The report will write itself, provided feedback is complete.
Other non-commissioned officers also shared their thoughts on the new EES.
Tech. Sgt. Frederick Hines, from the 437th Operations Group support staff, mentioned that most of the information was being read directly from slides, which in his opinion losses the attention of the audience. He did, however, believe the new system would be an improvement in the long run.
"My take is that supervisors and commanders have to do their best to make sure they are giving fair and honest assessments and stratifications," said Hines. "Commanders have to be a bit more involved with the process and the Airmen than they previously were. Overall, this is going to be a good move for the Air Force but there will be an initial culture shock to the upcoming implementations. We all have to do our part as Airmen and supervisors to make this a successful process."
For more information about EES/WAPS changes, go to the myPers website at https://mypers.af.mil, select "enlisted" under the active duty, Guard or Reserve drop down menus, and then select "evaluations" in the left hand column.
Airman 1st Class Ceaira Tinsley, 23d Wing Public Affairs contributed to this article.