WAPS

WAPS

Weighted Airman Promotion System, a point-based leaderboard used to compete for promotion within an AFSC based on PFE, SKT, EPR points, Decorations, TIG, and TIS.

PFE Format

A 100-question exam consisting of 60 questions from AFH-1 content and 40 Situational Judgment Test (SJT) questions.

AFH-1 dated 15 Feb 2025

The only source document for the 26E5 Professional Fitness Examination.

Integrity First

A core value defined as doing the right thing even when no one is watching, encompassing sub-values such as Courage, Honesty, Responsibility, Accountability, Justice, Openness, Self-Respect, and Humility.

Service Before Self

A core value prioritizing duties and mission over personal desires and comfort, with virtues including Duty, Loyalty, and Respect.

Excellence In All We Do

A core value focused on continuous improvement and virtues including Mission, Discipline, and Teamwork.

Oath of Enlistment

The sworn duty to support and defend the Constitution of the United States—not a person, party, or office—against all enemies, foreign and domestic.

Ethics Test

A three-question evaluation for decision-making: 1. Is it legal? 2. Is it ethical? 3. Would I be comfortable if reported publicly?

Profession of Arms Characteristics

Four specific attributes: Expertise, Corporateness, Responsibility, and Jurisdiction.

Total Force

The integration of officer, enlisted, and civilian Airmen across RegAF, Guard, Reserve, and Auxiliary Components.

SECAF

Secretary of the Air Force, the civilian head of the Department of the Air Force.

CSAF

Chief of Staff of the Air Force, the highest uniformed officer in the Air Force.

CMSAF

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, the highest enlisted rank who advises both the CSAF and the SECAF.

NCA

National Command Authority, consisting of the President and the Secretary of Defense, who authorize the use of nuclear weapons.

NCO Transition

The core identity shift at the SSgt tier from doing the job to leading those who do the job.

BTZ

Below-the-Zone, a program allowing top Senior Airmen to be promoted to Staff Sergeant 6 months early.

ALS

Airman Leadership School, the Professional Military Education (PME) required for promotion to SSgt.

Skill Level 5 (Journeyman)

The skill level that requires the completion of Career Development Courses (CDCs).

Skill Level 7 (Craftsman)

The skill level qualified to train and evaluate subordinates.

OJT Training Method

A four-step process conducted in the following order: Tell, Show, Do, Review.

AF Form 910

The Enlisted Performance Report (EPR) form used for grades A1C through TSgt.

Initial Feedback

A mandatory feedback session that must occur within 60 days of assignment or a rater change.

SBI Model

A feedback framework consisting of Situation (when/where), Behavior (what specifically), and Impact (the effect).

Laissez-Faire

The least effective leadership style in the Full Range Leadership Model (FRLM), characterized by avoiding responsibility and delaying decisions.

Transactional Leadership: Contingent Reward

A leadership style based on an exchange where rewards are given for performance.

Transformational Leadership

The most effective leadership style, utilizing the 4 I's to inspire and develop subordinates.

The 4 I's

The components of transformational leadership: Idealized Influence, Inspirational Motivation, Intellectual Stimulation, and Individualized Consideration.

Tuckman's Stages

The four phases of team development in order: Forming, Storming, Norming, and Performing.

Article 92

The most commonly charged UCMJ article, covering Failure to Obey a lawful order or regulation.

Article 15

Non-Judicial Punishment (NJP), which allows a commander to impose punishment without a court-martial.

Article 31

The military equivalent of Miranda rights, providing a Rights Warning before questioning a suspect.

Article 134

The General Article, which covers conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline not specified in other articles.

General Court-Martial

The most serious level of military judicial proceedings, which can impose any punishment, including death.

Fraternization

Prohibited undue familiarity between officers and enlisted members that undermines good order and discipline.

Progressive Discipline

An escalatory disciplinary process: Verbal Counseling, LOC, LOA, LOR, Article 15, then Court-Martial.

UIF

Unfavorable Information File, an official file used to document adverse administrative actions.

5-Step RM Process

The Risk Management sequence: 1. Identify Hazards, 2. Assess Hazards, 3. Develop Controls, 4. Implement Controls, 5. Supervise & Evaluate.

Engineering Control

The highest priority risk control, which involves changing the physical environment to eliminate hazards.

PPE

Personal Protective Equipment, considered the 'last resort' control in the risk management process.

Residual Risk

The risk that remains after all controls have been implemented; it is never zero.

OPSEC 5-Step Process

1. Identify Critical Information, 2. Analyze Threats, 3. Analyze Vulnerabilities, 4. Assess Risk, 5. Apply Countermeasures.

Top Secret

A classification level for information that, if disclosed without authorization, could cause 'exceptionally grave damage' to national security.

Secret

A classification level for information that could cause 'serious damage' to national security if disclosed.

Confidential

The lowest classification level, for information that could cause 'damage' to national security if disclosed.

CUI

Controlled Unclassified Information, which must be safeguarded and controlled but is not classified.

Annual Leave

Leave earned at a rate of 2.5 days per month, totaling 30 days per year.

Use or Lose Policy

The requirement to use leave; any balance over 60 days is forfeited on October 1 of each year.

Convalescent Leave

Medical recovery leave that is not charged against an Airman's leave balance.

Reveille

A morning ceremony where the flag is raised, signifying the start of the day.

Retreat

An evening ceremony where the flag is lowered, signifying the end of the duty day.

Covered

Wearing authorized headgear, which is a requirement for rendering a salute outdoors.

Airman's Creed Triad

The three core identity roles: Wingman, Leader, Warrior.

MSM

Meritorious Service Medal, awarded for outstanding non-combat meritorious achievement.

SJT

Situational Judgment Test, 40 scenario-based questions on the PFE that measure judgment and leadership instincts.

Resilience

The ability to recover from adversity and maintain performance under stress.

CAF Domains

The four domains of Comprehensive Airman Fitness: Physical, Mental, Social, and Spiritual.

CCAF

Community College of the Air Force, the largest accredited community college in the world, which awards associate degrees in applied science.

CPI

Continuous Process Improvement, an ongoing effort to eliminate waste and increase efficiency.

Professionalism

The dictionary defines a professional as one who 'engages in something specific as their main occupation rather than a pastime.' Other adjectives used to describe a professional are 'competent,' 'assured,' and 'skillful.'

What defines a professional according to the dictionary?

A professional is one who engages in something specific as their main occupation rather than a pastime.

What are the key adjectives used to describe professionalism?

Competent, assured, and skillful.

What is the foundation of professionalism in the USAF?

Respect.

What are the four requirements framing professionalism within the USAF?

Trust, loyalty, dignity, and personal commitment.

What is the role of Airmen in the context of professionalism?

Airmen must be dependable, responsible for their actions, and good wingmen for fellow Airmen.

What does the term 'Total Force' refer to in the USAF?

It refers to leveraging the unique capabilities of officer, enlisted, and civilian Airmen across various components.

What is the mission of the USAF?

To carry out national defense responsibilities.

What is expected of Airmen regarding their professional obligations?

To be the very best professional possible and to follow orders and perform tasks related to their duties.

What does 'mission-focused' mean in the context of Airmen?

Airmen must perform selfless duty in defense of the nation and be dedicated to answering the nation's call.

What is the most important resource in the USAF?

People.

What are the three core values of the USAF?

Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence In All We Do.

What does 'Integrity First' signify in the USAF?

It signifies the importance of honesty, courage, and accountability as foundational to military endeavors.

How does the USAF define integrity?

Integrity is doing the right thing, all the time, regardless of whether anyone is watching.

What are the virtues associated with 'Integrity First'?

Honesty, courage, and accountability.

What is the significance of the Airman's Creed?

It emphasizes the commitment of Airmen to their nation and the higher standards of their profession.

What does the USAF expect from its members in terms of personal conduct?

To reflect the core values in both personal and professional lives.

What is the relationship between professionalism and public trust in the USAF?

Aligning actions with core values earns public trust and strengthens the service.

What does 'Service Before Self' entail for Airmen?

Placing the needs of the service and country before personal concerns.

What is the ultimate sacrifice expected in the profession of arms?

Laying down one's life for friends, families, or freedoms.

What does 'Excellence In All We Do' mean for Airmen?

Striving for the highest standards in all tasks and responsibilities.

What is the importance of maintaining good order and discipline in the USAF?

It is paramount for mission accomplishment.

How should Airmen view their professional status?

As a reflection of their attitudes, commitments, and internalization of military values.

What is the expectation of Airmen regarding accountability?

To accept responsibility for their actions and hold others accountable.

What does the USAF's commitment to its core values signify?

It signifies a shared belief in honorable service and the importance of integrity, service, and excellence.

What is the significance of the phrase 'I am an American Airman'?

It reflects the pride and identity of being part of the USAF.

What is the role of virtues in the context of USAF core values?

They guide behaviors and characteristics that demonstrate commitment to integrity, service, and excellence.

What are the three virtues of Integrity First?

Honesty, courage, and accountability.

What does honesty require from public servants?

To evaluate performance against standards and report findings accurately.

How is courage defined in the context of integrity?

Doing the right thing despite fear.

What does accountability instill in individuals?

Responsibility, transparency, and ownership for actions.

What does Service Before Self emphasize?

Selfless dedication to duty, prioritizing professional duties over personal desires.

What are the virtues of Service Before Self?

Duty, loyalty, and respect.

What is the definition of duty in the USAF?

The obligation to perform what is required for the mission.

What does loyalty in the USAF entail?

An internal commitment to the success and preservation of something bigger than oneself.

How is respect defined within the USAF?

Encompassing self-respect, mutual respect, and organizational respect.

What does Excellence In All We Do encourage?

Continuous improvement and innovation beyond adversaries' capabilities.

What are the virtues of Excellence In All We Do?

Mission, discipline, and teamwork.

What does mission focus in the USAF require?

Harnessing ingenuity, expertise, and commitment to operations and excellence.

What is the definition of discipline in the context of the USAF?

An individual commitment to uphold the highest personal and professional standards.

Why is teamwork essential in the USAF?

It recognizes the interdependency of every member's contribution toward the mission.

What is the required level of comprehension for SSgt in ethical standards?

B.