SSGT PROMOTION STUDY GUIDE 26E5 (AFH-1 15 Feb 2025)

A vocabulary-style flashcard set covering the critical facts, UCMJ articles, leadership models, and administrative processes required for the 26E5 SSgt promotion exam based on the AFH-1 study guide.

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.