Air Force PME / PDG
Enlisted force structure, EPR system, promotion testing, Air Force history, core values, dress and appearance (AFI 36-2903), customs and courtesies, Airman's Creed, AFI 36-2618.
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01What are the three Air Force Core Values?
Integrity First, Service Before Self, Excellence in All We Do.
02What is the first line of the Airman's Creed?
I am an American Airman.
03The Airman's Creed states 'I am a _____, _____and _____.'
Warrior. I have answered my nation's call.
04What AFI governs dress and personal appearance of Air Force personnel?
AFI 36-2903, Dress and Personal Appearance of Air Force Personnel.
05What AFI is known as 'The Enlisted Force Structure'?
AFI 36-2618, The Enlisted Force Structure (also called 'The Little Brown Book').
06What are the three tiers of the Air Force enlisted force?
Junior Enlisted (E-1 to E-4), NCOs (E-5 to E-6), and Senior NCOs (E-7 to E-9).
07What rank is an Airman Basic (AB)?
E-1.
08What rank is an Airman (Amn)?
E-2.
09What rank is an Airman First Class (A1C)?
E-3.
10What rank is a Senior Airman (SrA)?
E-4.
11What rank is a Staff Sergeant (SSgt)?
E-5.
12What rank is a Technical Sergeant (TSgt)?
E-6.
13What rank is a Master Sergeant (MSgt)?
E-7.
14What rank is a Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt)?
E-8.
15What rank is a Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt)?
E-9.
16What is the highest enlisted rank in the Air Force?
Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force (CMSAF), a special E-9 position.
17What evaluation form is used for enlisted Airmen?
The Enlisted Performance Report (EPR), AF Form 910 or 911.
18What does WAPS stand for?
Weighted Airman Promotion System.
19What factors are included in WAPS scoring for promotion?
Promotion Fitness Examination (PFE), Specialty Knowledge Test (SKT), EPR ratings, time-in-grade, time-in-service, decorations.
20What test do all enlisted Airmen take for promotion under WAPS?
The Promotion Fitness Examination (PFE), which tests knowledge from the Air Force Handbook.
21To what rank does a Senior Airman typically get promoted based on time-in-service/time-in-grade (below-the-zone notwithstanding)?
Staff Sergeant (E-5) — the first WAPS-tested promotion.
22When was the United States Air Force established as an independent service?
September 18, 1947, under the National Security Act of 1947.
23What was the Air Force called before it became independent?
The United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) / Army Air Corps.
24Who is considered the father of the United States Air Force?
General Henry H. 'Hap' Arnold.
25Who was the first Chief of Staff of the Air Force?
General Carl A. Spaatz.
26What was the name of the Army unit that flew the first military air mission, organized in 1907?
The Aeronautical Division of the U.S. Army Signal Corps.
27What historic bomber raid did Lt Col Jimmy Doolittle lead in April 1942?
The Doolittle Raid — B-25 bombers launched from USS Hornet to strike Tokyo.
28What Air Force operation airlifted supplies to West Berlin from 1948 to 1949?
The Berlin Airlift (Operation Vittles).
29What is the proper way to address a Chief Master Sergeant?
'Chief' or 'Chief Master Sergeant.'
30When in uniform, how do enlisted Airmen greet a commissioned officer?
By rendering a salute and offering a verbal greeting such as 'Good morning, Sir/Ma'am.'
31Are enlisted Airmen required to salute warrant officers?
Yes. All commissioned and warrant officers are saluted by enlisted personnel.
32What is the proper response when an officer returns your salute?
Drop the salute and continue on your way (or hold it if the officer has not yet returned it).
33Under AFI 36-2903, what are the two general categories of Air Force uniforms?
Service uniforms (dress/semi-formal) and Utility uniforms (OCP/flight suit).
34What is the standard utility uniform of the Air Force?
The Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) uniform.
35Under AFI 36-2903, are visible tattoos on the hands permitted?
Yes, a single-band ring tattoo on one hand is permitted; full hand tattoos are not authorized (policy updated — check current AFI for latest guidance).
36What does PME stand for in the Air Force?
Professional Military Education.
37What PME course do Senior Airmen attend (or complete via distance learning)?
Airman Leadership School (ALS).
38What PME must a Technical Sergeant complete?
NCO Academy (NCOA).
39What PME corresponds to the Senior NCO tier?
Senior NCO Academy (SNCOA), required for Senior Master Sergeant.
40What is the Air Force's primary professional development guide for enlisted Airmen, often tested on the PFE?
The Air Force Handbook 1 (AFH 1), Airman.
41What core value emphasizes that Airmen must not lie, steal, or cheat?
Integrity First.
42What core value stresses professional duties take precedence over personal desires?
Service Before Self.
43What core value requires continuous improvement and innovation?
Excellence in All We Do.
44In the Airman's Creed, what phrase describes the commitment to defend?
'I will never leave an Airman behind, I will never falter, and I will not fail.'
45What is the Air Force term for the organizational flag carried by a unit?
The guidon.
46What does 'Reveille' signify on an Air Force installation?
The beginning of the official duty day and the raising of the flag.
47What does 'Retreat' signify on an Air Force installation?
The end of the official duty day and the lowering of the flag.
48What should an Airman in uniform do outdoors when they hear the National Anthem or 'To the Colors'?
Face the flag (or the music if the flag is not visible), stand at attention, and render a salute.
49According to AFI 36-2618, what is the primary duty of all NCOs?
To lead and manage teams, develop subordinate Airmen, and support the mission.
50What force management tool replaced 'Up or Out' for enlisted promotions?
The Selective Retention process (High Year of Tenure / HYT limits determine maximum years at each grade).
51What is the maximum number of years a Staff Sergeant (E-5) can serve under HYT?
20 years (as of current policy — verify against latest AFI updates).
52What year did the Air Force transition from the Airman Battle Uniform (ABU) to the OCP?
Full transition was completed by April 1, 2021.
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