Adjusting the perception of ‘average’ Airmen Published Aug. 15, 2014 By Senior Master Sgt. David Rice 88th Comptroller Squadron WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Oh. -- As most Airmen already are aware, the Air Force's enlisted evaluation system and Weighted Airman Promotion System are undergoing the most fundamental changes since before the vast majority of us were serving our nation. The impetus for the changes, as Secretary of the Air Force Deborah James put it, is "...to make sure performance is the most important thing in every aspect of an Airman's career". After the changes, the principal factor in the enlisted evaluation and promotion systems will shift focus to duty performance. Honest and accurate measuring of duty performance has become more important than ever before. Currently, we have an inflated rating system where a five rating, and even a "firewall" five rating that indicates the individual is "truly among the best", is the norm. A rating of four -"above average" - often times is viewed as a substandard rating. A rating of three - "average" - should mean an Airman has met all standards. However, this rating generally is viewed as an Airman has done something wrong. When the vast majority of Airmen are rated as "truly among the best" we neither have a true representation of Airmen's duty performance nor can we be certain the most deserving Airmen get promoted. Fortunately, the latest changes to our enlisted evaluations will stave off inflation and help us redefine the meaning of average. First, with forced distribution, unit commanders are limited in the number of top promotion recommendations for promotion eligible technical sergeants and below. Senior rater stratifications for senior NCOs will have similar limitations imposed. Coupled with a fixed cutoff date, Airmen now will have the opportunity to be accurately compared with their peers within their units at the same point in time. There is speculation on the quotas of five, four and three ratings a commander is authorized but no limitations have been announced yet. It is a safe bet that many Airmen no longer will be rated as "truly among the best". To embrace this change, we have to change our perception of average. In the world's greatest Air Force, our Airmen are exceptionally skilled and perform their duties with unmatched dedication and determination. By design, we have high standards that are certainly never accomplished with ease. Achieving standards or being an "average" Airman requires remarkable technical abilities, professionalism and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Now, we have to meet the challenge of removing the stigma that average is bad. On the contrary, being an "average" Airman is a good thing considering exactly how high the bar is raised in our profession. One of the keys with the new evaluation process is honest and open communication emphasizing expectations. It is not realistic or fair to tell our Airmen each and every one of them is the best and have no room for improvement. We can improve some aspects of our duty performance. Our roles as supervisors and leaders require us to have candid feedback with Airmen regarding duty performance and discuss the real meaning of average in our Air Force.