SMSgt Promotion Board Prep Test
Questions and Complete Detailed
Answers
Complacent airman have a tendency to view their membership in the Air National Guard as "just a
job." What are some ideas you have to instill military pride, tradition and build a sense of esprit de
corps? - Answer: · ANG - mostly part-time for members
· AD - live and work on the same installation
· Offer opportunities - after work activities, weekend activities, and activities for families - Bowling,
softball, cookouts, hikes, trips or anything that involves families.
· We have resources at D-M, let's use them. Doing activities away from work often help develop
traditions, builds the Esprit de Corps. Once you do that, having pride in your organization will follow.
Describe your training experience and skills as they apply to SMSgt position. - Answer: Police Officer
- 27yrs
Military - 17 yrs
Always being trained and developed for the next level of responsibilities
Numerous supervisor training as a police officer and detective and added positions of
responsibilities. (Police Supervision, OIC and Field Training Officer)
Experience - many different personalities to achieve common goals (Police - arrest suspects, help
those in need, often in tense situations/Military accomplish the mission)
I have continued my leadership training by completing all required PME, attended a Senior NCO
leadership course at Luke AFB and completed SNCO Joint PME I.
On the national level I took an active role as a liaison to other paralegal offices, being a mentor, SME
on running a legal office, and an overall resource to other legal offices. (past 6 yrs)
Senior Paralegal Manager of Professional Development to the Air Force Judge Advocate School. All
my experiences and the skills I have developed have prepared me for the responsibilities associated
with the new rank.
To be an effective SMSgt you will be required to communicate with others to accomplish the
mission. As a leader in your section, what would you do to encourage effective communication? -
Answer: · Better understanding of how my people learn
· Good listener first - not effective communicator if don't understand what you are hearing
· I would expect everyone to be at ease with sharing their ideas and/or suggestions. There is no such
thing as a stupid idea.
, · I am expected to merge my team member's talents and skills. How can I do that if I am not able to
listen to their ideas and suggestions?
· Communicate with them to understand what drives their motivation and inspire them to be
creative by listening to them.
An effective SNCO is one who knows how to capitalize on strengths, as well as weaknesses. What do
you believe is your weakest leadership trait, and how are you working to make this weakness a
future strength? - Answer: · Democratic Leadership Style - everyone's input
· Want and love the challenges given to me - hard to relinquish
· Adage you want it done right, do it yourself
· Turn this weakness into strength by giving my people responsibility to perform their job and make
their own mistakes.
· They in turn make mistakes and learn to overcome obstacles, which makes them better airman and
future leaders.
One of your responsibilities will be to recommend individuals for leadership roles within the
squadron. How would you mentor and prepare workers to become future leaders? - Answer: · "I"s
dotted and "t"s crossed. What I mean is that this airman would should be working on getting their
PME done and any additional training they may require. Encourage additional leadership courses.
· They should work on being a leader within my organization. Encouraging they ask questions.
· Allow them to make mistakes and resolve issues that arise.
· Be creative and be restrained in their creativity.
· Giving them more responsibilities within the section. Responsibilities that would further develop
their leadership traits.
Once they have met my expectations, I would make the recommendation they for leadership role
outside the section.
As a new SMSgt, you are approached by one of your supervisors requiring advice on how to deal
with a young airman found sleeping on the job twice in one week. (Note: The airman had a baby 3
months ago; is having trouble adjusting parenthood; is having difficulty paying the bills and has taken
a second job working the night shift at the local grocery store) what advice would you give your
supervisor? - Answer: · Speak to the Airman to get a good understanding of their situation, married,
single parent situation.
· There may be another reason the airman is tired and having to work two jobs.
· Research what organizations are out there that can help the airman in these situations.
· Maybe seek some financing counseling that would be available for free to the airman.
· Depending on the status of the airman, maybe work on a getting them a QSI or time off award.
Questions and Complete Detailed
Answers
Complacent airman have a tendency to view their membership in the Air National Guard as "just a
job." What are some ideas you have to instill military pride, tradition and build a sense of esprit de
corps? - Answer: · ANG - mostly part-time for members
· AD - live and work on the same installation
· Offer opportunities - after work activities, weekend activities, and activities for families - Bowling,
softball, cookouts, hikes, trips or anything that involves families.
· We have resources at D-M, let's use them. Doing activities away from work often help develop
traditions, builds the Esprit de Corps. Once you do that, having pride in your organization will follow.
Describe your training experience and skills as they apply to SMSgt position. - Answer: Police Officer
- 27yrs
Military - 17 yrs
Always being trained and developed for the next level of responsibilities
Numerous supervisor training as a police officer and detective and added positions of
responsibilities. (Police Supervision, OIC and Field Training Officer)
Experience - many different personalities to achieve common goals (Police - arrest suspects, help
those in need, often in tense situations/Military accomplish the mission)
I have continued my leadership training by completing all required PME, attended a Senior NCO
leadership course at Luke AFB and completed SNCO Joint PME I.
On the national level I took an active role as a liaison to other paralegal offices, being a mentor, SME
on running a legal office, and an overall resource to other legal offices. (past 6 yrs)
Senior Paralegal Manager of Professional Development to the Air Force Judge Advocate School. All
my experiences and the skills I have developed have prepared me for the responsibilities associated
with the new rank.
To be an effective SMSgt you will be required to communicate with others to accomplish the
mission. As a leader in your section, what would you do to encourage effective communication? -
Answer: · Better understanding of how my people learn
· Good listener first - not effective communicator if don't understand what you are hearing
· I would expect everyone to be at ease with sharing their ideas and/or suggestions. There is no such
thing as a stupid idea.
, · I am expected to merge my team member's talents and skills. How can I do that if I am not able to
listen to their ideas and suggestions?
· Communicate with them to understand what drives their motivation and inspire them to be
creative by listening to them.
An effective SNCO is one who knows how to capitalize on strengths, as well as weaknesses. What do
you believe is your weakest leadership trait, and how are you working to make this weakness a
future strength? - Answer: · Democratic Leadership Style - everyone's input
· Want and love the challenges given to me - hard to relinquish
· Adage you want it done right, do it yourself
· Turn this weakness into strength by giving my people responsibility to perform their job and make
their own mistakes.
· They in turn make mistakes and learn to overcome obstacles, which makes them better airman and
future leaders.
One of your responsibilities will be to recommend individuals for leadership roles within the
squadron. How would you mentor and prepare workers to become future leaders? - Answer: · "I"s
dotted and "t"s crossed. What I mean is that this airman would should be working on getting their
PME done and any additional training they may require. Encourage additional leadership courses.
· They should work on being a leader within my organization. Encouraging they ask questions.
· Allow them to make mistakes and resolve issues that arise.
· Be creative and be restrained in their creativity.
· Giving them more responsibilities within the section. Responsibilities that would further develop
their leadership traits.
Once they have met my expectations, I would make the recommendation they for leadership role
outside the section.
As a new SMSgt, you are approached by one of your supervisors requiring advice on how to deal
with a young airman found sleeping on the job twice in one week. (Note: The airman had a baby 3
months ago; is having trouble adjusting parenthood; is having difficulty paying the bills and has taken
a second job working the night shift at the local grocery store) what advice would you give your
supervisor? - Answer: · Speak to the Airman to get a good understanding of their situation, married,
single parent situation.
· There may be another reason the airman is tired and having to work two jobs.
· Research what organizations are out there that can help the airman in these situations.
· Maybe seek some financing counseling that would be available for free to the airman.
· Depending on the status of the airman, maybe work on a getting them a QSI or time off award.
