SNCO Promotion study guide Exam 2026
Questions and Answers
1. WHAT REGULATION COVERS THE ENLISTED FORCE STRUCTURE? -
Answer -- AIR FORCE INSTRUCTION (AFI) 36-2618 - THE ENLISTED
FORCE STRUCTURE.
2. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF AIR FORCE INSTRUCTION 36-2618? -
Answer --Provides the general framework for the enlisted force structure that best
meets mission requirements, while developing institutional and occupational
competencies
-Defines the leadership levels, tiers, ranks, roles, terms of address, general
responsibilities, duty titles and special positions for the enlisted force
-Provides a framework for supervisors as they set standards during initial feedback
sessions, evaluate progress during mid-term feedback sessions, and document
performance on annual reports
3. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF HAVING A FORMAL ENLISTED FORCE
STRUCTURE? - Answer -- TO DEFINE THE ENLISTED FORCE
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,STRUCTURE, SPECIFY THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF EACH ENLSITED
RANK WITHIN THE STRUCTURE, AND ESTABLISH TITLE FOR EACH
RANK AND TERMS OF ADDRESS FOR AIR FORCE ENLISTED
PERSONNEL. THIS INSTRUCTION ALSO ESTABLISHES MANDATORY
NCO RESPONSIBILITIES.
Name and define the Air Force Leadership Levels - Answer -Tactical Expertise -
this level is predominantly direct and face-to-face and focused on personal
competencies. At this level Airmen gain a general understanding of team
leadership and appreciation for organizational leadership.
Operational Competence - At this level, Airmen understand the broader Air Force
perspective and the integration of diverse people and capabilities in operational
execution.
Strategic Vision - Airmen combine highly developed personnel and people/team
institutional competencies to apply broad organizational competencies.
4. WHAT IS THE THREE TIER STRUCTURE. - Answer -- AIRMAN TIER -
CONSISTING OF AIRMAN BASIC, AIRMAN, AIRMAN FIRST CLASS AND
SENIOR AIRMAN.
- NCO TIER - STAFF SERGEANT, TECHNICAL SERGEANT
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, - SENIOR NCO TIER - MASTER SERGEANT, SENIOR MASTER SERGEANT,
CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT.
JUNIOR ENLISTED AIRMEN TIER - Answer -AB, Amn, A1C, SrA
In this tier, Airmen prepare for increased responsibilities and ensure they are
trained, qualified and ready to operate, both at home and in an expeditionary
environment.
NCO TIER - Answer -SSgt, TSgt
- continue occupational growth and become expert technicians while developing as
leaders, supervisors, managers, and mentors in the profession of arms
Senior NCO Tier - Answer -MSgt, SMSgt, CMSgt
- serve as leaders in the profession of arms, advise, supervise and mentor others to
further grow and develop junior enlisted Airmen and Noncommissioned Officers
under their charge
What are the 4 ways to be "ready" that fall under the junior Enlisted Tier? - Answer
-- Be mentally ready
- Be physically ready
- Be Socially ready
- Be Spiritually read
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Questions and Answers
1. WHAT REGULATION COVERS THE ENLISTED FORCE STRUCTURE? -
Answer -- AIR FORCE INSTRUCTION (AFI) 36-2618 - THE ENLISTED
FORCE STRUCTURE.
2. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF AIR FORCE INSTRUCTION 36-2618? -
Answer --Provides the general framework for the enlisted force structure that best
meets mission requirements, while developing institutional and occupational
competencies
-Defines the leadership levels, tiers, ranks, roles, terms of address, general
responsibilities, duty titles and special positions for the enlisted force
-Provides a framework for supervisors as they set standards during initial feedback
sessions, evaluate progress during mid-term feedback sessions, and document
performance on annual reports
3. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF HAVING A FORMAL ENLISTED FORCE
STRUCTURE? - Answer -- TO DEFINE THE ENLISTED FORCE
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 1
,STRUCTURE, SPECIFY THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF EACH ENLSITED
RANK WITHIN THE STRUCTURE, AND ESTABLISH TITLE FOR EACH
RANK AND TERMS OF ADDRESS FOR AIR FORCE ENLISTED
PERSONNEL. THIS INSTRUCTION ALSO ESTABLISHES MANDATORY
NCO RESPONSIBILITIES.
Name and define the Air Force Leadership Levels - Answer -Tactical Expertise -
this level is predominantly direct and face-to-face and focused on personal
competencies. At this level Airmen gain a general understanding of team
leadership and appreciation for organizational leadership.
Operational Competence - At this level, Airmen understand the broader Air Force
perspective and the integration of diverse people and capabilities in operational
execution.
Strategic Vision - Airmen combine highly developed personnel and people/team
institutional competencies to apply broad organizational competencies.
4. WHAT IS THE THREE TIER STRUCTURE. - Answer -- AIRMAN TIER -
CONSISTING OF AIRMAN BASIC, AIRMAN, AIRMAN FIRST CLASS AND
SENIOR AIRMAN.
- NCO TIER - STAFF SERGEANT, TECHNICAL SERGEANT
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, - SENIOR NCO TIER - MASTER SERGEANT, SENIOR MASTER SERGEANT,
CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT.
JUNIOR ENLISTED AIRMEN TIER - Answer -AB, Amn, A1C, SrA
In this tier, Airmen prepare for increased responsibilities and ensure they are
trained, qualified and ready to operate, both at home and in an expeditionary
environment.
NCO TIER - Answer -SSgt, TSgt
- continue occupational growth and become expert technicians while developing as
leaders, supervisors, managers, and mentors in the profession of arms
Senior NCO Tier - Answer -MSgt, SMSgt, CMSgt
- serve as leaders in the profession of arms, advise, supervise and mentor others to
further grow and develop junior enlisted Airmen and Noncommissioned Officers
under their charge
What are the 4 ways to be "ready" that fall under the junior Enlisted Tier? - Answer
-- Be mentally ready
- Be physically ready
- Be Socially ready
- Be Spiritually read
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