Printing delay for enlisted guide won't delay promotion testing

News > Printing delay for enlisted guide won't delay promotion testing

Printing delay for enlisted guide won't delay promotion testing

Posted 8/30/2011

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8/30/2011 - RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) -- Distribution of the printed version of the 2011 Air Force Pamphlet 36-2241, Professional Development Guide, will be delayed until late December.

Promotion cycles, including the upcoming 12E8 senior master sergeant promotion cycle Dec. 5-16, will not be affected by the distribution delay. The delay is a result of the Air Force Publishing Distribution Center transitioning their operations from the facility in Baltimore to the Army's Media Distribution Division in St. Louis, Mo.

"While the printed version of the Professional Development Guide won't make it to individuals before December, Airmen can go online to the e-publishing website and download the digital version of the PDG to use," said Chief Master Sgt. Michael Helfer, the Air Force Personnel Center's Enlisted Promotions and Military Testing Branch chief.

The online version of the newest PDG was posted on the Air Force E-Publishing website in April and met the Air Force's requirement make study materials accessible at least 60 days prior to a test date. While it has the "not for implementation" moniker attached to it, Helfer said "there is no difference between the online version (dated Oct. 1, 2011) and the printed version being distributed in December."

The "not for implementation" moniker is used by Air Force E-Publishing when an approved revision is made, but hasn't become effective. The newest PDG becomes effective Oct. 1.

Airmen concerned about not having a printed version of the PDG to study can download the online version into portable digital devices like smart phones, e-readers and tablets.

(Courtesy of the Air Force Personnel, Services and Manpower Public Affairs)

Comments

9/4/2011 2:52:42 AM ET
I am more interested in the audio of the new PDG. When and where can people get the downloadable audio version of the PDG? I like to listen in the car.

NCO, Germany

9/4/2011 12:33:10 AM ET
I will not falter and I will not fail...unless I work for the AFPDC. Then failure is okay.

FIGMO, PACAF

9/3/2011 8:49:33 PM ET
This news is very unfortunate. Just watch in a few years. If you want a hardcopy of the PDG you will be purchasing one from McMillan.

Smith, Florida

9/3/2011 3:48:26 PM ET
So this means I should go to the office and print it out, right?

Sgt Peanut, office

9/1/2011 8:28:14 PM ET
This statement, "Airmen concerned about not having a printed version of the PDG to study can download the online version into portable digital devices like smart phones, e-readers and tablets," makes no sense. If someone is concerned about not having a PRINTED product, how does having an additional DIGITAL product help that? I know you'd like to have an actual printed document to study. We can't give you that so how about two digital copies? Classic.

TCG, AFCENT

9/1/2011 6:20:56 PM ET
Do they still have anything about Gen Hap Arnold and his famous wing-dings in the PME guide Isn't that getting a bit old

Retired, Arizona

9/1/2011 1:22:44 PM ET
This certainly creates an unfair situation for those without access to a computer. Until a paper copy has been given to every single promotion-eligible person, the Air Force has NOT met their requirement to provide study materials. Testing should be delayed until 60 days after the material has been distributed or else blanket authority to print the entire manual on Air Force paper using Air Force printers should be granted. This situation weakens the credibility of the promotion system.

DC, MD

9/1/2011 1:10:19 PM ET
"Airmen concerned about not having a printed version of the PDG to study can download the online version into portable digital devices like smart phones, e-readers and tablets." Who wzs the moron who wrote this sentance. You know if they download it to one of those devices they still don't have a printed copy.

Dave C, OH

9/1/2011 8:53:16 AM ET
I wonder if this is the same reason that the Air Force doesn't have any Airman's manuals to distribute, but it is still a required item for deployment. Some people are printing out that 266 page document and carrying it in a binder for all their convenient tactical easy access needs.

Sgt UDM, conus

9/1/2011 12:24:29 AM ET
I am definitely old school when it comes to studying for promotion: a hard-copy PDG and highlighters. This has worked for me in the past so the idea of not having a paper copy is worrisome. I am one of the few who doesn't have a smart phone, e-reader, or tablet, so I rely heavily on the printed version. The Air Force is big on getting the point across that there are numerous learning styles. Why make less of my particular style?

Darby Bettencourt, Indiana PA

8/31/2011 7:02:21 AM ET
If AFPC is telling Airmen to use the electronic version to prepare for upcoming promotions testing then what's the need for a print version? Their own statement indicates the hard copy isn't needed. Don't print it and save the money. On the other hand, how many Airmen will print their copy on Air Force printers using AF paper? That means the Air Force will have paid for printing two copies for that Airman.

Russ Petcoff, Virginia

8/30/2011 3:24:21 PM ET
How about the folks who may not have a computer at home? Is this really a fair way to play with the promotion system?

Smoker, AZ

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