by Eric M. Grill
Air Force Personnel, Service and Manpower Public Affairs
10/17/2011 - RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) -- The results of the captain central selection board for active-duty line of the Air Force first lieutenants who competed for promotion to captain is scheduled be released Oct. 19.
More than 3,000 first lieutenants were selected by the board for promotion to captain.
Promotion opportunities for first lieutenants to captains were reduced from 100 percent to 95 percent in July and fall in line with changes to the Line of the Air Force promotion opportunity to major, which went from 95 percent opportunity to 90 percent opportunity in December 2010, Air Force officials said. The Air Force last held a LAF captain promotion board in 2002.
Senior Air Force leaders said leaders at all levels must ensure we are focused on retaining the proper balance of highly qualified and skilled Airmen.
"The selection for promotion to the next higher rank is competitive, and promotions become increasingly competitive with each higher grade," said Col. Leslie Formolo, the Air Force Personnel Center Personnel Services director.
Officers are encouraged to review their personnel records for accuracy at least annually, Formolo said.
"Lieutenants are competing for fewer captain opportunities, resulting in a more highly competitive selection process for officers preparing to enter the Air Force's field grade ranks, which typically demand much greater responsibility," she said.
The Air Force continues to hone its force development plans and select officers to fill positions at the higher grade. The service will remain committed to selecting the best qualified officers for promotion at every level, the colonel said.
LAF promotion opportunity rates change based on needs of the Air Force and the new promotion opportunities are still well within Defense Department guidelines, the colonel said.
