E-9 board president emphasizes record verification Published Nov. 19, 2008 By 2nd Lt. Gina Vaccaro Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) -- The president of the 2008 chief master sergeant evaluation board convened Oct. 20 at the Air Force Personnel Center here emphasized the importance of record verification by each eligible individual prior to the evaluation board convening. Brig. Gen. Frederick H. "Rick" Martin, the U.S. Africa Command Directorate of Operations and Logistics deputy director, served as the evaluation board president and offered insight as to what it takes to make E-9. As board president, General Martin oversaw the 24-member board, which was made up of eight colonels and 16 chief master sergeants who evaluated the records of 2,695 senior master sergeants. "The chief master sergeant promotion selection program has always been extremely competitive. This cycle was no exception," General Martin said. "The E-9 end strength is limited to 1 percent of the total enlisted force. So, the competition for the limited quotas is tough. This is why it is vital that all members verify the accuracy of their records ahead of time." Individual involvement from eligible senior NCOs is crucial to the promotion process. Senior NCOs should ensure their senior NCO selection folders, maintained at AFPC's selection board secretariat, are accurate and complete. The secretariat staff recommends senior NCOs request copies of their selection record prior to their evaluation board to ensure all necessary documents are filed and all information is correct. Senior NCOs should also consistently review their data verification records for accuracy and make sure any necessary corrections are made prior to the evaluation board. The data verification records for all eligible individuals are located on the virtual Military Personnel Flight through the Air Force portal. Instructions for how to review and access records are posted on the enlisted promotions Web site, http://ask.afpc.randolph.af.mil. This review is an important tool provided to senior NCOs to ensure the information in the selection folder is correct. With the E-9 board complete, the selection board secretariat is reminding Airmen to stay vigilant in maintaining their records. Often times a senior NCO's personal involvement and due diligence are the key to getting corrections made to a record prior to an evaluation board. While the board secretariat will give your records a solid review; each eligible Airman is responsible for ensuring his or her record contains complete and accurate information. The next board, the senior master sergeant evaluation board, is scheduled to convene Feb. 2, 2009. If you have any questions regarding the senior NCO promotion selection process, contact the Air Force Personnel Center's 24-hour Contact Center at 800-616-3775 or visit the "Ask AFPC" Web site athttp://ask.afpc.randolph.af.mil/ and search for "promotion". Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link) View the comments/letters page