Virtual enlisted promotion release proving successful Published Jan. 8, 2008 WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- Since its introduction in November, the new virtual enlisted promotion release system has received positive reviews from the field. And, while it may be a bit of a culture shock for some, the new system provides several benefits for Airmen of all grades. "The new process resolved several challenges with our current enlisted promotion notification process: notifying Airmen all over the world on a specific date and time, safeguarding the integrity of the list against unauthorized release and premature notification, as well as letting non-selects determine their status at the same time," said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley. "The virtual release process worked flawlessly during the November chief master sergeant promotion announcement, and a working group at the Air Force Personnel Center at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, will continue to refine the process to ensure it delivers results on time without fail, "said Chief Master Sgt. Mark Long, chief of enlisted promotion and evaluations at the Pentagon. There were many concerns the system would crash with the high number of users but the system is designed with a built-in threshold to handle the workload. Feedback from the field indicates commanders and key leaders still did a great job congratulating selectees on their special day. "The VEPR is great... no more 'secret' unauthorized lists," said Chief Master Sgt. Lisa Kuehnl, superintendent for the 39th Mission Support Group at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. "Everyone from our most junior Airman to the wing commander had the opportunity to view the promotion list immediately upon release, and the search filter capability makes finding friends, coworkers, supervisors or subordinates quick and easy." "The virtual enlisted promotion system provides everyone a level playing field for finding out if they did or did not make the grade," said Chief Master Sgt. Randall Raper, command chief for 11th Wing at Bolling AFB, D.C. "Virtual enlisted promotion release has truly moved the Air Force enlisted promotion system into the 21st century," said Chief Kuehnl. "I think 'home run' best captures it." Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link) View the comments/letters page