Promotion test change impacts deploying airmen Published March 3, 2003 RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) -- Commanders of technical and master sergeants facing short-notice deployments now have greater flexibility as to when their airmen test for promotion.New overseas manning requirements and the freezing of the air and space expeditionary force cycle prompted officials at the Air Force Personnel Center here to adapt new procedures for deploying airmen.In the past, the number of airmen receiving deployment orders while in their testing window was small, said Ken Schwartz, chief of the center's test management section. They were generally required to test before departing, providing they had access to study materials for at least 60 days."This cycle, we gave commanders a little more flexibility to say whether a person should test before or after their deployment," he said. "It seemed like the right thing to do to keep (promotion) testing in sync with the acceleration of the AEF rhythm."Now, noncommissioned officers in the current test window who receive short-notice orders can have their commander delay testing if circumstances warrant, said Schwartz. Those who delay their testing will test out of cycle when they return.Officials are also considering the merits of applying this change to those testing for staff sergeant May 1 to 31; however, no decision has been made.For more information, visit the career enhancement office at local military personnel flights or visit the enlisted promotions Web site at http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/eprom/. (Courtesy of AFPC news Service)