Anyone else got beef with the new EPR Rating Quotas?

2015-05-29T14:15:44-04:00

I have several issues with the new EPR rating Quotas that will begin in the next rating period. Don't get me wrong, the EPR system needed some work, but I feel like in an attempt to correct the old issues of inflation, the AF has overshot the goal and created a litany of new issues that are even more egregious IMHO.

1. We are now competing for EPR ratings against all E-6's in our unit regardless of AFSC, but when it comes time to test and go to the board, we will only be compared to our AFSC for our score.

2. Anyone assigned to a unit or section that is considered elite (i.e. Thunderbirds, QA, etc.) where you were selected because of higher/better performance, will be pitted against themselves for the Quotas and not against the sections they were selected out of.

3. They keep saying that duty performance will be most important when it comes to the rating; not education, volunteerism or unit program activities... yeah right. I'll believe that when I see it.

That's just to name a few... Any thoughts?

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2015 2:22 PM

2015-05-29T14:22:46-04:00

I agree, issue number 3 alone is enough. For the past 14 years of my career it has been that school and volunteer is the "set apart" standard, now I have to change that thought process. EPR should be go/no go with justification. No go would be the equivalent of a referral. Keep your head on straight and meet all qualifications and continue to advance.

Response by TSgt Brian Byers made May 29 at 2015 5:31 PM

2015-05-29T17:31:49-04:00

That system was bad in the 1980 and still isn't working. If you can write a great epr for yourself and others there ate no verification on a person's integration

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2015 1:54 PM

2015-06-04T13:54:04-04:00

I think that the best stop-gap solution is to have everyone not require an EPR for the year immediately following their promotion. Exceptions could be made for those applying to OCS and referral EPRs, but otherwise, having a mandatory "3" EPR once every stripe is detrimental to the concept of getting rid of points for Time in Grade.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2015 5:35 PM

2015-07-08T17:35:59-04:00

Anytime you put quotas on it, it's going to be a problem. I definitely agree with you about the volunteering and education. That will always be to set apart standard. Giving the commanders the power to basically hand select people for promotion just perpetuates the "good ole boy" system. Now people really don't have to perform as long as they do enough events for the CC and are in the limelight volunteering.