Division 3 Awards Program

AFSA First Term Airman of the Year Awards Program

Volume 25 Number 6 May 18, 2006

2006 AFSA FIRST TERM AIRMAN OF THE YEAR COMPETITION

1. The AFSA First Term Airman of the Year will be selected and recognized during the 2006 International Convention in Reno Nevada. For the 2007 competition next year, AFSA chapters conducting First Term Airman recognition programs should submit their nomination packages directly to their divisions in compliance with the division’s nominating procedures. DRU chapters will submit their packages in accordance with instructions that will be provided shortly. Each division should submit the top nomination package directly to AFSA Headquarters immediately following its division convention.

2. To be eligible to compete for the international award, the nominee must be an Airman (E-1 to E-4) serving in his/her first six years (regardless of re-enlistment status) of total active federal military service and serving on active duty, or as a member of the Air National Guard or Air Force Reserve, as of December 31st of the calendar year immediately preceding the year of consideration at the division and international conventions. Selected division nominees who are promoted prior to the annual international convention will still represent their division. The nominee must also be a member of AFSA prior to the convening of the International Selection Board. The prescribed format for the nomination package is as follows:

a. A cover letter signed by the division president. If the candidate’s mailing address is not included elsewhere in the nomination package, it should be included in the division president’s cover letter. The name and military mailing address of the candidate’s commander is absolutely necessary to ensure formal notification is made, TDY support is requested, and an appropriate convention invitation is extended to the commander.

b. A brief biography of the candidate, to include name, grade, Air Force component, AFSC and job title, and a brief outline of duties and schools attended. List the marital status, spouse’s name and the names of children, if applicable. The biography should close with the nominee’s current contact information; i.e., mailing address, e-mail address(s) and phone numbers (duty, home and cell phone (if applicable)).

c. Use the AF Form 1206 to nominate division candidates. Submissions must not exceed one (1) page. Ensure the AF Form 1206 reflects information in the following categories:

1. LEADERSHIP AND JOB PERFORMANCE IN PRIMARY DUTY: Describe significant leadership accomplishments and how well the member performed assigned primary and additional duties. Define the scope and level of responsibilities and the impact on the mission and unit. Include any new initiatives or techniques developed by the member that positively impacted the unit and/or mission. Include results of the Air Force, MAJCOM, Numbered Air Force-level inspections and/or evaluations. Include awards received; e.g., Airman of the Quarter, Maintenance Professional of the Year, and so forth.

2. SIGNIFICANT SELF-IMPROVEMENT: Show how the member developed or improved skills related to primary duties; e.g., formal training, Career Development Course enrollment or completion, On-the-Job Training, certifications, and off-duty education related to primary duties. Include completion of any professional military education (PME) as well as awards earned during in-residence attendance. Also include any off-duty education not directly related to primary duties; e.g., class, course, degree enrollment and/or completion, grade point average. Cite any other relevant training or activity that significantly enhanced the member’s value as a military citizen.

3. BASE OR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Define the scope and impact of the member’s positive leadership and involvement in both the military and civilian community. Include leadership, membership or participation in organizations such as unit advisory councils, professional military organizations, associations and events; e.g., President of the Airmen’s Council, enlisted dining-out committee, member of the Air Force Sergeants Association, Sunday school teacher, and so forth.

d. A current photograph is required with the submission. For the purposes of publication/display requirements, the photo needs to be a current head and shoulder shot, in service dress uniform without hat. An electronic (digital) photo is preferred, although a 5” x 7” color print is also acceptable.

3. One nominee is submitted from each division to AFSA Headquarters. Divisions should submit their nomination packages as soon as possible after division conventions are completed to permit timely notification of appropriate base officials. NOTE: DRU chapters will be provided separate instructions on how to submit their nominations. To ensure all necessary military protocol is met, nomination packages must arrive at AFSA Headquarters by June 1, 2007. If additional information is required, contact the Director of Member and Field Services at AFSA Headquarters.

RICHARD M. DEAN
Executive Director

Attachment:
Suggested Guidelines for FTAOY Selection

SUGGESTED GUIDELINES FOR SELECTION

OF FIRST TERM AIRMAN

CHAPTER LEVEL: Ensure that a base/wing supported selection process is conducted to identify the AFSA First Term Airman of the Year (An AFSA Fact Sheet dated December ------ containing suggestions how this process could work has been provided to the Field Organizations). If a selection board process is not possible, or is not supported by the Wing CCM, the alternative is to ask the commander/CCM at your base to select and nominate an Outstanding First Term Airman for your sponsorship as AFSA’s First Term Airman of the Year. Submit the selected/nominated individual to your division (ensure that you thank commanders and others for participating in the program).

DIVISION LEVEL: To the maximum degree possible, ensure that your board consists of non-partisan military personnel (e.g., first sergeants, command chief master sergeants and/or commissioned officers). Nominate your selectee to International Headquarters no later than June 1, 2007, in the prescribed format (ensure the nominee’s commander and others are notified of selection, and that the nominee’s commander if fully informed about the international convention). Additionally, we recommend that the ranking of all nominees meeting the Division Selection Board be maintained. Occasionally, the selectee, for various reasons, may become ineligible to represent the division, and records may be needed to determine who was the runner-up, etc.

(NOTE: The above suggestions are provided for your use, as these procedures are most often used by the AFSA field organization. Division selection boards usually adopt a scoring formula and apply it to the main headings in the nomination write-up, the member’s appearance, military bearing, ability to articulate, response to board questions, etc.)