Ralph Dagza

I made “Below the Zone”

Below the zone (BTZ) is a competitive early promotion program offered to enlisted U.S. Air Force personnel in the grade of Airman First Class/E-3. This early promotion opportunity is restricted to elite Airmen who stand out from their peers and perform duties at a level above their current rank. Airmen eligible for BTZ usually go before a board of judges, a board generally composed of their senior leadership. A “package”, reviewed by the panel of judges, is also constructed for each competing Airman listing in bulleted format his/her major accomplishments and attributes. Upon selection for promotion, the Airmen will then receive a date upon which their newly assigned rank will take effect. The effective date of promotion is six months earlier than the normal promotion date, hence “below the (promotion) zone”.

I can’t wait for them to say… “You’re a Senior Airman now..”