CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT
Senior Noncommissioned Officers: This tier preserves our legacy and heritage by focusing on leading teams and shaping the future force. The ranks consist of Master Sergeant (MSgt), Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt), and Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt). As Senior Noncommissioned Officers progress in this tier, they actively integrate subordinates’ talents, skills, and abilities with other teams to effectively accomplish the mission. Additionally, they seek joint and interagency professional development opportunities to build partnership capacity. Senior Noncommissioned Officers should be highly proficient at the Airman Leadership Qualities and have a comprehensive knowledge of the foundational competencies operating at the advanced and expert levels. All Senior Noncommissioned Officers mentor their subordinates and peers through continual education, training, and experience to develop ready and disciplined teams. They also play a unique and critical role in developing and advising officers to lead teams successfully.
Senior Enlisted Leader (SEL). Senior Enlisted Leaders are a part of the leadership triad and are charged with readiness, training, health, morale, welfare, and quality of life for the unit or group of assigned personnel. Additional responsibilities include managing and directing resource activities, interpreting and enforcing policies and applicable directives, establishing control procedures to meet mission goals and standards, and actively supporting and maintaining robust recognition programs.
Chief Master Sergeant. Serve in the highest enlisted grade and hold strategic leadership positions with tremendous influence at all levels of the Air Force.
Chief. Used for Chief Master Sergeants and civilians who are program, project or policy managers at Numbered Air Force, Major Command, Direct Reporting Unit, Field Operating Agency, Joint Staff, or Air Staff. Chiefs may or may not have personnel working for them and may be the enlisted leader of the branch, division, or directorate.
Senior NCO Responsibilities (The Brown Book, page 17):
Developing Self
Developing Others
Developing Ideas
Developing Organizations
Development Path:
Pursue higher-level education (Bachelor’s degree or above)
Attend ANG CMSgt Orientation Course (CMSOC) at NGB (required)
Request 360 degree & supervisor feedback through myVector (via AF Portal)
Improve your strategic IQ by reviewing files such as; National Security Strategy, National Defense Strategy and Air Force Action Orders on the Strategic Documents Page
Teach your Airmen about the AZ ANG and your Wing's History
Teach curriculum at your Wing's 300, 500, 700 level Foundational Courses
Attend CMSgt Leadership Course (CLC) (Optional)
Apply for NGB Enlisted Development Opportunities (MVA 999)
Apply for Senior Leader Management Office (SLMO) Bench
Continuing education and certifications to include CPI
Apply for Innovation Education Opportunities (ARCWERX)
Develop Leadership and Supervisory Skills
Flight Chief, Section Chief, Senior Enlisted Leader (if the opportunity exists)
Board President for mock boards
Volunteer to be Panel Member for NGB Hiring Board
Guide your Airmen through and support their Individual Development Plan
Consider Stat Tour, ADOS Tour, Deployment
Mentor at least three Airmen, SNCO
Improve your strategic IQ by reviewing files such as; National Security Strategy, National Defense Strategy and Air Force Action Orders on the Strategic Documents Page.
Board President for Hiring Board
Documents to Review:
Learn about DC Leadership, Mission, History and State Partnership Program (SPP):
Key Air Force Systems:
Promote Organizational Culture:
Active Participation in the squadron, group, wing, and community (Top III, Chiefs Group, etc.)
Professional Organizations: EANGA
