Under the STEP Program, to what grades may commanders at various organizational levels promote a limited number of exemplary performing Airmen with exceptional potential?

Under the STEP Program, to what grades may commanders at various organizational levels promote a limited number of exemplary performing Airmen with exceptional potential?

• A. SSgt through TSgt
• B. Amn through SrA
• C. TSgt through MSgt
• D. MSgt through SMSgt

Answer: (A)

The STEP program is designed to fast-track a small number of top performers into the noncommissioned officer ranks to develop leadership potential earlier. The eligible promotion range within STEP is from Staff Sergeant up to Technical Sergeant, meaning commanders at various levels can promote exceptional Airmen who are ready to assume NCO responsibilities to those grades. This keeps the accelerated path within the first two NCO ranks and avoids promoting to the higher Senior NCO grades, which remain under the standard process. Promotions to junior enlisted ranks or to Master Sergeant and above aren’t part of STEP; it’s specifically about accelerating capability in the SSgt–TSgt window.

The STEP program is designed to fast-track a small number of top performers into the noncommissioned officer ranks to develop leadership potential earlier. The eligible promotion range within STEP is from Staff Sergeant up to Technical Sergeant, meaning commanders at various levels can promote exceptional Airmen who are ready to assume NCO responsibilities to those grades. This keeps the accelerated path within the first two NCO ranks and avoids promoting to the higher Senior NCO grades, which remain under the standard process. Promotions to junior enlisted ranks or to Master Sergeant and above aren’t part of STEP; it’s specifically about accelerating capability in the SSgt–TSgt window.