Selected Topic: China-Africa Relations Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1. The Enlisted Force Structure. 1.1.1. The Air Force is a diverse group of functionally and operationally specialized Airmen in the profession of arms. Despite the differences across functional and operational lines, there is a compelling need for a deliberate and common approach to force development, career progression, and the assumption of increased supervisory and leadership responsibilities. To best leverage our resources, we must have a consistent, well-defined set of expectations, standards, and opportunities for the growth for all Airmen, regardless of rank or specialty. This is accomplished through the enlisted force structure and force development constructs which rely on Air Force institutional competencies. 1.1.2. Force Development. All elements of force development—education, training and experience—are tethered to the enlisted force structure and institutional competencies. The institutional competencies are the leadership, management, and readiness qualities Airmen require to lead and operate in the profession of arms. Every force development action, from Basic Military Training, to professional military education to strategic engagement opportunities, is linked to the institutional competencies. These competencies provide a common language, set of priorities, and proficiency expectation based on an Airman’s rank, experience and/or position. The enlisted force structure and institutional competencies describe what makes us Airmen, not just functional specialists. We are Airmen first, specialists second. 1.1.3. Airmanship. Airmanship represents the commitment to a culture of pride and professionalism by all Airmen. The Airmanship mindset reflects Airmen committed to the Air Force family values, motivated by our Airman’s Creed, Warrior Ethos, inspired by our heritage, and is built upon the Air Force Core Values. 1.1.4. Core Values. The enlisted force structure, force development, and institutional competencies are grounded in the Air Force core values (Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do). These values are the thread that weaves through Air Force policies, guidance, and focus areas. Simply put, they influence Air Force activities and Airmen’s actions. 1.2. Purpose of the Enlisted Force Structure. 1.2.1. This instruction provides the general framework for the enlisted force structure that best meets mission requirements, while developing institutional and occupational competencies. 1.2.2. Additionally, it defines the leadership levels, tiers, ranks, roles, terms of address, general responsibilities, duty titles and special positions for the enlisted forces. 1.2.3. The enlisted force structure provides a framework for supervisors as they set standards during initial feedback sessions, evaluate progress during mid-term feedback sessions, and document performance on annual reports. 4 AFH36-2618 5 JULY 2018 Chapter 2 AIR FORCE LEADERSHIP LEVELS 2.1. Air Force Leadership Levels. The Air Force operates in a dynamic global context across multiple domains requiring leadership skills at three distinct levels: tactical expertise, operational competence, and strategic vision. These levels emphasize a different mix of qualities and experience. The leadership level at which an Airman operates determines the institutional competencies required to lead Airmen in mission accomplishment. As Airmen progress from the tactical expertise to strategic vision leadership levels, emphasis on the use of institutional competencies shifts from personal to organizational, with a generally consistent focus on people/team competencies. The nature and scope of leadership challenges as well as preferred leadership methods differ based on the level of leadership and duties. These levels apply across the entire spectrum of the enlisted force structure. –I am at the tactical expertise level– 2.1.1. Tactical Expertise. This level is predominantly direct and face-to-face and focused on personal competencies. At the tactical expertise level, Airmen gain a general understanding of team leadership and an appreciation for organization leadership. They master their core duty skills, develop experiences in applying those skills, and begin to acquire the knowledge and experience that will produce the qualities essential to effective leadership. Airmen at the tactical expertise level gain the training, education and experience to become the Air Force’s primary technicians and specialists. They learn about themselves as leaders and how their leadership acumen can affect others through the use of ethical leadership. They assimilate into the Air Force culture and adopt the Air Force core values. Airmen at this level focus on honing followership abilities, motivating subordinates and influencing peers to accomplish the mission while developing a warrior ethos. They learn about themselves and their impact on others in roles as both follower and leader in addition to developing their communication skills. The primary focus at the tactical expertise level is accomplishing the mission as effectively and efficiently as possible using available personnel and resources. 2.1.2. Operational Competence. The full-spectrum of institutional competencies is balanced across the operational competence leadership level. At this level, Airmen understand the broader Air Force perspective and the integration of diverse people and capabilities in operational execution. They transition from specialists to leaders with a broader enterprise perspective who understand Air Force operational capabilities. Based on a thorough understanding of themselves as leaders and followers, Airmen apply an understanding of organizational and team dynamics. They lead teams by developing and inspiring others, taking care of people, and taking advantage of diversity. They foster collaborative relationships through building teams and coalitions, especially within large organizations, and negotiate with others, often external to the organization. Airmen operating at this leadership level normally work below the major command or Headquarters Air Force levels. 2.1.3. Strategic Vision. At this level, Airmen combine highly developed personal and people/team institutional competencies to apply broad organizational competencies. They develop a deep understanding of Air Force capabilities and how Airmen achieve synergistic results and desired effects with their operational capabilities. They also understand how the Air Force operates within joint, multinational, and interagency relationships. At the strategic vision level, an Airman employs military capabilities, applying the operational and strategic arts with a thorough understanding of unit capabilities, the Air Force at large, and joint and coalition forces. They have an enterprise perspective with a thorough understanding of the structure and relationships needed to accomplish strategic objectives. The strategic vision level focuses on the effects an Airman can have across a major command, a theater, the Air Force, or even other services or the Department of Defense.