For detailed information regarding the Below the Zone (BTZ) Program, Weighted Airman Promotion System (WAPS), eligibility criteria, general promotion testing and links to other resources related to enlisted promotions, please follow the link below.

Earning your next stripe in the U.S. Air Force—whether you’re testing for Staff Sergeant (SSgt) or Technical Sergeant (TSgt)—means you’ll have to conquer the Weighted Airman Promotion System (WAPS) test.

Best Ways to Study for the WAPS Test (Promotion to SSgt and TSgt)

Competition for promotion to technical sergeant eased in 2024, after the Air Force’s enlisted restructuring efforts drove the selection rate lower in recent years. Just over 6,900 staff sergeants...

U.S. Air Force Ranks An enlisted member enters the Air Force as an Airman Basic. After completing basic training, the enlisted recuits advances to Airman First Class. The next notable advancement is to a Noncommissioned Officer. The highest rank attainable in the Air Force is the five-star General of the Air Force. In 1944, Congress created the rank General of the Air Force. The only person to ...

Technical Sergeant (TSgt) is the second Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) rank in the US Air Force. It is the rank just above Staff Sergeant and below Master Sergeant.

The technical sergeant (TSgt) is the second level of the NCO ranks in the Air Force. Technical sergeants are qualified to perform highly complex technical duties in addition to providing...

Technical Sergeant stripes (TSgt), E-6 (ABU color). This graphic is provided by Defense Media Activity-San Antonio and is 5x4.7 inches @ 300 ppi. Staff Sergeant stripes, (SSgt) E-5 (ABU color). This graphic is provided by Defense Media Activity-San Antonio and is 5x4.1 inches @ 300 ppi. Senior Airman stripes (SrA), E-4 (ABU color).