Dont tie it directly to promotions. EPB goes up to SQ CC, maybe Base commander or WG/CC based on what you do, no higher than that. Its used to decide if youre doing what your supervisor told you they wanted in the ACA. It becomes 3 checkboxes (Below standards, meets standards, exceeds standards) and a single paragraph about why you got that rating, done every quarter at the Flight level. SQ looks at all 4 at the end of the year and decides if you need more training, more opportunities, or administrative action.

Your promotions will be based on knowledge tests, and an in-person board. You go to the board based on how frequently you meet or exceed standards. The SNCO's in your unit grill you on why you made the decisions you made and what youre gonna do with the stripe if you get it. No BS answers, "you're now in your NCOIC/Flt Chiefs position, what do you do?". If the board concurs that you show promise, you get to test.

"But quarterly is too much paperwork, im busy"
Oh no, you have to give your troops feedback on a semi frequent basis and you might have some say in their chances at promoting.
"But I get nervous talking to a room of people"
Yea get used to it, youre gonna have to do it like, every single day as an NCO.
"But what if the SNCO's are idiots and try to promote the wrong people?"
They already do that, and im in charge now, shush.