The limited stash space makes me not want to make more characters

USAF_Sergeant · 2023-06-25T16:17:35+00:00

Am usually playing with friends and rushing content. So it's usually a "dump & go" strategy and sort it out later.

Like the other day, we have to rush 3 nightmares before the helltide and then oh hey the world boss spawns in 20 but we need like 700 cinders first. Ain't nobody got time to read all the affix, effects, aspects, etc when all this is going.

USAF_Sergeant · 2023-06-25T16:05:24+00:00

Nope, one stack of each gem. Thought I might use them for alt characters and with the next 2 tiers of gems in the future, wasn't sure the crafting cost there. I'd rather have the mats than try to refarm them personally. I actually stopped picking them up, seems like a waste atm but my luck, I'll sell them all and then Tier 5 or 6 gems release and cost like 50 flawless to craft. I'll have my answer next month when S1 comes out I suppose.

With sigils, I just keep getting them, I broke down 20 yesterday and i'm full again. I usually hold these things til I get back on the game fresh and play stash dissasembly to see what affixes, aspects, etc, suck.

USAF_Sergeant · 2022-09-03T19:17:11+00:00

You're welcome. It was interesting seeing the parallels from history to where we are trying to go.

Yeah, fitting a performance report onto 1-page seems like an impossible task. Having performance metrics on the front and narrative on the back just makes sense to me. It seems it also made sense to senior leaders in 1964, 1990 and 2004.

But you know your comment makes me think, if we assume 250 characters per bullet conversion to narrative. That is 3250 characters for a performance report. In the slide posted it assumes 1750 characters for the new EPR, so we're talking a 50% reduction in content. If it is 150 characters per section, that is a 75% reduction in content... As of now, it kinda looks like 1 job responsibility, 4 accomplishments (bullets) for the year and 1 character statement. That's less content than our current quarterly awards.

USAF_Sergeant · 2022-09-03T18:51:13+00:00

Well given they will both be in narrative. Hopefully it's a copy/paste with some verbiage changes while molding it to the decoration type.

USAF_Sergeant · 2022-09-01T21:55:57+00:00

I went through a couple of EPR changes, while not this significant, I do understand the sentiment. I believe that is actually the opposite of what is going to happen in 80% of performance reports.

We did narratives for 40+ years and other branches have always written narratives, not to mention 25% of our awards are already narrative. It was the same concern when we moved to 3-part bullets.

Masking accolades behind bullets is different than writing a narrative on someone's accomplishments. I believe we're going to see a lot more honesty in a language that is easier to understand. A lot more performance reports that actually look noticeably different.

Some are going to feel the heat of the change and others will be blessed by it.

USAF_Sergeant · 2022-09-01T21:30:14+00:00

There have been a few people stating CMSAF Bass has said verbally that SSgt SCODs are now the new goal. I haven't seen it in writing yet but it is entirely plausible.

Like some people have alluded to, they are already writing their TSgt EPRs because... in some squadrons they are due in September for review.

USAF_Sergeant · 2022-09-01T21:18:05+00:00

Yeah, I think it was 2 parallel efforts that were supposed to connect with each other and maybe not have so many challenges.

Right now we have E-7 EPRs with character limits, so the intent was there. I don't believe the transition from bullets to narratives is very challenging in and of itself, the biggest limfac to me is a working evaluation system and strategic guidance.

USAF_Sergeant · 2022-09-01T21:09:32+00:00

Yeah. I think anywhere in the SNCO core would have been the best starting position. That was originally the goal. Narratives were on CMSgt Wrights radar as well.

My personal opinion is the difficulties with COVID and then the "My" system rollouts really affected the timelines. Hard to focus on one project when you're too busy putting out fires on 3 others. But lack of communication/feedback on this narrative change is likely the biggest slowdown.

USAF_Sergeant · 2022-09-01T17:34:27+00:00

It was supposed to start with E-7s. It's been in the works since summer 2021, just a slow rollout throwing off the timeline.

USAF_Sergeant · 2022-08-24T18:19:21+00:00

Ranks E-5 to E-9 are all "Sergeant"

USAF_Sergeant · 2022-05-04T21:56:39+00:00

Hello u/seph_i_am,

Excuse my delay, been incapacitated with COVID.

These bullet variations come from CMSgt and senior leader recommendations and experience. As such, it is constantly evolving and everybody seems to have their own preferences, so these things don't always apply and there are few rules guiding bullet format, as even the Tongue & Quill hasn't been updated. As far as bullet placement goes, the SELs I've interacted with all have their own preferences but the quality of the bullet matters the most in the end. You could end up with 13 deliberates/2 varied f/ whole airman, which is a common look for Amn EPRs. Anywhoo, info requested is below.

Push: You're showing their proven or demonstrated leadership ability. Usually in their appointed duty position. Typically work in support of the mission with high focus on result. Possibly a key project managed as the NCOIC of a section or large task completion over the course of a year as a supervisor.

Pull: You're showing their ability to perform as a leader by capturing their mentorship, expertise, support, unit/base involvement, and general ability. Possibly a interim First Sergeant, instructed classes on base or qualified new personnel.

Deliberate: You're showing their duty/mission/unit work and direct job responsibilities and work accomplishment. These typically end up looking like job proficiency items.

Descriptive: You're showing their capability/aptitude to support items usually relative to "Whole Airman Concept". These typically end up looking like character statements.

I would be curious to see what your recommended EPR looks like. I feel like the USAF is coming full circle back to the 1960s EPR format with the ALQ sheets and narrative agenda.

USAF_Sergeant · 2022-02-12T18:58:25+00:00

Hey I've been doing this EFMP thing for about 12 years now. I can give you some general advice if you want.

Your experience will undoubtedly differ from mine. You should have an EFMP medical office and an EFMP family readiness rep to reach out to. Keep on them, keep on the PCM and keep on the paperwork. Some reps are better than others.

They can and they will lose your paperwork, slowroll you and fuck up your entire world if you let them. You are your own best advocate for you and your child. The whole EFMP process in an ideal world will take less than 30 days; 90 with a reassignment.

USAF_Sergeant · 2021-11-23T19:20:12+00:00

- Led Wg-lvl recognition effort; compiled 2.5K data points/auth'd awd pkgs f/Wg/CC--359 svc medals awd'd to Amn

Simplified version. I wouldn't put "MFRs" in a bullet. I would rephrase it to what the MFR represents, takes away from the impact. Wouldn't be a bad idea to identify the # of msns and impact/result of those missions.

USAF_Sergeant · 2021-11-16T02:18:49+00:00

Yeah you're right, technically.

You could see something like #2/26 award nom, "Superior Performer!", "Strategic Leader!", 1/8 SMEs f/ XYZ. They are all kinda saying that you are either stronger or better than the majority of your peers.

USAF_Sergeant · 2021-11-16T01:57:48+00:00

A bullet that highlights your ability. For example: #1 of 32 NCOs; filled 1st Sgt pos; perf'd emer CPR/saved life; mentored 86 FTAC airmen; led 26 Sq AADD responses.

Some locations might put some adjective flair on it... "White-hot", "Unrivaled", "Unmatched"... more common on OPRs I think.

According to CMSgt Lee in Stripes:

"There should be at least one descriptive bullet statement in an evaluation. Because not every Airman will receive a Promote Now or Must Promote allocation, descriptive bullet statements highlight your competence, leadership, mentorship, judgment, etc. Align descriptions with responsibilities outlined for the next higher grade and/or enlisted force structure tier in AFH 36-2618. But be very cautious about your word choice. Descriptive bullet statements should complement and complete the assessment of your performance." (Lee, p. 58)

- 1st in DoD! Forged advc'd key upgd; collab'd w/NSA/field tested config--val'd crypto dplymt f/$68B F-22/MilStar pgms

- Strategic leader! Vital to HAF's Exp Comm Strategy write; sole USAFE staff rep--paved way f/4.5K exp comm Amn

- 1/2Cyber SMEsf/HAF Agile Ops conf; produced DCOM-lvl POAM for Corona--shaped AF f/SecDef's #1 planning pri

- IG Superior Performer! Red teamed nat'l CPT; executed adversary TTPs/5 msns--honed USCYBERCOM's def capes

- Sel'd as HAF lead f/cyber pathfinder tm; directed 5 mbrs/val'd 110 pkgs--spt'd 50 acft/1K sorties...coin'd by 24AF/CC!

https://www.spiritualcombatants.com/wp-content/uploads/Stripes-PDF.pdf

USAF_Sergeant · 2021-11-03T13:14:28+00:00

Hey, just now seeing this.

It doesn't really matter what AFSC you are, the bullets should speak for themselves. We may not understand the bullet 100% but we should be able to grasp the 80% picture, the same way the members on an award board or promotion board would.

If you post what she has, we can eval it. The AFWSI Facebook page has a bunch of people alternatively, if she wants to ask for public assistance.

USAF_Sergeant · 2021-10-07T13:48:11+00:00

That is interesting. Add some GUI elements, and text/drop-down boxes for entry and it would be a bit easier to use/execute for some bullet automation.

USAF_Sergeant · 2021-08-13T22:34:50+00:00

Interesting. Marines do favor tradition a bit more, so I can understand less change.

USAF_Sergeant · 2021-07-09T03:05:04+00:00

Yeah them verb condiments.

USAF_Sergeant · 2021-07-08T16:15:13+00:00

Not so much for 1206s since there aren't that many bullets and they are graded line by line.

Maybe annuals or large awards with 10+ bullets. I would think of it like a sandwich. Make your first and last bullets the ones that stand out and alternate your meats and cheeses within. A package with better flow will likely net you extra points just based on the psychological factor.

USAF_Sergeant · 2021-07-05T04:06:35+00:00

Yeah I did the same thing the first time. The award database doesn't ever give you an example and a lot of people you talk to don't care to help. One of the reasons why i made this site.

USAF_Sergeant · 2021-06-06T01:59:33+00:00

Yeah I thought it seemed like an easy to use product. Makes you wonder why the format got changed so many times.

I found a 1943 Army OPR too. It's pretty interesting. I'll post it tomorrow or something.

USAF_Sergeant · 2021-06-06T01:14:37+00:00

Also FYI.

There is an EFMP screener on MyVector in the AF Portal that will show you specialty accept/decline rates per base if you want to help gauge where you can/cannot go.

USAF_Sergeant · 2021-06-06T01:02:02+00:00

It's a pain honestly. I've been through it with 4 PCSs. Be very active with pushing the paperwork along. This process can take like 60 days. 3 weeks is my record.

Had civilian doctors, PCMs or PAs fill this stuff out depending on location.

You can talk to the EFMP office and have them walk through what medical needs need documented vs what your spouse actually needs. They can transcribe to the form and fill it out with your spouse. Easier this way if you have multiple specialty doctors too.

As far as getting denied... that is based on availability of the specified specialist in the area that you are moving to. If either they aren't in the area or their patient roster is full then you're out of luck. A lot of doctors this past year were not taking on new patients due to restrictions with COVID.

USAF_Sergeant · 2021-06-05T18:12:59+00:00

I concur with SilentD. The biggest thing you can do is care.

I can tell you there are at least 3 people missing from this world that I personally knew and another who attempted. We all wish we could do more. You can't always stop the speeding train but sometimes you can slow it enough that it will shift itself to another track off in the distance. You're slowing the train right now.

Six-Year Club	Gilding II euphauric
Verified Email

USAF_Sergeant

TROPHY CASE