senior Master Sergeant

Areas of Focus for SMSgt

(The Brown Book) Enlisted Force Structure

Senior Noncommissioned Officers: This tier preserves our legacy and heritage by focusing on leading teams and shaping the future force. The ranks consist of Master Sergeant (MSgt), Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt), and Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt). As Senior Noncommissioned Officers progress in this tier, they actively integrate subordinates’ talents, skills, and abilities with other teams to effectively accomplish the mission. Additionally, they seek joint and interagency professional development opportunities to build partnership capacity. Senior Noncommissioned Officers should be highly proficient at the Airman Leadership Qualities and have a comprehensive knowledge of the foundational competencies operating at the advanced and expert levels. All Senior Noncommissioned Officers mentor their subordinates and peers through continual education, training, and experience to develop ready and disciplined teams. They also play a unique and critical role in developing and advising officers to lead teams successfully.

  • Senior Master Sergeant. Experienced operational leaders that continue to develop their leadership and management skills. They strive to learn the art of strategic leadership and earn the 9-skill level.


Senior NCO Responsibilities (The Brown Book, page 17):

  • Developing Self

  • Developing Others

  • Developing Ideas

  • Developing Organizations

Development Path:

  • Pursue higher-level education (Bachelor’s degree or above)

Develop Leadership and Supervisory Skills

  • Superintendent, Flight Chief, Section Chief (if opportunity exists)

  • Consider Stat Tour, ADOS Tour, Deployment, HRA

  • Volunteer to teach the curriculum at First Line Supervisor’s Course

  • Rate, Supervise, and mentor two or more Airman

  • Volunteer for Additional Duties to learn new skills

  • Board President for mock board

  • Guide your Airmen through and support their Individual Development Plan

  • Volunteer to be Panel Member for NGB Hiring Board

  • Consider applying to be Administrator for Enlisted Field Advisory Council (EFAC), CMSgt Orientation Course (CMSOC), or Command CMSgt Training Course (CMSTC)

  • Create an Official Air Force Biography

NMANG Leadership, History, and State Partnership Program (SPP):

Promote Organizational Culture:

  • Active Participation in the squadron, group, wing, and community (morale committee, booster club, Top III, etc.)

  • Professional Organizations: EANGUS

  • Professionalism, Attitude, Work Ethic, Camaraderie

  • Volunteer for Additional Duties to learn new skills

Key Air Force Systems:


Enlisted Force Development

Methods Of Development And Career Progression