Below the zone

Below the zone is a competitive early promotion program that is offered to enlisted U.S. Air Force personnel in the grade of Airman First Class/E-3. This early promotion opportunity is restricted to the most elite of airman who standout from their peers and perform duties at a level above their current rank. Airman eligible for BTZ usually go before a board of judges, usually comprised of their senior leadership. A "package" is also constructed for each Airman competing with their major accomplishments and attributes typed in bullet form for the panel of judges to review. Upon selection of promotion, the Airman will then receive a date when their newly assigned rank will take effect. Effective date of promotion is six months earlier to when the recipient would normally receive the rank hence "below the zone".

References

* [http://usmilitary.about.com/od/afpromotions/l/blafbtz.htm Air Force Senior Airman (E-4) Below the Zone Promotions: Fact Sheet]