Motivated Airmen attend Below the Zone seminar

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Lynsie Lorenz
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  Airmen from Team Yokota, along with their supervisors, attended a Below the Zone seminar here, June 15.

Below the Zone is a special program that allows qualified Airmen to sew on their Senior Airman stripe six months prior to their promotion date.

Seminars are held at the Professional Development Center on a quarterly basis before packages are due for scoring. These seminars give Airmen and their supervisors an idea of what they need to do to qualify and put together a package that will stand out from the others.

"Most supervisors aren't aware of all of the actions that go into Below the Zone," said Master Sgt. Thaddeus Brannon, 374th Force Support Squadron career assistance advisor. "I also like for the Airmen to know everything that's out there so that they can have an idea. They are the ones that drive their careers."

Sergeant Brannon has conducted seminars for one and a half years; a job he feels is important and very rewarding.

"It's good that the information is getting out there, everybody needs to know the process. Some supervisors may be out of touch and some may need a refresher course," said Sergeant Brannon. "Airmen drive their careers and they need to know what affects them."

Airman 1st Class Patricia Lee, 374th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment, is interested in sewing on Below the Zone, because she feels it is a great achievement and will help her obtain the most out of her Air Force career.

"Right now I am the vice president of the Dorm Council and volunteer as a DORM STORM representative for my dorms," said Airman Lee. "I want to add Below the Zone to my list of accomplishments because this is something I have been working towards since I joined."

Sergeant Brannon wants Airmen to realize that Below the Zone is earned and that statistically, it is the second toughest stripe to earn since only 15 percent of eligible Airmen sew it on.

"If you don't make Below the Zone, it doesn't mean you should stop doing what you're doing," said Sergeant Brannon. "It's a very selective group of people who are promoted early, but that shouldn't deter you from getting out there, being out front leading and doing what you know to do."

For more information on obtaining Below the Zone, and upcoming seminars, contact Sergeant Brannon at 225-7829.