Goodfellow Airman STEP Promoted

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Breonna Veal
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  As Lt. Col. Scott Nahrgang, 316th Training Squadron Commander, stalled during an enlisted call for military training leaders, Tech. Sgt. Jacob Thompson, 316th TRS MTL, wondered what the delay was.

His curiosity was short lived as the 17th Training Wing's leadership walked in alongside Tech. Sgt. Stephanie Thompson, 17th TRW Protocol NCOIC and Jacob Thompson's wife, to surprise him with the Stripes for Exceptional Performers promotion to technical sergeant.

After testing three times for technical sergeant and with almost 10 years time in service, Thompson, who only two days before, found he had narrowly missed selection for technical sergeant by a half a point, found he would be promoted through the STEP program July 2, at the 316th Training Squadron.

"Before I received my promotion through the STEP program and after more than 9 years in the Air Force, I know of only two people who have received this promotion," said Jacob Thompson. "I realize it is a one-time deal, especially with the size of this base. It is a rare occurrence"

STEP promotion is one of the avenues for promotion to the ranks of staff sergeant to master sergeant offering commanders an opportunity to immediately promote enlisted Airmen who exhibit exceptional potential but have been unable to meet the cutoff for promotion in terms of points.

"Being STEP promoted carries a lot of weight," said Jacob Thompson. "It shows that your leadership and your supervisors are looking out for you. They realize what you do and are paying attention."

According to Jacob Thompson, the two supervisors who made a difference in his career are his commander, Lt. Col. Nahrgang, and Master Sgt. Christopher Clark, Chief MTL at the 316th TRS.

"I would like to thank Master Sgt. Christopher Clark who was a driving force and Lt. Col. Nahrgang for the vote of confidence and thinking that I deserved this accomplishment and recognition," said Jacob Thompson.

On average there are less than 200 slots for STEP promotion, and according to Air Force Instruction 36-2502, Airman Promotion/Demotion Programs, the STEP program supplements the regular Weighted Airman Promotion System and accommodates unique circumstances for Airmen who clearly warrant promotion in the eyes of commanders.

"The STEP Promotion process is an outstanding way that sharp individuals who embody the Air Force Core Values and excel in all aspects of Airmanship and technical proficiency can be promoted," said Col. Kimberlee Joos, 17th Training Wing Commander. "I think Tech. Sgt. Thompson is incredibly deserving of the extra stripe, and is a perfect example of how professionalism, hard work and persistence pay off."

Thompson says his high-speed wife, who made rank early through the senior airman below the zone program, and his son, who needs a good example to follow, keep him motivated to excel in his career.

"Jake and I were both very surprised but I am extremely proud and happy for him," said Stephanie Thompson. "He is so deserving of this and I know he will work hard to show his leadership that they made the right decision."

Before the Air Force, Thompson said he was helping his dad coach high school basketball when he realized it was not the career for him. His two Army and Marine uncles suggested that he joined the Air Force, it was history from there.

After serving over three years as a MTL, Thompson learned about what it takes to shape and mold the newest members of the Air Force. But his career doesn't stop there. Thompson has short term and long term career goals beginning with going back to his original job, health services management.

"The ultimate goal is to reach the pinnacle of chief master sergeant, but as far as short term goals, I'm ready to get back to the medical scene and learn my job all over again," said Jacob Thompson. "We're changing duty stations to Fort Sam Houston and I can't wait to get back into the medical field."

Thompson says he plans to use what he learned at Goodfellow Air Force Base as a MTL when supervising at his next duty assignment and hopefully make the same impact on his airmen's careers.

"My advice for young airman starting their career in the Air Force is to keep working hard," Jacob Thompson said. "Airmen should maintain a proper attitude and take everything as it comes and not get overwhelmed. They should also trust their leadership and everything will take care of itself. Always keep a positive attitude."