Promotion with a PEP

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Alan Abernethy
  • 916th Public Affairs Office
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  For reservists performing at a level above their current rank, opportunities to advance may be available through the Promotion Enhancement Program.

"PEP is the reserve equivalent to active-duty's STEP promotion," said Chief Master Sgt. James Loper, 916th Air Refueling Wing command chief. "I am a very big advocate of the program."

Every year in August, PEP candidate packages are submitted to the Air Force Reserve Command for consideration, said Loper. The selection process is highly competitive; less than one percent of packages are chosen for promotion.

Despite the intense competition, Master Sgt. Diane Speas, 916th Mission Support Group knowledge operations manager, was recently selected for promotion by the 2013 PEP board.

It was important that Speas' package reflect her ability to perform at a level above her current rank, explained Loper. This was critical for her selection.

Having submitted two PEP packages in previous years without success, Speas was reluctant to try again.

"Initially, I was not interested in submitting a PEP package because I knew how much work it would take," said Speas. "I am not a half-doer of things...I knew that if I chose to go for it, I would go all in."

After leaders in her chain of command urged her to apply, Speas dedicated herself to perfecting this year's package.

"I worked it over and over again...tweaked it and tweaked it," said Speas. "In this case, the third time is the charm."
"My advice to those seeking a PEP promotion is 'Do not give up'," said Speas. She is very happy that she didn't.

"This is one of the best accomplishments in my career," said Speas. "Being approved for a PEP package is really something awesome."

PEP nomination packages are submitted to the wing every year in April. Those interested should inquire with their units.