The first ever master sergeant promotion board worked very well, chief master sergeants said Monday during a panel at ASC15. There was a lot of apprehension going into the board, and “we learned some things along the way,” but overall it was “an overwhelming success,” said CMSgt. Matthew Caruso, command chief master sergeant of Air Force Special Operations Command. CMSgt. Farrell Thomas, command chief master sergeant for the Air Force District of Washington, said he was happy to see someone who was deserving get promoted by the board, because it was unlikely they would have been promoted under the old system. “All the feedback I got was good, even from people who weren’t selected,” Thomas said.
Airmen basic rarely go on to become four-star generals, but one who did retired last week after a 42 year career that saw him rise from a lowly slick-sleeve to the head of one of the Air Force’s most important major commands.