Who competes and tests under the Weighted Airman Promotion System (WAPS)?

The Weighted Airman Promotion System (WAPS) is a structured process used by the Air Force to select eligible enlisted members for promotion. The correct answer highlights that the individuals who participate in this system are specifically those holding the rank of Senior Airman (SrA), Staff Sergeant (SSgt), and Technical Sergeant (TSgt) as of the promotion eligibility cutoff date. This is crucial because WAPS is designed to evaluate these ranks against established criteria, considering their performance, time in service, time in grade, and other metrics important for advancement within the Air Force.

Senior Airmen, Staff Sergeants, and Technical Sergeants are the primary contenders as they are at key points in their career progression, making them the focus of the promotion evaluation process. Furthermore, these ranks represent a progression from junior enlisted ranks to more advanced leadership roles within the enlisted structure.

The inclusion of specific ranks and the mention of promotion eligibility cutoff date underscores the system's emphasis on structured timeline and qualifications, ensuring that only those who are appropriately situated in their careers are assessed. The other options do not accurately reflect the WAPS criteria, which is based specifically on ranks that are most pertinent to promotion opportunities within the enlisted career path.