The Weighted Airman Promotion System (WAPS) Calculator is a tool used by the U.S. Air Force to determine promotions for enlisted airmen. This calculator helps in calculating the WAPS score based on various factors like performance reports, tests, time in service, and decorations. Understanding how this calculator works is essential for airmen aspiring for promotions.
Understanding the Calculator’s Purpose and Functionality
The WAPS Calculator is designed to provide a fair and objective way to calculate promotion scores for airmen. The score is based on several key components:
- EPR Points: Enlisted Performance Report points, with a maximum of 250 points.
- SKT Points: Specialty Knowledge Test points, with a maximum of 100 points.
- PFE Points: Promotion Fitness Examination points, with a maximum of 100 points.
- Time in Service (TIS) Points: Points based on the number of months served, with a maximum of 300 points (1 point per month for up to 25 years).
- Time in Grade (TIG) Points: Points based on the number of months in the current grade, with a maximum of 60 points (0.5 points per month for up to 10 years).
- Decorations Points: Points awarded for military decorations received.
The formula to calculate the WAPS score is: WAPS Score=EPR Points+SKT Points+PFE Points+TIS Points+TIG Points+Decorations Points\text{WAPS Score} = \text{EPR Points} + \text{SKT Points} + \text{PFE Points} + \text{TIS Points} + \text{TIG Points} + \text{Decorations Points}WAPS Score=EPR Points+SKT Points+PFE Points+TIS Points+TIG Points+Decorations Points
Step-by-Step Examples
Let’s look at an example to understand how the WAPS Calculator works.
Example Calculation
Consider the following inputs:
- EPR Points: 240
- SKT Points: 85
- PFE Points: 90
- Time in Service (TIS): 8 years (96 points)
- Time in Grade (TIG): 4 years (24 points)
- Decorations Points: 20
Step-by-Step Calculation
- EPR Points: 240
- SKT Points: 85
- PFE Points: 90
- TIS Points: 8 years ×\times× 12 months/year = 96 months →\rightarrow→ 96 points
- TIG Points: 4 years ×\times× 12 months/year = 48 months →\rightarrow→ 48 ×\times× 0.5 = 24 points
- Decorations Points: 20
Total WAPS Score
WAPS Score=240+85+90+96+24+20=555\text{WAPS Score} = 240 + 85 + 90 + 96 + 24 + 20 = 555WAPS Score=240+85+90+96+24+20=555
So, the calculated WAPS score is 555.
Relevant Information Table
| Component | Points Calculation | Maximum Points |
|---|---|---|
| EPR Points | Direct input | 250 |
| SKT Points | Direct input | 100 |
| PFE Points | Direct input | 100 |
| TIS Points | 1 point per month, up to 25 years | 300 |
| TIG Points | 0.5 points per month, up to 10 years | 60 |
| Decorations Points | Based on military decorations | Varies |
Conclusion: Benefits and Applications of the Calculator
The WAPS Calculator is a vital tool for airmen looking to advance in their careers within the U.S. Air Force. It provides a clear and standardized method for calculating promotion scores, ensuring that all airmen are evaluated fairly based on their performance, knowledge, and service. By understanding how the WAPS score is calculated, airmen can better prepare for their promotions and focus on areas that can improve their overall scores.