Do you know your AFCS?

POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- I'm often asked by young Airmen in the field: "Why do people get different punishments for the same crime." Most of the time, the perception is that there is a bias toward a certain race, rank or gender. The truth is, most of the time the punishment is based on your Air Force Credit Score. Your actions on and off duty from the day you come on active duty affect your AFCS. So the question is...Do you know your Air Force Credit Score? 

People with a high AFCS excel in every aspect of their jobs. They are continuously improving by seeking out education opportunities and always displaying a positive attitude. They are heavily involved in activities that greatly benefit the squadron, group, wing and local community. 

Individuals with a mid-range AFCS do just enough to get by and stay out of trouble. They rarely get in trouble and are normally pretty good at their jobs. They occasionally participate in unit events but don't take leading roles. 

Finally, the "dead wood" who have the low scores are the individuals that are constantly in trouble. They show up to work late, fail their CDCs, get the no-show letters for mandatory training, have a failing physical fitness score or delinquent government travel card account. You know this type. The person requires constant supervision and normally has a negative impact on the unit. 

Meditate on this for a while: Two Airmen, one with a high AFCS and one with a low AFCS got caught in the dorm room drinking and they both were under age. Do you really believe we should punish these two exactly the same? We should take into account the Airman with the high score was a superstar at work, led blood drives and is president of the unit airman council and never got in trouble before. Should we give him the same punishment as the Airman who constantly came to work late and had a personal information file that reads like a horror story? I don't think so. 

So, I ask again. Do you know your Air Force Credit Score? If you don't, sit down with your supervisor and find out where you stand as it relates to work performance and conduct on/off duty. The great thing is just like your real credit score, it's never to late to repair it but you must first find out what it is and take the appropriate actions to raise your AFCS. 

Remember, your AFCS will follow you around your entire life and it will determine whether you get promoted or that great job opportunity. My advice to you is to understand it, monitor it and improve it.