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Gaining rank over the phone

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ericka Engblom
  • 27 Special Operations Wing/ Public Affairs
Col. Buck Elton, 27th Special Operations Wing commander, presented an Airman from Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., with an unexpected Stripe for Exceptional Performers promotion, Nov 29, 2012.

Staff Sgt. Brandon Pfannenstiel, 27th Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician, received a promotion to Tech. Sgt. for exceptional performance. Pfannenstiel is scheduled to leave the country soon for a deployment and thus the ceremony was conducted via Facetime on Skype.

A limited number of STEP promotion slots are released throughout the Air Force each year. These promotions are used to promote outstanding individuals to staff, technical or master sergeant and are based on an individual's potential to serve at a higher rank. Only seven STEP stripes have been awarded throughout Air Force Special Operations Command during 2012.