Which school must Senior Airman complete before attaining the grade of Staff Sergeant?

Senior Airmen must complete the Airman Leadership School (ALS) before they can attain the grade of Staff Sergeant. This requirement is essential because ALS provides crucial leadership training and prepares Airmen for the responsibilities they will face as non-commissioned officers (NCOs). The curriculum focuses on developing skills in leadership, communication, and management, all of which are vital for effective performance in higher-ranking positions.

Completing ALS also signifies that an Airman is ready to take on increased responsibilities within the Air Force, making it a pivotal step in their career progression toward becoming a Staff Sergeant. In contrast, while Basic Military Training and Technical Training are foundational, they do not address the specific leadership competencies required for the NCO role. The Non-Commissioned Officer Academy, on the other hand, is intended for those who have already attained a higher rank and are preparing for even greater leadership challenges, thus not a requirement to promote to Staff Sergeant.