Below the zone (BTZ) is a competitive early promotion program offered to enlisted U.S. Air Force personnel in the grade of Airman First Class/E-3.
This early promotion opportunity is restricted to exceptional Airmen who stand out from their peers and perform duties at a level above their current rank.
Selection opportunity is 15 percent of the total time-in-grade (TIG) and time-in-service (TIS) eligible population.
A "package", reviewed by the panel of judges, is also constructed for each competing Airman listing in bulleted format his/her major accomplishments and attributes.
Upon selection for promotion, the Airmen will then receive a date upon which their newly assigned rank of Senior Airman will take effect.