What percentages may the authorized average of enlisted members on RegAF status (other than for training) be in a fiscal year for pay grades E-8 and E-9?

• A. Not be more than 5% (E-8) and 3% (E-9)
• B. Not be more than 2.5 percent (E-8) and 1.25 percent (E-9)
• C. Not be more than 1% (E-8) and 0.5% (E-9)
• D. Not be more than 3% (E-8) and 2% (E-9)

Answer: (B)

The concept being tested is the annual limit on how many enlisted members can hold the high ranks in the Regular Air Force, measured as a percentage of the total enlisted force and excluding those in training. For E-8 and E-9, the authorized average ceiling is 2.5 percent and 1.25 percent, respectively, for a fiscal year. This means that, on average throughout the year, you can’t have more than those percentages of the enlisted force in those ranks, preserving a balanced rank distribution and controlling manpower costs. The stated limits of 2.5% for E-8 and 1.25% for E-9 are the specific caps; other options either exceed these caps or fall short of them, so they don’t reflect the policy.