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AFH 1 · Chapter 7 · Section 7.3

Core Competencies

Part of Air Force Leadership · 1 section · ~294 words · WAPS PFE study material

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Core, Occupational, and Foundational Competencies

Core Competencies

Core competencies are about big picture concepts that the USAF does, or is expected to do or know, all the time.

Definition of Competence
Being competent means that a person or organization has the necessary abilities or qualities to perform or function successfully.

Core competencies are a key set of abilities or qualities at the heart of the organization's reason for being. For the USAF, core competencies are those special abilities and qualities we collectively possess that enable us to function successfully and create airpower effects.

USAF vs
Sister Services. Some core competencies are unique to the USAF and distinguish us from our sister services, while others are aligned across the branches of service.

Occupational Competencies

Specialty-Specific
Occupational competencies are required of Airmen within a specific workforce category or specialty.

Occupational competencies describe technical/functional knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform that function's mission successfully.

Reference: AFH 36-2647, *Competency Modeling*.

Airman's Foundational Competencies

Broadly Applicable
Foundational competencies prepare Airmen to operate successfully across the widest array of USAF tasks and requirements and to adapt in a constantly changing operational environment.

They are broadly applicable across enlisted, officer, and civilian USAF members, spanning all occupations, functions, and organizational levels — and form the framework for force development.

Definition

Foundational competencies are observable, measurable patterns of knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform successfully across a USAF career. They are enduring and encompass attributes the USAF believes are critical to mission success.

The Four Categories

Four Categories
Foundational competencies are grouped into:
  1. Developing Self
  2. Developing Others
  3. Developing Ideas
  4. Developing Organizations

Each of these competency categories is addressed in subsequent chapters of AFH 1.

Reference: AFH 36-2647, *Competency Modeling*.

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