Air Force formalizes Supplemental Order of Merit Listing for 2026 Chief Master Sergeant Board

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Wolfe announced “Next-Up Promotions,” a temporary authority allowing declined Chief Master Sergeant promotion allocations to be offered to the next qualified Senior Master Sergeant on the board’s Supplemental Order of Merit Listing. The initiative aims to fill critical leadership vacancies while maintaining merit-based promotion standards during the 2026 promotion cycle.<br /> <img alt="Chief Master Sgt. Joseph Pendland, center, 727th Air Mobility Squadron senior enlisted leader, mentors Airmen assigned to the 521st Air Mobility Operations Wing during a speed mentoring session at the Armstrong Club on Vogelweh Military Complex, Germany, Feb. 19, 2025. Senior leaders throughout the 521 AMOW volunteered to be mentors for the Airmen who attended the 521 AMOW annual awards professional development seminar. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua T. Crossman)" src="https://media.defense.gov/2026/Nov/03/2004022633/300/300/0/261103-F-AF000-1007.JPG" /> <br />