Back to Table of ContentsThe Utilization of Men and Women in Enlisted US Air Force Career Fields
2Lt Karla K. Rudert, 2Lt Martin K. Topping, Ms. Laurie J. Elder
Air Force Occupational Measurement Squadron
Abstract
The differences in the utilization of men and women in enlisted US Air Force (USAF) career ladders were investigated to determine trends among gender groups. Career ladders were selected from Occupational Survey Reports (OSRs) published in 1995 and 1996. The results indicated that males and females performed many of the same tasks; however, at the 5-skill level, men performed more tasks than women in all the analyzed career ladders. Women reported spending more time performing general administrative and supply duties. Men reported spending more time on technical or supervisory duties. Many career ladders were not examined because of the low numbers of females at the fully qualified worker level.
In 1956, the US Air Force Occupational Analysis Program was developed to research and analyze career fields within the USAF. An operational survey program was established in 1967. Every five years, an Occupational Survey Report (OSR) is produced for each enlisted career ladder. To complete this analysis, a job inventory, used to collect job and task information, is developed through face-to-face interviews with subject-matter experts from each enlisted career field in the USAF Air Force. Then, members of the career ladder are surveyed to obtain current task and equipment data for use in developing and updating training programs. The data are analyzed using the Comprehensive Occupational Data Analysis Program, which is a set of computer programs used to automate, process, organize, and report occupational data (OSR Handbook 1993). Finally, the data are examined by occupational analysts, and significant trends and implications are reported in the final Occupational Survey Report.
In 1995, the HQ USAF Human Resources Development Division tasked the Air Force Occupational Measurement Squadron (AFOMS) to investigate the differences in the utilization of personnel between military men and women. The purpose of this study was to increase the USAF Human Resources Development Division’s understanding of differences in utilization trends/patterns among the gender groups, appropriate to their role as the policy office for Equal Opportunity programs and human resources. This paper will focus on the utilization of males and females in enlisted USAF career ladders reported in 1995 and 1996.
Method
Subjects
Enlisted members from various career ladders were surveyed as part of the normal cyclical occupational analysis program between 1992 and 1995. Members in the hospital, permanent change of station status, or on the job less than 6 months were not included in the sample.
Apparatus
USAF Job Inventories (JIs), developed for the occupational analysis program, were used to collect the data. Background questions for each inventory were identical, and duty-task sections for each inventory were developed specifically for each career ladder.
Procedure
The current United States Air Force Demographics were obtained from the Headquarters Air Force Personnel Center. Eleven career ladders were analyzed, based upon the availability of data from OSRs published in 1995 and 1996, and upon the number of females in the 5-skill level, the fully-qualified worker level, of the career ladder. Career ladders with less than fifteen females in the 5-skill level survey sample were excluded. These excluded career fields included seven Air Force Specialties:
|
Air Force Specialty Code(AFSC) |
Title |
|
lAlXC |
Flight Engineer |
|
lA5X1 |
Airborne Computer Systems |
|
2A3XlA/B/C |
F-15/F-111 Avionics Systems |
|
2E5X1 |
Imagery Systems Maintenance |
|
2E6X1 |
Communications Antenna Systems |
|
2F0Xl |
Fuels |
|
2M0X3 |
Missile and Space Facilities Maintenance |
Eleven career ladders with adequate sample sizes were available and were independently analyzed. First, the number of 5-skill level members of males and females and the average number of tasks they perform were identified. Five-skill level members were chosen since they are fully qualified workers who perform the majority of the work within the career field. Second, males and females were grouped according to their time in service, and the differences in the number of tasks performed were analyzed. Time in service levels were determined by established AFOMS groupings of months of Total Active Federal Military Service (TAFMS). Next, the differences in the percent members of 5-skill level males and females performing particular tasks were examined. The tasks with the largest percent differences between the number of males and females performing were listed. Finally, the differences in the time spent on duties by males and females in the same TAFMS groups were examined.
Results
The results of the analyzed career fields are listed in table format by career ladder:
Table 1: 1S0X1 Safety
Table 2: 2A0XlA Avionics Test Station & Component, F-15/F-111
Table 3: 2E0Xl Ground Radar Systems
Table 4. 2E1X2 Meteorological and Navigation Systems
Table 5: 2S0X1 Supply Management
Table 6: 2T1Xl Vehicle Operator/Dispatcher
Table 7. 30OXI Information Management
Table 8: 3C0X1 Communications-Computer Systems Operations
Table 9: 350X1 Personnel
Table 10: 4T0Xl/X2 Medical Laboratory & Histopathology
Table 11: 6C0X1 Contracting
Table 1: AFSC 1S0X1 Safety
|
|
Number of 5-skill level |
Average number of tasks performed |
Significant |
|
Males |
48 |
146 |
YES |
|
Females |
15 |
110 |
|
1S051 Differences in Percent Members Performing of Tasks
|
Task |
Title |
Males |
Females |
Diff |
|
G153 |
Inspect engine shops |
77.08 |
26.67 |
50.42 |
|
GlS 1 |
Inspect cryogenic facilities |
64.58 |
20.00 |
44.58 |
|
G17l |
Inspect military recreational areas |
77.08 |
33.33 |
43.75 |
|
G155 |
Inspect fabrication shops |
77.08 |
33.33 |
43.75 |
|
G139 |
Inspect arts and crafts centers |
88.33 |
40.00 |
43.33 |
|
G158 |
Inspect flightime servicing areas |
75.00 |
33.33 |
41.67 |
|
G137 |
Inspect aerospace ground equipment (AGE) shops |
81.25 |
40.00 |
41.25 |
|
A9 |
Monitor hazard reporting systems |
70.83 |
100.00 |
29.17 |
*Duty G - Performing General Safety Inspections
Differences in Number of Tasks Performed by TAFMS Groups
|
|
# Members |
Avg # of tasks performed |
Significant |
|
Males with 49-96 Mos TAFMS |
12 |
160.08 |
YES |
|
Females with 49-96 Mos TAFMS |
3 |
79.33 |
|
|
Males with 97+ Mos TAFMS |
213 |
132.45 |
NO |
|
Females with 97+ Mos TAFMS |
43 |
124.70 |
|
Differences in Percent Time Spent by TAFMS Groups
|
49-96 Mos TAFMS |
|
||
|
Duty G-Performing General Safety Inspections |
Males (43.06%), Females (33.70%) |
||
|
Duty E-Performing Administrative Functions |
Females (13.56%), Males (8.97%) |
||
|
97+ Mos TAFMS |
|
||
|
Duty G-Performing General Safety Inspections |
Males (36.76%) Females (36.66%) |
Table 2: AFSC 2A0X1 Avionics Test Stations & Component, F-15/F-111
|
|
Number of 5-skill level |
Average number of tasks performed |
Significant |
|||||||
|
Males |
378 |
154 |
YES |
|||||||
|
Females |
44 |
119 |
|
|||||||
2A051A Significant Differences in Percent Members Performing of Tasks
|
Task |
Title |
Males |
Females |
Diff |
||||||
|
F286 |
Troubleshoot circuit cards |
54.23 |
29.55 |
24.69 |
||||||
|
B49 |
Supervise Avionics Test Station and Component Apprentice, F-15/F-111 (AFSC 2A03lA) |
58.47 |
34.09 |
24.37 |
||||||
|
D99 |
Evaluate progress of trainees |
40.74 |
18.18 |
22.56 |
||||||
|
F241 |
Remove or replace circuit components |
65.34 |
43.18 |
22.16 |
||||||
|
F176 |
Fabricate or rebuild cables |
75.93 |
54.55 |
21.38 |
||||||
|
D84 |
Certify or decertify personnel on task qualification |
39.15 |
18.18 |
20.97 |
||||||
|
F161 |
Align test station power supplies |
54.50 |
34.09 |
20.41 |
||||||
|
F180 |
Inspect and clean simulators, mock-ups, or LRUs |
73.28 |
54.55 |
18.73 |
||||||
Differences in Number of Tasks Performed by TAFMS Groups
|
|
# Members |
Avg # of tasks performed |
Significant |
|
Males with 1-24 Mos TAFMS |
126 |
105.48 |
YES |
|
Females with 1-24 Mos TAFMS |
21 |
81.62 |
|
|
Males with 25-48 Mos TAFMS |
181 |
131.09 |
NO |
|
Females with 25-48 Mos TAFMS |
27 |
117.89 |
|
|
Males with 49-96 Mos TAFMS |
159 |
150.25 |
NO |
|
Females with 49-96 Mos TAFMS |
20 |
109.80 |
|
|
Males with 97+ Mos TAFMS |
425 |
134.48 |
YES |
|
Females with 97+ Mos TAFMS |
25 |
89.40 |
|
Differences in Percent Time Spent by TAFMS Groups
|
25-48 Mos TAFMS |
|
|||||||||
|
Duty S-Maintaining F-15 Displays Test Stations & Assigned LRUs |
Females (19.00%), Males (10.00%) |
|||||||||
|
Duty X-Maintaining Tactical Electronic Warfare System (TEWS) |
Males (8.94%), Females (3.89%) |
|||||||||
|
49-96 Mos TAFMS |
|
|||||||||
|
Duty F-Performing General Avionics Maintenance |
Males (28.01%), Females (21.21%) |
|||||||||
|
Duty Z-Performing CAMS Functions |
Females (15.66%), Males (9.24%) |
|||||||||
|
Duty E-Performing General Administrative & Supply Functions |
Females (17.72%), Males (7.19%) |
|||||||||
|
97+ Mos TAFMS |
|
|||||||||
|
Duty F-Performing General Avionics Maintenance |
Males (16.01%), Females (11.14%) |
|||||||||
|
Duty Z-Performing CAMS Functions |
Females (13.68%), Males (7.62%) |
|||||||||
|
Duty E-Performing General Administrative & Supply Functions |
Females (14.28%), Males (10.02%) |
|||||||||
TABLE 3: AFSC 2E0X1/X2/X3 Air Traffic Control, AC & W, & Auto Tracking Radar
|
|
Number of 5-skill level |
Average number of tasks performed |
Significant |
|
Males |
857 |
174 |
YES |
|
Females |
72 |
134 |
|
2E051/2E052/2E053 Significant Differences in Percent Members Performing of Tasks
|
Task |
Title |
Males |
Females |
Diff |
|
M576 |
Isolate transmitter trigger amplifier malfunctions |
37.22 |
15.28 |
21.95 |
|
C 117 |
Write EPRs |
38.86 |
19.44 |
19.41 |
|
M574 |
Isolate transmitter performance monitor circuit malfunctions |
34.54 |
15.28 |
19.26 |
|
D129 |
Counsel trainees or training progress |
43.76 |
25.00 |
18.76 |
|
B40 |
Counsel personnel on personal or military -related matters |
39.56 |
20.83 |
18.72 |
|
B62 |
Supervise Radar Specialists (AFSC 30351/2/3) |
32.32 |
13.89 |
18.43 |
|
N625 |
Adjust or align antenna tilt or limit switches |
36.52 |
19.44 |
17.08 |
*Duty J - Performing General Maintenance Activities
Duty M - Maintaining Radar Transmitting Systems
Differences in Number of Tasks Performed by TAFMS Groups
|
# Members |
Avg # of tasks performed |
Significant |
||
|
Males with 1-24 Mos TAFMS |
114 |
112.55 |
NO |
|
|
Females with 1-24 Mos TAFMS |
20 |
100.70 |
|
|
|
Males with 25-48 Mos TAFMS |
296 |
163.79 |
YES |
|
|
Females with 25-48 Mos TAFMS |
42 |
129.62 |
|
|
|
Males with 49-96 Mos TAFMS |
321 |
186.16 |
NO |
|
|
Females with 49-96 Mos TAFMS |
27 |
150.19 |
|
|
|
Males with 97+ Mos TAFMS |
937 |
152.22 |
YES |
|
|
Females with 97+ Mos TAFMS |
33 |
98.27 |
|
|
Differences in Time Spent by TAFMS Groups
|
1-24 Mos TAFMS |
|
|||
|
Duty G-Performing Operations Activities |
Females (24.09%), Males (19.33%) |
|||
|
25-48 Mos TAFMS |
|
|||
|
Duty G-Performing Operations Activities |
Males (17.87%), females (12.76%) |
|||
|
Duty J-Performing General Maintenance Activities |
Males (14.12%), females (11.95%) |
|||
|
Duty E-Performing General Administrative & Supply Activities |
Females (11.64%), Males (8.61%)) |
|||
|
49-96 Mos TAFMS |
|
|||
|
Duty J-Performing General Maintenance Activities |
Males (10.58%)). Females (6.58%) |
|||
|
Duty E-Performing General Administrative & Supply Activities |
Females (11.72%), Males (19.47%) |
|||
|
Duty C-Inspecting & Evaluating |
Females (9.70%), Males (6.21%) |
|||
|
97+ Mos TAFMS |
|
|||
|
Duty C-Inspecting & Evaluating |
Males (16.39%), Females (12.35%) |
|||
|
Duty E-Performing General Administrative & Supply Activities |
Females (19.49%), Males (14.84%) |
|||
Table 4: AFSC 2E1X2 Meteorological and Navigation Systems
|
|
Number of 5-skill level |
Average number of tasks performed |
Significant |
||||
|
Males |
296 |
224 |
YES |
||||
|
Females |
23 |
169 |
|
||||
2E152 Differences in Percent Members Performing of Tasks
|
Task |
Title |
Males |
Females |
Diff |
|||
|
C88 |
Inspect equipment or facilities |
65.20 |
30.43 |
34.77 |
|||
|
B39 |
Direct maintenance of work areas |
42.23 |
8.70 |
33.53 |
|||
|
B37 |
Direct maintenance of equipment or facilities |
50.00 |
17.39 |
32.61 |
|||
|
F414 |
Remove or replace power supplies |
49.32 |
17.39 |
31.93 |
|||
|
A3 |
Determine requirements for equipment, personnel, space or supplies |
36.15 |
4.35 |
31.80 |
|||
|
--------- |
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
------------- |
----------- |
-------- |
|||
|
U1226 |
Measure AN/FRN-45 directional coupler losses |
45.95 |
60.87 |
-14.92 |
|||
|
U1214 |
Align AN/FRN-45 digital computer digital data modems |
45.95 |
60.87 |
-14.92 |
|||
|
F0299 |
Isolate malfunctions in digital decoders or encoders |
17.91 |
34.78 |
-16.88 |
|||
|
U1218 |
Align AN/RRN-45 transponder frequency synthesizer assemblies |
48.31 |
65.22 |
-16.91 |
|||
|
U1219 |
Align AN/FRN-45 transponder preselector assemblies |
43.58 |
60.87 |
-17.29 |
|||
*More 5-level males performing supervisory and managerial tasks
*Duty U - Maintaining AN/FRN-45 Tacan System
Differences in Number of Tasks Performed by TAFMS Groups
|
|
# Members |
Avg # of tasks performed |
Significant |
|
Males with 1-24 Mos TAFMS |
15 |
146.60 |
NO |
|
Females with 1-24 Mos TAFMS |
6 |
127.67 |
|
|
Males with 25-48 Mos TAFMS |
68 |
198.46 |
NO |
|
Females with 25-48 Mos TAFMS |
7 |
185.86 |
|
|
Males with 49-96 Mos TAFMS |
141 |
220.67 |
NO |
|
Females with 49-96 Mos TAFMS |
15 |
185.73 |
|
|
Males with 97+ Mos TAFMS |
285 |
214.88 |
NO |
|
Females with 97+ Mos TAFMS |
13 |
158.15 |
|
Differences in Time Spent by TAFMS Groups
|
49-96 Mos TAFMS |
|
|
General Maintenance |
Males (31.44%), Females (24.67%) |
|
Inspecting and Evaluating |
Females (11.72%), Males (3.60%) |
|
97+ Mos TAFMS |
|
|
General Maintenance |
Males (26.40%), Females (16.38%) |
|
Inspecting and Evaluating |
Females (19.06%), Males (12.91%) |
Table 5: AFSC 2S0X1 Supply
|
|
Number of 5-skill level |
Average number of tasks performed |
Significant |
|
Males |
709 |
46 |
YES |
|
Females |
365 |
41 |
|
2S051 Differences in Percent Members Performing of Tasks
|
Task |
Title |
Males |
Females |
Diff |
|
D147 |
Conduct OJT |
34.98 |
23.84 |
11.14 |
|
A8 |
Determine work priorities |
40.76 |
30.41 |
10.35 |
|
W734 |
Accept or receive property |
41.61 |
31.78 |
9.83 |
|
A21 |
Establish performance standard for subordinates |
27.22 |
18.90 |
8.32 |
|
W770 |
Perform minor operator maintenance on vehicles |
12.41 |
4.11 |
8.30 |
|
Al5 |
Develop self-inspection or internal surveillance programs |
19.46 |
11.51 |
7.96 |
|
B38 |
Counsel subordinates on personal or military-related matters |
33.00 |
25.48 |
7.52 |
|
E238 |
Utilize consolidated transaction histories (CTHs) |
31.73 |
37.81 |
-6.07 |
|
E222 |
Process emergency walk-through |
12.98 |
21.10 |
-8.12 |
|
E228 |
Reprocess rejected inputs |
39.49 |
49.32 |
-9.82 |
|
E235 |
Sign on or off terminals |
62.62 |
73.70 |
-11.80 |
*Duty W - Receiving, issuing, storing, and distributing property
Duty E - Performing general supply functions
Differences in Number of Tasks Performed by TAFMS Groups
|
|
# Members |
Avg # of tasks performed |
Significant |
|
Males with 1-24 Mos TAFMS |
140 |
33.09 |
NO |
|
Females with 1-24 Mos TAFMS |
114 |
25.88 |
|
|
Males with 25-48 Mos TAFMS |
87 |
38.20 |
NO |
|
Females with 25-48 Mos TAFMS |
64 |
35.59 |
|
|
Males with 49-96 Mos TAFMS |
221 |
48.01 |
YES |
|
Females with 49-96 Mos TAFMS |
120 |
40.50 |
|
|
Males with 97+ Mos TAFMS |
533 |
62.26 |
YES |
|
Females with 97+ Mos TAFMS |
184 |
52.46 |
|
Differences in Time Spent by TAFMS Groups
No major differences in time spent according to TAFMS groups
Table 6: AFSC 2T1X1 Vehicle Operator/Dispatcher
|
|
Number of 5-skill level |
Average number of tasks performed |
Significant |
|
Males |
939 |
71 |
Yes |
|
Females |
118 |
53 |
|
2T151 Differences in Percent Members Performing of Tasks
|
Task |
Title |
Males |
Females |
Diff |
|
J306 |
Load or unload cargo |
61.02 |
32.20 |
28.82 |
|
J3200 |
Raise or lower landing gear on semitrailers |
62.94 |
34.75 |
28.19 |
|
J291 |
Connect or disconnect tractor-trailer combinations |
65.28 |
37.29 |
27.99 |
|
J293 |
Connect or disconnect vehicles to wreckers |
57.29 |
30.51 |
26.79 |
|
J289 |
Block or secure cargo or equipment |
58.15 |
32.20 |
25.94 |
|
J305 |
Lift or lower vehicles using wrecker booms |
50.37 |
25.42 |
24.95 |
|
J296 |
Direct cargo loading or unloading |
50.16 |
25.42 |
24.74 |
*Duty J - Operating vehicles
Differences in Number of Tasks Performed by TAFMS Groups
|
|
# Members |
Avg # of tasks performed |
Significant |
|
Males with 1-24 Mos TAFMS |
477 |
45.50 |
NO |
|
Females with 1-24 Mos TAFMS |
46 |
41.80 |
|
|
Males with 25-48 Mos TAFMS |
487 |
62.60 |
YES |
|
Females with 25-48 Mos TAFMS |
64 |
49.11 |
|
|
Males with 49-96 Mos TAFMS |
331 |
72.86 |
NO |
|
Females with 49-96 Mos TAFMS |
49 |
60.59 |
|
|
Males with 97+ Mos TAFMS |
618 |
87.05 |
YES |
|
Females with 97+ Mos TAFMS |
77 |
60.32 |
|
Differences in Percent Time Spent by TAFMS Groups
|
25-48 Mos TAFMS |
|
|
Duty J-Operating vehicles |
Males (38.30%), Females (30.19%) |
|
Duty 1-Dispatching vehicles |
Females (27.54%), Males (15.41%) |
|
49-96 Mos TAFMS |
|
|
Duty G-Performing Fleet Management |
Females(16.66%), Males (10.28%) |
|
97+ Mos TAFMS |
|
|
Duty J-Operating Vehicles |
Males (11.02%), Females (4.22%) |
|
Duty G-Performing Fleet Management |
Females (19.75%), Males (12.91%) |
Table 7: 3A0X1 Information Management
|
|
Number of 5-skill level |
Average number of tasks performed |
Signigicant |
|
Males |
773 |
72.46 |
YES |
|
Females |
504 |
62.85 |
|
3A051 Differences in Percent Members Performing of Tasks
|
Task |
Title |
Males |
Females |
Diff |
|
A4 |
Determine or establish logistics requirements, such as personnel, equipment, space, tools, or supplies |
26.65 |
10.71 |
15.94 |
|
A3 |
Coordinate requirements for personnel, equipment, space, tools, or supplies with appropriate agencies |
30.14 |
14.48 |
15.66 |
|
E169 |
Perform operator maintenance on copiers |
45.41 |
32.74 |
12.67 |
|
E171 |
Perform operator maintenance on typewriters |
38.03 |
25.99 |
12.04 |
|
E159 |
Operate audiovisual equipment |
24.84 |
12.90 |
11.94 |
|
E107 |
Change lock combinations on safes, vaults, or cipher locks |
22.51 |
10.91 |
11.60 |
|
E191 |
Prepare minutes of meetings |
20.05 |
27.78 |
-7.73 |
|
E188 |
Prepare endorsements |
45.92 |
54.76 |
-8.84 |
Differences in Number of Tasks Performed by TAFMS Groups
|
|
# Members |
Avg # of tasks performed |
Significant |
|
Males with 1-24 Mos TAFMS |
176 |
46.66 |
NO |
|
Females with 1-24 Mos TAFMS |
182 |
40.12 |
|
|
Males with 25-48 Mos TAFMS |
101 |
65.69 |
YES |
|
Females with 25-48 Mos TAFMS |
107 |
47.42 |
|
|
Males with 49-96 Mos TAFMS |
322 |
70.77 |
NO |
|
Females with 49-96 Mos TAFMS |
236 |
66.39 |
|
|
Males with 97+ Mos TAFMS |
898 |
84.47 |
NO |
|
Females with 97+ Mos TAFMS |
417 |
80.77 |
|
Differences in Percent Time Spent by TAFMS Groups
No major differences in time spent according to TAFMS groups
Table 8: AFSC 3C0X1 Communications - Computer Systems Operations
|
|
Number of 5-skill level |
Average number of tasks performed |
Significant |
|
Males |
1309 |
63 |
YES |
|
Females |
330 |
55 |
|
3C051 Differences in Percent Members Performing of Tasks
|
Task |
Title |
Males |
Females |
Diff |
|
F123 |
Format magnetic media |
35.14 |
20.91 |
14.23 |
|
Fl16 |
Change systems hardware configurations |
25.21 |
12.73 |
12.48 |
|
F134 |
Load operating systems |
35.14 |
23.03 |
12.11 |
|
E76 |
Analyze circuit, communications line, or equipment outage reports |
23.68 |
13.33 |
10.35 |
|
E80 |
Assist users in resolving computer software malfunctions or problems |
51.49 |
41.52 |
9.97 |
|
F152 |
Perform recovery procedures on communications computer systems |
40.41 |
30.61 |
9.81 |
|
F149 |
Perform operator maintenance on communications-computer systems equipment |
42.25 |
32.73 |
9.52 |
*Duty F - Performing communications-computer systems operator activities
Differences in Number of Tasks Performed by TAFMS Groups
|
|
# Members |
Avg # of tasks performed |
Significant |
|
Males with 1-24 Mos TAFMS |
321 |
50.57 |
YES |
|
Females with 1-24 Mos TAFMS |
81 |
45.25 |
|
|
Males with 25-48 Mos TAFMS |
361 |
58.53 |
NO |
|
Females with 25-48 Mos TAFMS |
86 |
51.30 |
|
|
Males with 49-96 Mos TAFMS |
607 |
65.18 |
YES |
|
Females with 49-96 Mos TAFMS |
144 |
57.63 |
|
|
Males with 97+ Mos TAFMS |
957 |
69.26 |
YES |
|
Females with 97+ Mos TAFMS |
246 |
55.52 |
|
Differences in Percent Time Spent by TAFMS Groups
No major differences in time spent according to TAFMS groups
Table 9: AFSC 3S0X1 Personnel
|
|
Number of 5-skill level |
Average number of tasks performed |
Significant |
|
Males |
1235 |
83.09 |
Yes |
|
Females |
1055 |
76.46 |
|
35051 Differences in Percent Members Performing of Tasks
|
Task |
Title |
Males |
Females |
Diff |
|
E134 |
Analyze computer management products, such as data or strength reconciliation, system purges, or flow of personnel transactions |
44.37 |
32.61 |
11.77 |
|
B36 |
Counsel subordinates concerning personnel matters |
34.33 |
23.32 |
11.01 |
|
C88 |
Write EPRs |
31.34 |
20.85 |
10.48 |
|
C77 |
Evaluate personnel for compliance with performance standards |
26.32 |
16.11 |
10.20 |
|
A15 |
Establish performance standards for subordinates |
30.77 |
20.76 |
10.01 |
*Mainly supervisory tasks
Differences in Number of Tasks Performed by TAFMS Groups
|
|
# Members |
Avg # of tasks performed |
Significant |
|
Males with 1-24 Mos TAFMS |
207 |
55.25 |
Yes |
|
Females with 1-24 Mos TAFMS |
368 |
47.32 |
|
|
Males with 25-48 Mos TAFMS |
223 |
74.17 |
Yes |
|
Females with 25-48 Mos TAFMS |
278 |
63.81 |
|
|
Males with 49-96 Mos TAFMS |
445 |
78.61 |
No |
|
Females with 49-96 Mos TAFMS |
465 |
71.94 |
|
|
Males with 97+ Mos TAFMS |
1768 |
92.42 |
No |
|
Females with 97+ Mos TAFMS |
910 |
94.59 |
|
Differences in Percent Time Spent by TAFMS Groups
|
1-24 Mos TAFMS |
|
|
Duty I -- Performing Career Enhancement Activities |
Males (10.42%), Females (16.49%) |
Table 10: 4T0X1/4T0X2 Medical Laboratory & Histopathology
|
4T0XI |
Number of 5-skill level |
Average number of tasks performed |
Significant |
|
Males |
370 |
139 |
YES |
|
Females |
235 |
125 |
|
4T051 Differences in the Percent Members Performing Tasks
|
Task |
Title |
Males |
Females |
Diff |
|
O786 |
Perform primary cultures on urine |
57.03 |
47.66 |
9.37 |
|
F259 |
Review laboratory request slips |
63.51 |
54.47 |
9.04 |
|
R852 |
Perform urinalyses using reagent strips on automated readers |
53.51 |
47.23 |
6.28 |
|
A19 |
Participate in meetings such as staff meetings, briefings, conferences, or workshops, other than conducting |
62.97 |
58.72 |
4.25 |
|
4T0X2 |
Number of 5-skill level |
Average number of tasks performed |
Significant |
|
Males |
27 |
131 |
YES |
|
Females |
21 |
87 |
|
4T052 Differences in Percent Members Performing of Tasks
|
Task |
Title |
Males |
Females |
Diff |
|
F193 |
Calculate percent solutions |
70.37 |
28.57 |
41.80 |
|
F238 |
Prepare biological specimens for shipment using civilian shipping procedures |
55.56 |
14.29 |
41.27 |
|
A5 |
Determine or establish logistics requirements, such as personnel, equipment, space, tools, or supplies |
62.96 |
23.81 |
39.15 |
|
X940 |
Control hemorrhage using digital pressure |
48.15 |
9.52 |
38.62 |
|
A3 |
Brief superiors on status of laboratory operations |
70.37 |
33.33 |
37.04 |
|
X964 |
Perform patient carries using hand-method |
55.56 |
19.05 |
36.51 |
|
F191 |
Calculate molar solutions |
48.15 |
14.29 |
33.86 |
|
E132 |
Annotate shopping guides |
48.15 |
14.29 |
33.86 |
4TOX1/4T0X2 Differences in Number of Tasks Performed by TAFMS Groups
|
|
# Members |
Avg # of tasks performed |
Significant |
|
Males with 1-24 Mos TAFMS |
101 |
97.70 |
NO |
|
Females with 1-24 Mos TAFMS |
93 |
99.43 |
|
|
Males with 25-48 Mos TAFMS |
137 |
120.07 |
NO |
|
Females with 25-48 Mos TAFMS |
120 |
111.88 |
|
|
Males with 49-96 Mos TAFMS |
201 |
133.63 |
NO |
|
Females with 49-96 Mos TAFMS |
132 |
127.27 |
|
|
Males with 97+ Mos TAFMS |
354 |
137.22 |
NO |
|
Females with 97+ Mos TAFMS |
104 |
123.90 |
|
Differences in Percent Time Spent by TAFMS Groups
|
97+ Mos TAFMS |
|
|
Duty F -- General Laboratory Activities |
Females (18.74%), Males (13.35%) |
Table 11: 6C0X1 Contracting
|
|
Number of 5-skill level |
Average number of tasks performed |
Significant |
|
Males |
237 |
57.01 |
YES |
|
Females |
155 |
48.52 |
|
6COX1 Differences in Percent Members Performing of Tasks
|
Task |
Title |
Males |
Females |
Diff |
|
C107 |
Conduct unit self-inspections |
16.03 |
1.94 |
14.10 |
|
A23 |
Plan general meetings, such as staff meetings, briefings, or conferences |
19.83 |
7.74 |
12.09 |
|
H372 |
Compare contractor invoices with receiving reports |
31.22 |
19.35 |
11.87 |
|
A5 |
Coordinate requirements for personnel, space, equipment, tools, or supplies with appropriate agencies |
17.72 |
6.45 |
11.27 |
|
A4 |
Brief organizations on methods of handling contracting requirements |
27.85 |
16.77 |
11.07 |
|
H410 |
Draft or write change orders |
25.32 |
14.84 |
10.48 |
|
B42 |
Conduct general meetings, such as staff meetings or briefings |
16.46 |
6.45 |
10.00 |
|
----------- |
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
-------------- |
------------- |
------------- |
|
E187 |
Evaluate repair estimates |
13.5 |
20 |
-6.5 |
|
G276 |
Determine and document price fair and reasonableness |
60.34 |
66.45 |
-6.11 |
|
G257 |
Compare abstracts with Prs, such as AF Forms 9 (Request for Purchase) |
57.81 |
63.87 |
-6.07 |
Differences in Number of Tasks Performed by TAFMS Groups
|
|
# Members |
Avg # of tasks performed |
Significant |
|
Males with 1-24 Mos TAFMS |
29 |
24.14 |
NO |
|
Females with 1-24 Mos TAFMS |
17 |
33.06 |
|
|
Males with 25-48 Mos TAFMS |
60 |
45.75 |
NO |
|
Females with 25-48 Mos TAFMS |
45 |
43.8 |
|
|
Males with 49-96 Mos TAFMS |
89 |
56.04 |
NO |
|
Females with 49-96 Mos TAFMS |
47 |
43.28 |
|
|
Males with 97+ Mos TAFMS |
416 |
85.58 |
NO |
|
Females with 97+ Mos TAFMS |
171 |
75.41 |
|
Differences in Time Spent by TAFMS Groups
|
25-48 Mos TAFMS |
|
|
Duty H-Performing Contract Administration Activities |
Males (22.52%), Females (16.43%) |
|
Duty J- Performing Management Analysis & Support Activities |
Females (13.27%), Males (6.29%) |
|
97+ Mos TAFMS |
|
|
Duty G-Performing Acquisition Activities |
Males (29.12%), Females (34.46%) |
|
Duty B-Directing and Implementing |
Males (13.13%), Females (8.46%) |
Discussion
At the fully qualified worker level, known as the 5-skill level, men perform significantly more tasks than women in the same career ladder. The number of tasks performed by men and women in the same career ladders were also compared by their time in service. Two career ladders -- 2E1X2 Meteorological & Navigation Systems and 6COX1 Contracting -- showed no significant differences between the number of tasks performed by males and females with the same time in service. All other career ladders showed some significant differences among TAFMS groups. No trend among TAFMS groups, however, was evident between the career ladders.
A comparison of percent members performing specific tasks showed individual differences in each career ladder. Three career ladders -- 2T1X1 Vehicle Operator/Dispatcher, 1S0X1 Safety Management. and 2E1X2 Meteorological & Navigation Systems -- showed major differences in the number of men and women performing specific tasks in one duty area. More men in the Vehicle Operator/Dispatcher career ladder reported operating vehicles than females. In Safety Management, more men were performing general safety inspections. In Meteorological and Navigation Systems, more males were performing supervisory and managerial tasks and a greater percentage of females were maintaining the AN/FRN-45 Tacan System. All other analyzed career ladders showed small, if any, differences in the type of task men or women were performing.
Six of the eleven career ladders showed differences in the time men and women in the same TAFMS groups spent in specific duty areas. In these career ladders, women spent more time performing general administrative, supply, and dispatcher activities. Men spent more time performing technical and supervisory duties than women.
Analyzing the utilization of enlisted female Air Force members was limited by two factors--the number of females in each career ladder and the restrictions placed on females who are pregnant. Although women comprised only 5.4% of the Air Force in 1975, their percentage in 1995 had grown to over 16% of the Air Force. Of the eighteen career ladders with data available, seven had fewer than fifteen female members at the 5-skill level. In addition to the small number of females in certain career ladders, three enlisted career ladders are not open to women: 1C2X1 Combat Control, 1C4X1 Tactical Air Command and Control, and 1T2X1 Pararescue.
Restrictions are also specifically placed on women with pregnancy profiles. Air Force Instruction (AFI) 48-123 limits the tasks women can perform according to their delivery date. At 20 weeks of pregnancy, women are exempt from participating in weapons training, swimming, field duties, and aviation classes. At 28 weeks of pregnancy, women must be provided a 15 minute rest period every two hours. Work must not exceed 40 hours per week, but she may perform secretarial and normal housekeeping duties. At 34 weeks of pregnancy, shift work cannot exceed 8 hours with at least 8 hours rest between shifts (AFI 48-123 1994). Because of these restrictions, some women may perform more administrative activities while classified with a pregnancy profile.
Conclusion
Although women comprise sixteen percent of the US Air Force, many career ladders have fewer than fifteen women at the fully qualified worker level. Only one trend was identified among all analyzed career ladders. It was determined that at the 5-skill level, males performed a higher average number of tasks than females. In six of the eleven career ladders analyzed, males spent more time on technical or supervisory duties than females, and females spent more time on administrative and supply duties than males. All other factors examined only revealed discrepancies within individual career ladders. Further study is warranted to determine why discrepancies exist.
References
Air Force Instruction 48-123, Medical Examinations and Standards, 15 Nov 1994.
Air Force Occupational Measurement Squadron (1995). Occupational Survey Report AFSC 1A1XC Flight Engineer, AFPT 90-113-015.
Air Force Occupational Measurement Squadron (1995). Occupational Survey Report AFSC 1A5XI Airborne Computer Systems, AFPT 90-1AS-044.
Air Force Occupational Measurement Squadron (1995). Occupational Survey Report AFSC 1S0X1 Safety, AFPT 90-241-955.
Air Force Occupational Measurement Squadron (1995). Occupational Survey Report AFSC 2E0Xl Ground Radar Systems, AFPT 90-303-963.
Air Force Occupational Measurement Squadron (1995). Occupational Survey Report AFSC 2F0Xl Fuels, AFPT 90-2F0-020.
Air Force Occupational Measurement Squadron (1995). Occupational Survey Report AFSC 250X1 Supply Management, AFPT 90-645-013.
Air Force Occupational Measurement Squadron (1995). Occupational Survey Report AFSC 2T1X1 Vehicle Operator/Dispatcher, AFPT 90-603-988.
Air Force Occupational Measurement Squadron (1995). Occupational Survey Report AFSC 3A0X1 Information Management, AFPT 90-702-011.
Air Force Occupational Measurement Squadron (1995). Occupational Survey Report AFSC 3C0X1 Communications - Computer Systems, AFPT 90-491-008.
Air Force Occupational Measurement Squadron (1996). Occupational Survey Report AFSC 2A0X1A Avionics Test Stations & Component, F-15/F-111, AFPT 90-2A0-030.
Air Force Occupational Measurement Squadron (1996). Occupational Survey Report AFSC 2A3X1A/B/C F-15/F-111 Avionics Systems, AFPT 90-452-853.
Air Force Occupational Measurement Squadron (1996). Occupational Survey Report AFSC 2E1X2 Meteorological and Navigation Systems, AFPT 90-2E1-031.
Air Force Occupational Measurement Squadron (1996). Occupational Survey Report AFSC 2ESX1 Imagery Systems Maintenance, AFPT 90-2E5-067.
Air Force Occupational Measurement Squadron (1996). Occupational Survey Report AFSC 2E6X1 Communications Antenna Systems, AFPT 90-2E6-03B.
Air Force Occupational Measurement Squadron (1996). Occupational Survey Report AFSC 2M0X3 Missile and Space Facilities Maintenance, AFPT 90-2M0-052.
Air Force Occupational Measurement Squadron (1996). Occupational Survey Report AFSC 3S0X1 Personnel, AFPT 90-3S0-053.
Air Force Occupational Measurement Squadron (1996). Occupational Survey Report AFSC 4T0X1/4T0X2 Medical Laboratory & Histopathology, AFPT 90-4T0-033.
Air Force Occupational Measurement Squadron (1996). Occupational Survey Report AFSC 6C0X1 Contracting, AFPT 90-6C0-050.
HQ USAF/DPCH, Memorandum for AFOMS/OMY, "Request for Occupational Survey Analysis," 17 Aug 1995.
Occupational Analyst Handbook (1993). AF Occupational Measurement Squadron, Randolph AFB, TX.