7 Academy NCOs selected for promotion to E-8 Published March 24, 2014 By U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs Academy Public Affairs U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- even Academy NCOs were among the more than 900 master sergeants selected across the Air Force for promotion to senior master sergeant. They are Master Sgt.'s Jason Arnold, James Normandin, Christopher Pugh, Jeremy Remley, Ellwood Tegtmeier, Christian Urena and Bryan Kinder. The Air Force released it's list of senior master sergeant-selects last week. The selection rate was 6.74 percent, the average time-in-grade for selectees was just more than 4 years and their time-in-service was about 19 years. "It's very stiff completion, said Kinder, assigned to the 10th Force Support Squadron. "I was shocked to see my name within that six percent. "My mentors were pivotal to this -- especially the mentors within the 10th Air base Wing -- by ensuring I was competitive for promotion." Selectees will be promoted in order of their promotion sequence number beginning in April. Master Sgt. Christian Urena, 10th Medical Support Squadron, said he might be promoted this summer. "It was surprising, especially with the percentages being as low as they were this year," he said. "Mentally, I was already preparing to try again this year." Selections are tentative until the data verification process is complete, normally within 10 days of the promotion release date. Personnel officials will notify Airmen if their selection is in question. Visit https://mypers.af.mil to see the full list.