Updated 'Little Brown Book' now on the Web Published April 3, 2009 By AFDW Public Affairs AIR FORCE DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON -- Air Force District of Washington Command Chief Paul Wheeler shared his perspective on new initiatives shaping the enlisted force during an All-Enlisted Call March 27 at the Air Force Conference Center on Andrews, Air Force Base, Md., . The chief recently returned from the Command Chief's roundtable and was eager to inform the enlisted force of some of the new initiatives discussed. Central to Chief Wheeler's enlisted call was the new AFI 36-2618, Enlisted Force Structure, also known as "The Little Brown Book." The last version was published in December 2004, so several changes and updates were needed. The electronic version is available now with hard copies expected in May. "AFI 36-2618 is the foundation to every Airman's successful career in the Air Force," the chief said. "It has long been a staple of establishing expectations and standards for enlisted Airmen." The new instruction spells out the baseline standards for every enlisted Airman, from E-1 to E-9, so everyone understands what is expected of them. It also defines special senior noncommissioned officer positions and standardizes enlisted duty titles. "The guide will enable Airman to focus on career growth at the appropriate level and the responsibilities commensurate to their grade," Chief Wheeler said. "It also codifies the general and specific tiers of the enlisted force responsibilities based on each Airman's grade." Chief Wheeler also challenged the enlisted force to "get involved in the community; to develop themselves not just militarily but outside the gate as well. Off-duty education is paramount for all Airmen to progress in the Air Force," he said. The chief told the audience to "expect changes to the Air Force PT gear. "A prototype of the new PT gear has been developed and is now in test phase, but no definitive day or acceptance of the uniform has been set," he said.