Briefing to Chief Murray, CMSAF, on WAPS & SNCOPP
Today’s Weighted Airman Promotion System (WAPS) was based on research which began in 1968 and was recently revalidated. The results from three WAPS/SNCOPP Revalidation Panels were briefed to Chief Murray (CMSAF) on 23 July 2004.
The first briefer to Chief Murray was Dr. R. Bruce Gould, a 65-year old psychologist. As a junior psychologist, Dr Gould assisted in the original WAPS development and validation in 1968. In his opening remarks, Dr. Gould asked Chief Murray’s indulgence if he calls the system “WAPS” (sounds like “MAPS”) rather than the other pronunciation which rhymes with “MOPS.”
Dr. R. Bruce Gould, PhD
Dr.
Gould pointed out that during WAPS development the first Chief Master Sergeant
of the Air Force, Chief Airey was very concerned about this pronunciation
distinction.
First CMSAF: - Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Paul W. Airey, U.S. Air Force Photo
Chief Airey pointed out that the other way of saying it sounds like “WOPs” which was a derogatory slur against immigrants who came to this country at the turn of the century “With Out Passports (WOP)”
Chief Murray said that as far as he was concerned, “WAPS” (that rhymes with “MAPS”) IS still the proper way to say it.
Links to Historical WAPS Research: <../papers/WAPS.htm>
Pictures from 23 July 2004
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