A weighted factors promotion system was field-tested and validated using data from the promotion cycle of the Alaskan air command. The weighted factors composite score excluding a promotion board component were compared within promotion board evaluations under the present operational system. Overlaps between the two ranks imply promotion of the same individuals by both systems. However, inconsistencies and unexplainable discrepancies in the ranking by promotion board scores were found in some few instances. It was concluded that, within the specialties analyzed, practically all the individuals promoted by the board system would also have been promoted under the weighted factors system. If it can be assumed that the sample was representative of the Air Force-wide population of promotion-eligible airmen in grades E-3 through E-6, then it can be further assumed that the weighted factors system provides a valid airman promotion system in which the selection criteria are visible and equitable.