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Learn about the rank structure and insignia of the Air Force from lowest to highest, including enlisted and officer grades. Find out the duties, responsibilities, pay, and benefits of each rank, as well as the history and structure of the Air Force.
- Staff Sergeant
Staff Sergeant (SSgt) is the lowest Non-Commissioned Officer...
- Major
For full details on the Air Force's Major compensation and...
- Lieutenant General
Lieutenant General (LtG) is a three star General Officer...
- United States Air Force Military Decorations Full List
The Air Force awards 83 decorations on this list. A airmen...
- Senior Airman
Senior Airman (SrA) is the fourth, and highest, enlisted...
- Second Lieutenant
Second Lieutenant (2Lt) is the lowest Commissioned Officer...
- Staff Sergeant
Learn about the ranks, insignia, pay grades, and classifications of the U.S. Air Force enlisted and officer personnel. Compare Air Force ranks to civilian GS grades and see detailed information about each rank.
Pay GradeInsigniaRankAbbreviationABEnlisted AirmanAmnEnlisted AirmanA1CEnlisted AirmanSrAEnlisted AirmanAlthough the United States Air Force came into being as an independent uniformed service with the National Security Act of 1947, it retained the United States Army Air Forces rank structure and corresponding insignia of years past. This rank structure provided for seven enlisted ranks: private, private first class, corporal/technician fifth ...
- Air Force Officer Ranks: Company Grade
- Air Force Field Grade Officers
- Air Force Officer Ranks: General Officers
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Second Lieutenant
The rank of second lieutenant is shown through a single gold bar. Proper forms of address include second lieutenant or lieutenant. Commissioned airmen sometimes may skip this rank.
First Lieutenant
First lieutenants have roughly the same responsibilities as a second lieutenant, but receive higher pay and are given more responsibility.
Captain
Captains typically are assigned to and have authority over a flight. In such a position, they are referred to as the flight commander.
Major
A junior field officer rank, majors in the Air Force often operate as main staff officers on brigade-sized forces.
Lieutenant Colonel
The 21st rank in the U.S. Air Force, a lieutenant colonel is responsible for commanding a medical or support group, a squadron or directing ops in the operations group.
Colonel
Colonels in the Air Force serve in a number of different roles. Some command elements of a wing while others serve as heads of staff in different Air Force staff agencies.
Brigadier General
Becoming a brigadier general is an arduous process. It begins with a board of general officers creating a list of candidates and ends with the president choosing those to be promoted from that pool. Brigadier generals must retire after 30 years of service or after five years in their rank.
Major General
A two-star rank in the Air Force, the promotion to major general is mostly similar to the process in becoming a brigadier general. Lieutenant General (Lt Gen)(O9) Lieutenant generals are picked by the president from the existing pool of Air Force general officers.
General
The four-star position typically commands major areas of responsibility and holds the highest military positions in the Pentagon.
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Learn about the ranks and responsibilities of Air Force officers, from second lieutenant to general. Find out how to join the Air Force and what benefits it offers.
- Air Force Ranks: Airman (E-1 through E-4) Airman Basic (E-1) Most airmen graduate basic military training with the rank of airman basic (E-1). An airman basic is an apprentice who is acquiring and demonstrating knowledge of military customs, courtesies, traditions and Air Force standards while learning military and technical skills.
- Air Force Ranks: Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) (E-5 and E-6) Air Force enlisted members E-5 and E-6 are referred to as NCOs. Air Force NCOs are expected to exemplify personal integrity, loyalty, leadership, dedication and devotion to duty, including upholding Air Force policies, traditions and standards.
- Air Force Senior Noncommissioned Officer (SNCO) Ranks (E-7 through E-9) Air Force enlisted members E-7 and above are referred to as SNCOs. Air Force SNCOs are expected to set the highest standards of personal integrity, loyalty, leadership, dedication and devotion to duty, including upholding Air Force policies, traditions and standards.
- Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force. The chief master sergeant of the Air Force (CMSAF) is a unique noncommissioned rank in the United States Air Force.
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An Army sergeant, an Air Force staff sergeant, and a Marine corporal are considered NCO ranks. The Navy NCO equivalent, petty officer, is achieved at the rank of petty officer third class. E-5
This chart displays the United States Air Force officer rank insignia. The ranks are divided into three sections: company grade, field grade, and general officers. Company grade officers are those officers of grades O-1 to O-3. Field grade officers are those of grades O-4 to O-6. General officers are those of O-7 and above.
