Insignias and Ranks
| E-1 |
No Insignia |
Airman Basic (AB)The AB is actively learning military customs, courtesies, traditions, and Air Force standards, as well as training for combat and their technical profession. Pay grade: E-1. |
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| E-2 |
Airman (Amn)An Amn is still learning professional skills, but should now be able to understand and conform to military standards. Pay grade E-2. |
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| E-3 |
Airman First Class (A1C)A1Cs must follow Air Force standards and set a good example for lower enlisted. They also should be mastering the skills necessary in their career. Pay grade E-3. |
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| E-4 |
Senior Airman (SrA)The SrA is transitioning from worker to Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO). They are developing supervisory skills and beginning to lead and positively influence others. Pay grade E-4. |
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| E-5 |
Staff Sergeant (SSgt)SSgts are chiefly craftsmen with certain NCO supervisory responsibilities. They must continuously strive to further their development as technicians and supervisors. Pay grade E-5. |
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| E-6 |
Technical Sergeant (TSgt)TSgts hold a 7-skill level and are qualified to perform complex technical duties. They are responsible for the career and mission success their subordinates. Pay grade E-6. |
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| E-7 |
Master Sergeant (MSgt)MSgts function in craftsman and supervisory positions as they prepare for more advanced leadership and management positions. Pay grade E-7. |
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| E-8 |
Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt)SMSgts are managers and are awarded the 9-skill level “superintendent.” Broad management skills are essential of the higher leadership positions they serve in. Pay grade E-8. |
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| E-9 |
Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt)Aside from the CMSgt of the Air Force, the rank of CMSgt is the highest Air Force enlisted rank. CMSgts are superintendents who provide senior enlisted leadership. Pay grade E-9. |
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First SergeantFirst sergeants exercise general supervision over all enlisted personnel assigned to a unit and work directly for the unit commander. They can be in pay grades E-7, E-8, or E-9. |
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Command Chief Master Sergeant (CCM)Like a first sergeant at squadron level, CCMs work directly for/on behalf of the Commander at the Wing, Major Command (MAJCOM), and Numbered Air Force Level. Pay grade E-9. |
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Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force (CMSAF)CMSAF is the highest enlisted level of leadership in the Air Force. The CMSAF represents the interests of the enlisted to the American public and the government. Pay grade E-9. |
| O-1 |
Second Lieutenant (2d Lt)2nd Lt is the most junior grade of commissioned officer, with the rank insignia of one gold bar. Terms of address are "Second Lieutenant" or "Lieutenant." Pay grade O-1. |
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| O-2 |
First Lieutenant (1st Lt)1st Lt serves as a ‘deputy’ officer, wearing the rank insignia of one silver bar. Terms of address are "First Lieutenant" or "Lieutenant." Pay grade O-2. |
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| O-3 |
Captain (Capt)The Capt is typically either the commander or second-in-command of a squadron, with the rank insignia is two connected silver bars. Term of address is "Captain." Pay grade O-3. |
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| O-4 |
Major (Maj)Maj is considered the most junior of the field ranks, with the rank insignia of a gold oak leaf. Term of address is "Major." Pay grade O-4. |
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| O-5 |
Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col)An Lt Col is typically in charge of a Wing, wearing the rank insignia of a silver oak leaf. Terms of address are "Lieutenant Colonel" or "Colonel." Pay grade O-5. |
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| O-6 |
Colonel (Col)A senior-ranking commissioned officer, the Col wears the rank insignia of a silver eagle. Term of address is "Colonel." Pay grade O-6. |
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| O-7 |
Brigadier General (Brig Gen)The first level of General, the Brig Gen wears the rank insignia of one silver star. Terms of address are "Brigadier General" or "General." Pay grade O-7. |
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| O-8 |
Major General (Maj Gen)The Maj Gen wears the rank insignia of two silver stars in line. Terms of address are "Major General" or "General." Pay grade O-8. |
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| O-9 |
Lieutenant General (Lt Gen)A senior-ranking General, the Lt Gen wears the rank insignia of three silver stars in line. Terms of address are "Lieutenant General" or "General." Pay grade O-9. |
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| O-10 |
General (Gen)The highest rank in the Air Force, the Gen wears the rank insignia of four silver stars in line. Term of address is "General." |
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| Special |
General of the Air Force (GOAF) |
