Are so many ranks in the US Air Force. For some people, what each rank means and the order in which they progress can be confusing. In this video, we look at a simple guide to the US Air Force ranks in order. Airman Basic. This is the entry level rank for newly enlisted members. During basic training, they learn what it takes to be a member of the US Air Force. They do not have an insignia during this period. Airman. This is the next entry level rank. During this time, the airman graduates from basic training. Most of them will be qualified to enroll in a duty speciality school, which can take up to a year to complete. With training, an airman can also complete other specialities in their career. Airman First Class. The airman first class is still considered to be a junior enlisted rank, but having an understanding of how the Air Force works, is able to take up leadership roles, including mentoring young airmen in basic training. Around this time, a first class is able to take undergraduate studies, which will assist promotion later in their career. Senior airman. This is the highest enlisted rank before moving into the NCOs.
At this rank, the senior airman has obtained proficiency in their specialist area. They will perform supervis or leadership duties to prepare for their future role as an NCO. Staff Sergeant. During this time, a Staff Sergeant might become a supervisor within their department, write performance reports and other professional documents, as well as collaborating with officers. Technical Sergeant. This is the second NCO rank. The tech sergeant is highly skilled within several responsibilities to support the mission of their department. They have generally served around 10 years within the Air Force, and many serve as an NCO in charge of a flight unit. Master Sergeant. At this rank, a move towards head leadership roles such as flight chiefs, section chiefs, superintendents, and NCO in charge is made. They are there to support the welfare of their units and have generally earned their undergraduate degrees. First Sergeant. A chief, master, or senior sergeant may be selected to be a first sergeant, although it isn’t considered a rank, but more of a specialist assignment role for a senior NCO. They are typically assigned to a flight unit where they report directly to the deputy commander. Senior Master Sergeant, usually the operation leader of their unit.
They are expected to fulfill a managerial role, mentoring junior NCOs and other junior officers. They can also provide administrative support to senior officers. Chief Master Sergeant. A chief is considered a senior NCO and generally the director within a unit. Their main role is to implement policy to create a functional and professional environment. They can also serve as staff in high level units. Command Chief Master Sergeant. A command chief is considered to be a special title and role. Their responsibilities are similar to that of the chief master sergeant. However, unlike them, a command chief have assignments such as commander to Wings, Number Air Force, and major commands. These are larger units that provide operation and mission support. Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force. This is a senior enlisted rank responsible for the conduct, morale, and training of all enlisted personnel. They will work as an advisor to the Air Force Chief of Staff and the Secretary of the Air Force, as well as a counsel to senior NCOs. Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. This role was created in 2019 and five, with the CAK being the main advisor to the chairman.
The rank plays a pivotal role in the decision making for the enlisted men. Second Lieutenant. This is the lowest of the commissioned officer ranks. The United States Air Force offers many career opportunities, so the second Lieutenant needs to train in an area such as Air Battle Manager, Combat Systems Officer, or Pilot. Other areas such as cyber operations, intelligence, and special investigations are also available. There are opportunities to become a flight or deputy commander. First Lieutenant Lie attendant. There is not much difference between a first and second lieutenant in terms of responsibility and training. It is used more to show years of experience. Captain. This rank will generally be achieved after four years as a commanding officer. This is the highest company grade rank. They provide guidance to those junior to them. They may serve as a flight commander or head of a department. Major. This is the lowest field grade rank. Their responsibilities now move towards more of an administrative role at squadron or wing level under the direction of their superior. In flying units, a major may be a flight commander, whereas non flying units, they may be a squadron commander. They can act as a counselor to lieutenants and captains, as well as a conduit to high ranking officers.
Lieutenant Colonel. Generally, having served within the Air Force for a period of 20 years, a Lieutenant Colonel will serve as a squadron commander in a group, a unit made up of several flights for operations, logistics, support, and medical. They will also be under the guidance of the Colonel for wing level command positions. Colonel. This is the highest field grade officer rank. They may hold the position of wing commander, which is generally between 1,000 to 4,000 airmen. They can also hold positions within training schools or military colleges. Brigadier General. This is the lowest of the general officer ranks. They will typically serve as a wing or base commander. They can often be tasked to assignments at the Pentagon, bases overseas, or areas such as nor ad. Major General. This is a two star officer rank. As a rule, no more than 25 % of general officers may have more than two stars, so this rank is competitive and the vetting process for it is very selective. They will typically be in command of around 10,000 airmen. These roles include number Air Force Commanders, Joint Force Commanders, Air Operations centers, Training Programs, or Logistic Operations centers. Lieutenant General.
This rank holds three stars. These positions involve operational and administrative decisions. Job roles can be within the Pentagon or command of a management headquarter known as a MAGCOM. General. This is the highest ranked officer in the United States Air Force. They hold four stars. They are principal leaders and assign duties such as the chief of staff or roles within NATO. General of the Air Force. This is a five star general role reserved only for wartime. Their role is to oversee wartime operations and missions. The rank is currently retired and in its history, no officer has worn this rank while on active duty. Perhaps you or a family member has served or is serving in the Air Force. Which rank do you think is the backbone of the Air Force? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section down below. As always, guys, thanks for watching. Be sure to hit that subscribe button if you want to expand your knowledge and join the growing Premier History community.