Military Insignia Guide - Air Force

ENLISTED

AIRMAN BASIC (AB)
E-1
The AB is an apprentice who is acquiring and demonstrating knowledge of military customs, courtesies, traditions, and Air Force standards while learning both military and technical skills. The official term of address is Airman Basic or Airman.

AIRMAN (AMN)
E-2
The Amn, while still primarily an apprentice, is expected to understand and conform to military standards. The official term of address is Airman.

AIRMAN FIRST CLASS (A1C)
E-3
A1C comply with Air Force standards and are role models for subordinates. They are expected to devote their efforts to mastering the skills required in their new career fields. The official term of address is Airman First Class or Airman.

SENIOR AIRMAN (SRA)
E-4
Those personnel serving as SrA are in a transition period from Journeyman/Worker to NCO. Development of supervisory and leadership skills through PME and individual study is essential. All SrA conduct themselves in a manner commensurate with established standards, thereby asserting a positive influence on other airmen. The SrA must, at all times, present the image of competence, integrity, and pride. The official term of address is Senior Airman or Airman.

STAFF SERGEANT (SSGT)
E-5
SSgts are primarily craftsmen with certain NCO supervisory responsibilities.

TECHNICAL SERGEANT (TSGT)
E-6
TSgts are qualified to perform highly complex technical duties in addition to providing responsible supervision. They are responsible for the development of all enlisted personnel under their supervision. They must obtain maximum performance from each subordinate and ensure the product or service is of the quality necessary for total mission effectiveness. TSgts will continuously strive to broaden and perfect their professional expertise and supervisory techniques. The official term of address is Technical Sergeant or Sergeant.

MASTER SERGEANT (MSGT)
E-7
MSgts function primarily in craftsman/supervisory positions as they prepare themselves for more advanced leadership and management positions. MSgts hold a 7-skill. This rank carries significantly increased responsibilities and requires a broad technical and managerial perspective. MSgt selects should enroll and complete the SNCOA course. The official term of address is Master Sergeant or Sergeant.

FIRST SERGEANT (1SGT)
E-7

SENIOR MASTER SGT (SMSGT)
E-8
SMSgts perform as superintendents or managers. Broad leadership and management skills are essential to exercise the responsibilities of higher leadership positions in which SMSgts serve. The 9-skill level Superintendent is awarded when SMSgts sew-on E-8 and have graduated from the in-resident USAF Senior NCO Academy (SNCOA) or equivalent sister service school. SMSgts should continue their professional development to become viable candidates for unique assignment opportunities and future promotion selection consideration to CMSgt. The official term of address is Senior Master Sergeant or Sergeant.

FIRST SERGEANT (1SGT)
E-8

CHIEF MASTER SGT (CMSGT)
E-9
The rank of CMSgt is the highest enlisted rank in the U.S. Air Force, with the exception of the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force (CMSAF). CMSgts are superintendents and managers and provide senior enlisted leadership. CMSgts are assigned Chief Enlisted Manager (CEM) codes upon selection to CMSgt and may fill any leadership/managerial level position and perform all duties not prohibited by law or directive. CMSgts are advisors and enlisted force managers. The official term of address is Chief Master Sergeant or Chief.

FIRST SERGEANT (1SGT)
E-9

COMMAND CHIEF MASTER SGT (CCM)
E-9

CHIEF MSGT OF THE AIR FORCE (1SGT)
E-9
Advises the Chief of Staff and the Secretary of the Air Force on all enlisted matters. The CMSAF is the senior enlisted member of the Air Force and takes precedence over all enlisted members while serving in the position (AFI 36-2109, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force and Command Chief Master Sergeant Programs). The official term of address is Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force or Chief.

OFFICERS

SECOND LIEUTENANT (2LT)
O-1