AF101 · Lesson 135 of 142
Enlisted Rank Structure
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Rank insignia identify every member of the force. Enlisted pay grades run from E-1 to E-9, and for enlisted ranks the pay grade is one more than the number of stripes on the chevron (an E-2 Airman wears one stripe). Air Force chevrons are silver on a blue background on the service dress uniform, and spice brown on the OCP combat uniform.
The enlisted force is organized into three tiers.
Junior Enlisted Tier (E-1 to E-4)
Adapting to military life, achieving occupational proficiency, and becoming a highly skilled technician.
| Pay Grade | Rank | Abbreviation | Insignia |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-1 | Airman Basic | AB | No insignia |
| E-2 | Airman | Amn | One stripe with star |
| E-3 | Airman First Class | A1C | Two stripes with star |
| E-4 | Senior Airman | SrA | Three stripes with star |
Form of address: any of these may be addressed as "Airman."
Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) Tier (E-5 to E-6)
Mission accomplishment: becoming an expert technician while developing as a leader, supervisor, and manager.
| Pay Grade | Rank | Abbreviation | Insignia |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-5 | Staff Sergeant | SSgt | Four stripes with star |
| E-6 | Technical Sergeant | TSgt | Five stripes with star |
Senior Noncommissioned Officer (SNCO) Tier (E-7 to E-9)
Broad leadership, mentoring, and resource management, plus a seat in key decision-making roles.
| Pay Grade | Rank | Abbreviation | Insignia |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-7 | Master Sergeant | MSgt | Six stripes with star |
| E-8 | Senior Master Sergeant | SMSgt | Seven stripes with star |
| E-9 | Chief Master Sergeant | CMSgt | Eight stripes with star |
Forms of address: "Sergeant" or the full title for E-5 through E-7. Use "Senior" for a Senior Master Sergeant and "Chief" for a Chief Master Sergeant.
Special Enlisted Positions
A few E-9s serve in distinct senior leadership roles, each with a variation of the standard Chief Master Sergeant chevron.
- Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force (CMSAF): the senior enlisted member of the entire Air Force. Advises the Chief of Staff and the Secretary of the Air Force on all matters affecting enlisted Airmen. Address as "Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force" or "Chief."
- Command Chief Master Sergeant (CCM): the senior enlisted leader of a wing, Numbered Air Force, or Major Command. Advises the commander on the readiness, development, and morale of the command's enlisted force. Address as "Command Chief" or "Chief."
- First Sergeant: a special duty, not a rank, filled by a selected MSgt, SMSgt, or CMSgt. The focal point for the health, morale, welfare, and discipline of a unit's enlisted members. Identified by a diamond device above the star. Address by rank, as "First Sergeant," or as "Shirt."
Space Force note: Guardians share the same pay grades. E-1 to E-4 are Specialist 1 through Specialist 4, E-5 is Sergeant, and E-6 through E-9 mirror the Air Force titles.