To get from an entry-level position and grade to one of the highest-ranking grades, you will need to have acquired over 20 years in service as well as passing all relevant skill tests, showing authoritative behaviors, and also passing through a panel who make the decisions for high ranking positions.
The Airman ranks go from Basic Airman (E-1) to Airman First class (E-3) you will need to have 16 months of active duty time as well as meet all standards to reach the Airman First Class rank.
The next rank is Senior Airman (E-4) and is the transition between an airman to a non-commissioned officer (NCO) and the duty time you’ll need to be considered for promotion to Senior Airman is around 3 years.
Non-commissioned officers (NCOs) are listed as E-5 and E-6. E-5 is a Staff Sergeant and you will have supervisory responsibilities, you will have needed to have spent six months in a grade before you can get promoted to E-5 as well as finessing fitness skills and completing the Airman Leadership School.
To be promoted to the next rank, Technical Sergeant (E-6), you will have to have a minimum of 5 years of service time, spent more than 23 months in your previous rank, and have achieved a 7-skill level.
The average duty time before becoming a Technical Sergeant is around 12 years.
Air Force employers who are grade E-7 and above are known as Senior Non-commissioned Officers or SNCOs. To be promoted to Master Sergeant (E-7) you will need 8 years of service and 24 months of being in the E-6 grade and you must acquire a 7-skill level.
The average duty time for the promotion to Master Sergeant (E-7) is 17 years.
The next rank up is Senior Master Sergeant (E-8) and it is very difficult and highly competitive to get this promotion, as many public laws only allow 2% of the Air Force workforce to be in grade E-8.
To be eligible for promotion to this rank, you’ll need 11 years of service and 20 months in your previous grade.
The highest enlisted rank in the Air Force is the Chief Master Sergeant and the average time in the service is around 22 years before someone has been promoted to this rank.
Promotions for Senior Master Sergeant (E-8) and Chief Master Sergeant (E-9) are done through the WAPS system and put through a reviewing board.
If you agree to enlist for more than 5 years you will be accelerated for promotions through the Air Force as an acknowledgment of your service.
If you enter the Air Force as a basic airman (E-1) once you have finished your air force basic training (AFBT) you will automatically be promoted to airman (E-2) and then when they’ve finished tech school they will become an airman first class (E-3).
Is it hard to rank up in the air force?
When you’re in lower ranks in the air force it is a lot easier to gain promotion as basic requirements like time in service and time in grade are a lot lower.
You will also have to meet fewer requirements before you become eligible, however, there are more lower-ranked positions available in the Air Force so the chance of gaining promotion are higher.
When it comes to getting to SMSgt/CMSgt ranks, the Air Force can only have around 1% or 2% of their workforce in those positions so it is extremely competitive.
There are also numerous factors that’ll need to be considered when trying to go for a promotion.
You’ll need to have the necessary time in service and time in grade, but you’ll also need to complete written tests and have an exemplary performance record.
The promotion panel will look more favorably on candidates who have been awarded medals, completed professional military education along with excellent test results and glowing performance reports.
How do you rank up fast in the Air Force?
The quickest way to rank up in the Air Force is just to be an exemplary Airman and go beyond what is expected of you when on duty and off duty.
You can only promote as fast as the system allows though, as each grade will require a minimum time in service and minimum time in grade before someone can be promoted. You’ll need to work hard, study hard and go up and beyond to make it to the top.
How long does it take to become a Staff Sergeant in the Air Force?
To be promoted to Staff Sergeant you will need at least 3 years in service and 6 months in your current grade before you can be recommended for the promotion.
The average active duty time for a promotion to staff sergeant is around 4 years, however, upon achieving a 5-skill level, completing the Airman Leadership School, and competing in WAPS, you may be able to do it in less time.
How long does it take to become a Master Sergeant in the Air Force?
To be eligible to be a candidate for a promotion for a master sergeant position you will need to have served 8 years in the service and have spent 24 months in your current grade (E-6).
However, the average duty time before achieving a master sergeant role is around 17 years.
What is the highest rank in the Air Force?
A General is the highest-ranking officer in the US Air Force and holds 4 stars.
A Chief Master Sergeant is the highest enlisted rank in the Air Force.