Intro
Unlock the meaning behind the US Air Forces enlisted rank insignia. Discover the 7 distinct ranks, from Airman Basic to Chief Master Sergeant, and explore their corresponding symbols, responsibilities, and career progression. Learn about the stripes, stars, and chevrons that define an Airmans journey, from entry-level to senior leadership.
The United States Air Force is one of the five branches of the US Armed Forces, and it has a unique rank structure that is different from the other branches. In this article, we will explore the 7 Air Force enlisted ranks, their insignia, and what each rank entails.
Airman Basic (AB)
Airman Basic is the lowest enlisted rank in the Air Force. It is the entry-level rank for new recruits, and it is equivalent to the rank of Private in the Army or Marine Corps. The insignia for Airman Basic is a plain uniform sleeve with no stripes or chevrons.
Responsibilities:
Airmen Basic are new recruits who have just entered the Air Force. They are in the process of completing Basic Military Training (BMT) and are not yet assigned to a specific job or duty station. Their main responsibility is to learn and follow orders, as well as complete their training and education.
Airman (AMN)
Airman is the second-lowest enlisted rank in the Air Force. It is equivalent to the rank of Private First Class in the Army or Marine Corps. The insignia for Airman is a single stripe on the uniform sleeve.
Responsibilities:
Airmen are entry-level personnel who have completed BMT and are assigned to a specific job or duty station. They are responsible for performing their assigned duties, following orders, and completing their education and training.
Airman First Class (A1C)
Airman First Class is the third-lowest enlisted rank in the Air Force. It is equivalent to the rank of Specialist/Corporal in the Army or Marine Corps. The insignia for Airman First Class is two stripes on the uniform sleeve.
Responsibilities:
Airmen First Class are intermediate-level personnel who have gained some experience and skills in their job or duty station. They are responsible for performing their assigned duties, leading small teams, and completing their education and training.
Senior Airman (SrA)
Senior Airman is the fourth-lowest enlisted rank in the Air Force. It is equivalent to the rank of Sergeant in the Army or Marine Corps. The insignia for Senior Airman is three stripes on the uniform sleeve.
Responsibilities:
Senior Airmen are advanced-level personnel who have gained significant experience and skills in their job or duty station. They are responsible for leading teams, mentoring junior personnel, and completing their education and training.
Staff Sergeant (SSgt)
Staff Sergeant is the fifth-lowest enlisted rank in the Air Force. It is equivalent to the rank of Staff Sergeant in the Army or Marine Corps. The insignia for Staff Sergeant is four stripes on the uniform sleeve.
Responsibilities:
Staff Sergeants are senior-level personnel who have gained significant experience and skills in their job or duty station. They are responsible for leading teams, mentoring junior personnel, and completing their education and training.
Technical Sergeant (TSgt)
Technical Sergeant is the sixth-lowest enlisted rank in the Air Force. It is equivalent to the rank of Technical Sergeant in the Army or Marine Corps. The insignia for Technical Sergeant is five stripes on the uniform sleeve.
Responsibilities:
Technical Sergeants are advanced-level personnel who have gained significant experience and skills in their job or duty station. They are responsible for leading teams, mentoring junior personnel, and completing their education and training.
Master Sergeant (MSgt)
Master Sergeant is the seventh-lowest enlisted rank in the Air Force. It is equivalent to the rank of Master Sergeant in the Army or Marine Corps. The insignia for Master Sergeant is six stripes on the uniform sleeve.
Responsibilities:
Master Sergeants are senior-level personnel who have gained significant experience and skills in their job or duty station. They are responsible for leading teams, mentoring junior personnel, and completing their education and training.
Gallery of Air Force Enlisted Ranks Insignia
Air Force Enlisted Ranks Insignia Gallery
FAQs
What is the lowest enlisted rank in the Air Force?
+The lowest enlisted rank in the Air Force is Airman Basic (AB).
What is the highest enlisted rank in the Air Force?
+The highest enlisted rank in the Air Force is Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt).
How many stripes does a Master Sergeant have?
+A Master Sergeant has six stripes on their uniform sleeve.
We hope this article has helped you understand the 7 Air Force enlisted ranks and their insignia. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them with us.