Intro
Discover the hierarchy of US Air Force officer ranks and insignia. Learn about the different ranks, from Second Lieutenant to General, and understand the significance of each insignia. Explore the various officer ranks, including company-grade, field-grade, and general officers, and get insight into the roles and responsibilities of each.
The United States Air Force is a unique branch of the US military, with a rich history and a distinct system of officer ranks and insignia. Understanding the different ranks and their corresponding insignia is essential for anyone interested in the Air Force, whether you're a seasoned veteran or a new recruit.
The Air Force officer ranks are divided into several categories, including commissioned officers, warrant officers, and non-commissioned officers. In this article, we'll focus on the commissioned officer ranks, which are the most prominent and widely recognized.
Commissioned Officer Ranks
Commissioned officers in the Air Force are responsible for leading and managing teams, making strategic decisions, and serving as role models for enlisted personnel. There are 11 commissioned officer ranks in the Air Force, each with its own unique insignia and responsibilities.
Second Lieutenant (2d Lt)
The second lieutenant is the most junior commissioned officer rank in the Air Force. Second lieutenants are typically new officers who have recently graduated from the Air Force Academy or completed Officer Training School (OTS). They wear a single gold bar on their shoulder insignia.
First Lieutenant (1st Lt)
First lieutenants are more experienced than second lieutenants and have typically served for several years. They wear a single silver bar on their shoulder insignia.
Captain (Capt)
Captains are company-grade officers who have typically served for 6-8 years. They wear two silver bars on their shoulder insignia.
Major (Maj)
Majors are field-grade officers who have typically served for 10-15 years. They wear a gold oak leaf on their shoulder insignia.
Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col)
Lieutenant colonels are also field-grade officers who have typically served for 15-20 years. They wear a silver oak leaf on their shoulder insignia.
Colonel (Col)
Colonels are senior field-grade officers who have typically served for 20-25 years. They wear an eagle on their shoulder insignia.
Brigadier General (Brig Gen)
Brigadier generals are one-star generals who have typically served for 25-30 years. They wear one star on their shoulder insignia.
Major General (Maj Gen)
Major generals are two-star generals who have typically served for 30-35 years. They wear two stars on their shoulder insignia.
Lieutenant General (Lt Gen)
Lieutenant generals are three-star generals who have typically served for 35-40 years. They wear three stars on their shoulder insignia.
General (Gen)
Generals are four-star generals who have typically served for 40+ years. They wear four stars on their shoulder insignia.
General of the Air Force (GAF)
The General of the Air Force is the highest rank in the Air Force, equivalent to a five-star general. This rank is rarely awarded and is typically reserved for wartime or exceptional circumstances.
US Air Force Officer Ranks Gallery
What is the highest rank in the Air Force?
+The highest rank in the Air Force is the General of the Air Force (GAF), which is equivalent to a five-star general.
What is the difference between a commissioned officer and a non-commissioned officer?
+Commissioned officers are leaders who have completed a four-year college degree and have been commissioned through a service academy, ROTC, or OTS. Non-commissioned officers are enlisted personnel who have risen through the ranks through experience and training.
What is the insignia for a captain in the Air Force?
+The insignia for a captain in the Air Force is two silver bars.
We hope this article has helped you understand the different officer ranks and insignia in the US Air Force. If you have any further questions or would like to learn more, please don't hesitate to ask!