The United States Air Force uses a structured rank system to establish a clear chain of command and differentiate levels of authority and responsibility among its members. The ranks are divided into enlisted, non-commissioned officers (NCOs), commissioned officers, and warrant officers (though warrant officers are not actively utilized in the USAF).
Here’s a breakdown of the United States Air Force ranks, grouped by category:
These are the entry-level positions in the Air Force. They represent the foundational workforce of the service.
E-1: Airman Basic (AB)
The lowest enlisted rank.
Typically recruits in basic training.
E-2: Airman (AMN)
Usually promoted after completing basic training.
E-3: Airman First Class (A1C)
An advanced entry-level rank with more responsibilities.
E-4: Senior Airman (SrA)
A higher level of responsibility compared to A1C.
E-5: Staff Sergeant (SSgt)
Entry-level non-commissioned officer (NCO) rank.
E-6: Technical Sergeant (TSgt)
Mid-level NCO, supervising personnel and technical specialties.
E-7: Master Sergeant (MSgt)
A senior NCO responsible for higher leadership and administrative roles.
E-8: Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt)
The second-highest enlisted rank, with administrative and leadership duties.
E-9: Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force (CMSAF)
The highest enlisted rank in the Air Force, representing enlisted personnel across all levels.
Commissioned officers lead and manage enlisted members and oversee operational missions.
Company Grade Officers (O-1 to O-3)
These are the initial ranks for newly commissioned officers.
O-1: Second Lieutenant (2Lt)
The entry-level officer rank for newly commissioned officers.
O-2: First Lieutenant (1Lt)
More experienced than Second Lieutenant with greater leadership responsibility.
O-3: Captain (Capt)
A mid-grade officer, often commanding small units or serving as staff officers.
Field Grade Officers (O-4 to O-6)
These officers hold higher levels of responsibility, typically managing larger units and strategic initiatives.
O-4: Major (Maj)
A mid-level field grade officer with command and staff responsibilities.
O-5: Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col)
Typically commands squadrons, operations groups, or holds senior staff positions.
O-6: Colonel (Col)
Senior field-grade officer responsible for wing command or other senior leadership roles.
General Officer Ranks (O-7 to O-10)
These are the most senior ranks in the Air Force, overseeing large strategic operations or serving at the Pentagon and other senior leadership positions.
O-7: Brigadier General (Brig Gen)
The lowest general officer rank, typically commanding large groups or key leadership positions.
O-8: Major General (Maj Gen)
Commands divisions or other high-level operations.
O-9: Lieutenant General (Lt Gen)
Senior leadership, overseeing major operational commands or serving as senior advisors.
O-10: General (Gen)
The highest rank in the Air Force, reserved for the most senior strategic leadership positions.
Special Rank: Chief of Staff of the Air Force (CSAF)
This position is held by the highest-ranking officer in the Air Force (O-10). The Chief of Staff leads the entire Air Force.
Warrant Officers: The USAF does not currently have warrant officer ranks, unlike the Army, Navy, or Marine Corps.
Promotion Pathways: Enlisted members and commissioned officers advance through their ranks based on a combination of performance, time in service, testing, and time in grade.
The ranks above are consistent across both active-duty personnel and reserve members, though there may be slight variations in promotion timelines depending on service commitment.
The rank system in the Air Force ensures discipline, accountability, and clear command structures to support operations at home and abroad.