Air Force Ranks: Highest to Lowest
The United States Air Force, like all branches of the US military, has a strict hierarchy of ranks. This hierarchy defines the chain of command and outlines the authority and responsibility of each member of the Air Force. Here is a breakdown of the Air Force ranks, from highest to lowest, with a brief description of each:
Officer Ranks
General Officers
- General of the Air Force (GOF): This is the highest rank in the Air Force, only ever awarded once.
- General (GEN): The highest active rank, responsible for large-scale commands and operations.
- Lieutenant General (LTG): Commanders of major commands or specific functions within the Air Force.
- Major General (MG): Commanders of wings, groups, or specific functions.
- Brigadier General (BG): The lowest general officer rank, often serving as a deputy commander or in a staff position.
Field Grade Officers
- Colonel (COL): Commanders of groups, squadrons, or bases.
- Lieutenant Colonel (LTC): Commanders of squadrons or specific staff positions.
- Major (MAJ): Commanders of flight or smaller units, often in staff roles.
Company Grade Officers
- Captain (CPT): Flight leaders, responsible for aircraft and crew.
- First Lieutenant (1LT): Junior pilots, often in training or staff positions.
- Second Lieutenant (2LT): Entry-level officer, often serving in a training role.
Enlisted Ranks
Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO)
- Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force (CMSAF): The highest enlisted rank, providing advice to the Air Force Chief of Staff.
- Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt): Senior enlisted advisor to commanders, often serving as a superintendent or first sergeant.
- Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt): Senior enlisted leaders, often serving as flight chiefs or training supervisors.
- Master Sergeant (MSgt): Experienced enlisted members, often serving in leadership or technical roles.
Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO)
- Technical Sergeant (TSgt): Senior enlisted members, often serving in leadership or technical roles.
- Staff Sergeant (SSgt): Experienced enlisted members, often in supervisory roles.
- Sergeant (SGT): Junior enlisted members, often in leadership or technical roles.
Airman
- Airman First Class (A1C): Entry-level enlisted members, completing basic training.
- Airman (Amn): The lowest enlisted rank, undergoing basic training.
Other Ranks
- Cadet (CDT): Members of the Air Force Academy or ROTC programs.
- Officer Candidate (OC): Individuals undergoing training to become officers.
It's important to note that the Air Force has a complex system of additional designations and special duty assignments that can influence an individual's rank and responsibilities. This hierarchy helps maintain order and efficiency within the Air Force, ensuring that every member is clear on their role and authority.
