USAF Enlisted Ranks Role Definitions with Insignias

Airman Basic (AB) - OR-1 / E-1

Most airmen graduate basic military training with this rank. This individual is an apprentice who is acquiring and demonstrating knowledge of military customs, courtesies, traditions, and Air Force standards, while learning both military and technical skills.

NCO Staff Sergeant (SSgt) - OR-5 / E-5

This is the first level of the Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) ranks in the Air Force. This position is considered a craftsman with specific NCO supervisory responsibilities and may hold either a 5- (journeyman) or 7- (craftsman) skill level. Additionally the the individual must continuously strive to further their development as technicians and supervisors. The average Air Force wide active duty time for promotion to the rank of Staff Sergeant is over 4 years.

NCO Technical Sergeant (TSgt) - OR-6 / E-6

This is the second level of the Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) ranks in the Air Force. This rank is qualified to perform highly complex technical duties in addition to providing supervision. In addition, they're responsible for the career development of each subordinate under their supervision. It is the responsibility of this rank to ensure that all enlisted personnel have the tools, training and support they need to achieve maximum performance and accomplish total mission effectiveness. The average Air Force wide active duty time for promotion to this rank is 12 years.

Airman (Amn) - OR-2 / E-2

This rank brings with it the responsibility of adjusting to the Air Force way of military life, and becoming proficient in an Air Force occupational specialty. Upon leaving basic training, all of these individual enter training at Air Force schools in their specialties ("jobs"), depending on their aptitudes and interests, and the needs of the Air Force.

SNCO Master Sergeant (MSgt) - OR-7 / E-7

This rank functions primarily as a craftsman while holding more advanced leadership positions. Individuals hold a 7-skill level. This rank carries significantly increased responsibilities and requires a broad technical and managerial perspective. The average service wide active duty time for advancement to the rank of Master Sergeant is over 17 years.

Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman (SEAC) - OR-9 / E-9

This rank is a military position within the United States Department of Defense and is the most senior non-commissioned officer overall in the United States Armed Forces. They are appointed by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to serve as a spokesperson to address the issues of enlisted personnel to the highest positions in the Department of Defense. As such, the individual is the senior enlisted advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and serves at the pleasure of the Secretary of Defense. Their exact duties vary, depending on the Chairman, though they generally devote much time traveling throughout the Department of Defense observing training and communicating to service members and their families. The normal tour of assignment is four years, which runs concurrently with the Chairman.

Senior Airman (SrA) - OR-4 / E-4

This rank is a transition period from journeyman to Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO). It is essential that Airmen develop supervisory and leadership skills through Professional Military Experience (PME) and individual study. They are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with established standards, providing a positive influence and example for their subordinates and peers alike.

Airman First Class (A1C) - OR-3 / E-3

This rank is assigned an increasing level of responsibility. This individual is expected to comply with Air Force standards and serve as a role model for subordinates. In addition, they are expected to start mastering their job and leadership skills.

SNCO Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt) - OR-8 / E-8

This rank is expected to perform as a superintendent or manager. Broad management skills are essential to exercising the responsibilities of the higher leadership positions in which they serve. The average service-wide active duty time for advancement to the rank of Senior Master Sergeant is over 20 years.

SNCO Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt) - OR-9 / E-9

This rank is the highest Air Force enlisted rank, with the exception of the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force. This is a distinctive rank with special basic and retired pay rates set by law. These individuals serve as managers and superintendents, advisors, enlisted force managers, and provide senior enlisted leadership. Following selection, they are assigned Chief Enlisted Manager (CEM) codes and may fill any managerial-level position and perform all duties not prohibited by law or directive. The average service wide active duty time for advancement to the rank of Chief Master Sergeant is more than 22 years.

SNCO Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force (CMSAF) - OR-9 / E-9

This rank of the Air Force is a unique non-commissioned rank in the USAF. The holder of this rank and post represents the highest enlisted level of leadership, and as such, provides direction for the enlisted corps and represents their interests, as appropriate, to the American public, and to those in all levels of government. They are appointed by the Air Force Chief of Staff (AF/CC) and serves as the senior enlisted advisor to the Air Force Chief of Staff and the Secretary of the Air Force on all issues regarding the welfare, readiness, morale, and proper utilization and progress of the enlisted force.

SNCO Command Chief Master Sergeant (CCM) - OR-9 / E-9

This rank serves as senior advisors to unit and base commanders. They advise the Commander on all enlisted matters, including all issues affecting the command's mission and operations, and the readiness, training, utilization, morale, technical and professional development, and quality of life of all enlisted members in the organization. This rank of individuals are the functional managers for all SNCOs in their entire command/organization.