The Air Force enlisted force is comprised of distinct and separate ranks. Each correlates to increased levels of training, education, technical competence, experience, leadership, and managerial responsibilities. In 1977, the enlisted force structure was reorganized into three tiers.

Senior Noncommissioned Officers (SNCO)

The top three ranks of the enlisted force structure are a chief master sergeant, senior master sergeant, and master sergeant. Within this tier, personnel transition from craftsmen and supervisors to leadership and managerial positions.

SNCOs are assigned duties commensurate with their skill levels and ranks. Their primary leadership duties are as superintendents, supervisors, or managers of flights, functions, or activities. They usually serve as one of the following:

Chief of a flight, section, or branchSuperintendent of a division or unitFirst sergeantDetachment chief or commandant in special circumstances

SNCOs exercise leadership and manage resources under their control.

Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) Tier

This tier is where staff sergeants and technical sergeants transition from workers and journeymen to craftsman and supervisory positions as they develop military leadership skills and attend Professional Military Education (PME).

Airman Tier

This tier consists of senior airmen, airmen first class, airmen, and basic airmen. It is the initial tier of the three-tier enlisted force structure. A member progressing from airman basic to senior airman acquires the discipline, skills, and education necessary to become eligible for NCO status.

The following table outlines the three tiers and their appropriate rankings, accompanied by the position giving to that ranking:

Airman Tier Position

Airman Basic (E-1) Apprentice

Airman (E-2) Apprentice/Worker

Airman First Class (E-3) Apprentice/Worker

Senior Airman (E-4) Journeyman/Supervisor

NCO Tier Position

Staff Sergeant (E-5) Craftsman/Supervisor

Technical Sergeant (E-6) Craftsman/Supervisor

Senior NCO Tier Position

Master Sergeant (E-7) Craftsman/Supervisor/Manager

Senior Master Sergeant (E-8) Superintendent/Manager

Chief Master Sergeant (E-9) Superintendent/Manager

Air Force Enlisted Ranks and Responsibilities

The rank of chief master sergeant (CMSgt) is the highest Air Force enlisted rank, with the exception of the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force. CMSgts are superintendents and managers, and they provide senior enlisted leadership. They are assigned chief enlisted manager (CEM) codes upon selection to CMSgt and may fill any managerial-level position and perform all duties not prohibited by law or directive. CMSgts are advisors and enlisted force managers.

Official term of address: chief master sergeant or chiefAverage active duty time for promotion: 22.6 years

Senior master sergeants (SMSgt) perform as superintendents or managers. Broad management skills are essential to exercise the responsibilities of the higher leadership positions in which SMSgts serve. The 9-skill level “Superintendent” is awarded when SMSgts sew on E-8. SMSgts should continue their professional development to become viable candidates for unique assignment opportunities and future promotion selection consideration to CMSgt.

Official term of address: senior master sergeant or sergeantAverage active duty time for promotion: 19.1 years

Master sergeants (MSgt) function primarily in craftsman and supervisory positions as they prepare for more advanced leadership positions. MSgts hold a 7-skill level. This rank carries significantly increased responsibilities and requires a broad technical and managerial perspective. MSgt selects should enroll in and complete the AFSNCOA correspondence course.

Official term of address: master sergeant or sergeantAverage active duty time for promotion: 16.1 years

Technical sergeants (TSgt) hold a 7-skill level and are qualified to perform highly complex technical duties in addition to providing supervision. They are responsible for the career development of all enlisted personnel under their supervision. They must obtain maximum performance from each subordinate and ensure the product or service is of the quality necessary for total mission effectiveness. TSgts should continuously strive to broaden and perfect their professional expertise and supervisory techniques.

Official term of address: technical sergeant or sergeantAverage active duty time for promotion: 14 years

Staff sergeants (SSgt) are primarily craftsmen with certain NCO supervisory responsibilities. They may hold either a 5- (journeyman) or 7- (craftsman) skill level. SSgts must complete their 7-skill level through upgrade training to be promoted to TSgt. SSgt supervisory duties differ from those of the TSgt only in scope and span of control. SSgts strive for greater supervisory competence as they function in their technical capacity. They are responsible for their subordinates and the effective accomplishment of assigned tasks. They ensure the proper and effective use of personnel and material. SSgts must continuously strive to further their development as technicians and supervisors.

Official term of address: staff sergeant or sergeantAverage active duty time for promotion: 6.9 years

The rank of senior airman (SrA) is a transition period from journeyman to NCO. Development of supervisory and leadership skills through professional military education (PME) and individual study is essential. All SrA should conduct themselves in a manner commensurate with established standards, thereby asserting a positive influence on other airmen. SrA must present the image of competence, integrity, and pride at all times.

Official term of address: senior airman or airmanAverage active duty time for promotion: 36 months

An airman first class (A1C) must comply with Air Force standards and be a role model for subordinates. They are expected to devote efforts to mastering the necessary skills in the new career fields.

Official term of address: airman first class or airmanAverage active duty time for promotion: 16 months

An airman (Amn), while still primarily an apprentice, is expected to understand and conform to military standards.

Official term of address: airmanAverage active duty time for promotion: 6 months

An airman basic (AB) 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. The official term of address is airman basic or airman.

Official term of address: airman basic or airman

Rank and Precedence

Within the same rank, precedence is determined in the following order:

Date of rankTotal active federal military service (TAFMS) dateTotal military service dateDate of birth

Air Force Enlisted Promotions Made Simple

Air Force Enlisted Rank (Insignia) History

Flight Attendant in the Air Force (1A6x1)

Military Enlisted Paygrades By Ranks

Air Force Enlisted Jobs, Cyber Systems Operations AFSC

Air Force Job: 1W0X2 Special Operations Weather (Combat Weather)

The History of American Military Rank

AFSC 3D1X3 - RF Transmission Systems

Air Force Enlisted Job AFSC 3D1X1 (Client Systems)

What to Know A Career in Air Force 1P0X1 Aircrew Equipment

AFSC 3D0X4, Computer Systems Programming

Air Force Cyber Surety Personnel – AFSC 3D0X3

Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst

Air Force Enlisted Job Description

Air Force Cyber Transport – AFSC-3D1X2

Air Force Spectrum Operations – AFSC 3D1X4

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When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Cookies Settings Reject All Accept Cookies

The Air Force enlisted force is comprised of distinct and separate ranks. Each correlates to increased levels of training, education, technical competence, experience, leadership, and managerial responsibilities. In 1977, the enlisted force structure was reorganized into three tiers.

Senior Noncommissioned Officers (SNCO)

The top three ranks of the enlisted force structure are a chief master sergeant, senior master sergeant, and master sergeant. Within this tier, personnel transition from craftsmen and supervisors to leadership and managerial positions.

SNCOs are assigned duties commensurate with their skill levels and ranks. Their primary leadership duties are as superintendents, supervisors, or managers of flights, functions, or activities. They usually serve as one of the following:

Chief of a flight, section, or branchSuperintendent of a division or unitFirst sergeantDetachment chief or commandant in special circumstances

SNCOs exercise leadership and manage resources under their control.

Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) Tier

This tier is where staff sergeants and technical sergeants transition from workers and journeymen to craftsman and supervisory positions as they develop military leadership skills and attend Professional Military Education (PME).

Airman Tier

This tier consists of senior airmen, airmen first class, airmen, and basic airmen. It is the initial tier of the three-tier enlisted force structure. A member progressing from airman basic to senior airman acquires the discipline, skills, and education necessary to become eligible for NCO status.

The following table outlines the three tiers and their appropriate rankings, accompanied by the position giving to that ranking:

Airman Tier Position

Airman Basic (E-1) Apprentice

Airman (E-2) Apprentice/Worker

Airman First Class (E-3) Apprentice/Worker

Senior Airman (E-4) Journeyman/Supervisor

NCO Tier Position

Staff Sergeant (E-5) Craftsman/Supervisor

Technical Sergeant (E-6) Craftsman/Supervisor

Senior NCO Tier Position

Master Sergeant (E-7) Craftsman/Supervisor/Manager

Senior Master Sergeant (E-8) Superintendent/Manager

Chief Master Sergeant (E-9) Superintendent/Manager

Air Force Enlisted Ranks and Responsibilities

The rank of chief master sergeant (CMSgt) is the highest Air Force enlisted rank, with the exception of the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force. CMSgts are superintendents and managers, and they provide senior enlisted leadership. They are assigned chief enlisted manager (CEM) codes upon selection to CMSgt and may fill any managerial-level position and perform all duties not prohibited by law or directive. CMSgts are advisors and enlisted force managers.

Official term of address: chief master sergeant or chiefAverage active duty time for promotion: 22.6 years

Senior master sergeants (SMSgt) perform as superintendents or managers. Broad management skills are essential to exercise the responsibilities of the higher leadership positions in which SMSgts serve. The 9-skill level “Superintendent” is awarded when SMSgts sew on E-8. SMSgts should continue their professional development to become viable candidates for unique assignment opportunities and future promotion selection consideration to CMSgt.

Official term of address: senior master sergeant or sergeantAverage active duty time for promotion: 19.1 years

Master sergeants (MSgt) function primarily in craftsman and supervisory positions as they prepare for more advanced leadership positions. MSgts hold a 7-skill level. This rank carries significantly increased responsibilities and requires a broad technical and managerial perspective. MSgt selects should enroll in and complete the AFSNCOA correspondence course.

Official term of address: master sergeant or sergeantAverage active duty time for promotion: 16.1 years

Technical sergeants (TSgt) hold a 7-skill level and are qualified to perform highly complex technical duties in addition to providing supervision. They are responsible for the career development of all enlisted personnel under their supervision. They must obtain maximum performance from each subordinate and ensure the product or service is of the quality necessary for total mission effectiveness. TSgts should continuously strive to broaden and perfect their professional expertise and supervisory techniques.

Official term of address: technical sergeant or sergeantAverage active duty time for promotion: 14 years

Staff sergeants (SSgt) are primarily craftsmen with certain NCO supervisory responsibilities. They may hold either a 5- (journeyman) or 7- (craftsman) skill level. SSgts must complete their 7-skill level through upgrade training to be promoted to TSgt. SSgt supervisory duties differ from those of the TSgt only in scope and span of control. SSgts strive for greater supervisory competence as they function in their technical capacity. They are responsible for their subordinates and the effective accomplishment of assigned tasks. They ensure the proper and effective use of personnel and material. SSgts must continuously strive to further their development as technicians and supervisors.

Official term of address: staff sergeant or sergeantAverage active duty time for promotion: 6.9 years

The rank of senior airman (SrA) is a transition period from journeyman to NCO. Development of supervisory and leadership skills through professional military education (PME) and individual study is essential. All SrA should conduct themselves in a manner commensurate with established standards, thereby asserting a positive influence on other airmen. SrA must present the image of competence, integrity, and pride at all times.

Official term of address: senior airman or airmanAverage active duty time for promotion: 36 months

An airman first class (A1C) must comply with Air Force standards and be a role model for subordinates. They are expected to devote efforts to mastering the necessary skills in the new career fields.

Official term of address: airman first class or airmanAverage active duty time for promotion: 16 months

An airman (Amn), while still primarily an apprentice, is expected to understand and conform to military standards.

Official term of address: airmanAverage active duty time for promotion: 6 months

An airman basic (AB) 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. The official term of address is airman basic or airman.

Official term of address: airman basic or airman

Rank and Precedence

Within the same rank, precedence is determined in the following order:

Date of rankTotal active federal military service (TAFMS) dateTotal military service dateDate of birth

Air Force Enlisted Promotions Made Simple

Air Force Enlisted Rank (Insignia) History

Flight Attendant in the Air Force (1A6x1)

Military Enlisted Paygrades By Ranks

Air Force Enlisted Jobs, Cyber Systems Operations AFSC

Air Force Job: 1W0X2 Special Operations Weather (Combat Weather)

The History of American Military Rank

AFSC 3D1X3 - RF Transmission Systems

Air Force Enlisted Job AFSC 3D1X1 (Client Systems)

What to Know A Career in Air Force 1P0X1 Aircrew Equipment

AFSC 3D0X4, Computer Systems Programming

Air Force Cyber Surety Personnel – AFSC 3D0X3

Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst

Air Force Enlisted Job Description

Air Force Cyber Transport – AFSC-3D1X2

Air Force Spectrum Operations – AFSC 3D1X4

When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Cookies Settings Reject All Accept Cookies

The Air Force enlisted force is comprised of distinct and separate ranks. Each correlates to increased levels of training, education, technical competence, experience, leadership, and managerial responsibilities. In 1977, the enlisted force structure was reorganized into three tiers.

Senior Noncommissioned Officers (SNCO)

The top three ranks of the enlisted force structure are a chief master sergeant, senior master sergeant, and master sergeant. Within this tier, personnel transition from craftsmen and supervisors to leadership and managerial positions.

SNCOs are assigned duties commensurate with their skill levels and ranks. Their primary leadership duties are as superintendents, supervisors, or managers of flights, functions, or activities. They usually serve as one of the following:

Chief of a flight, section, or branchSuperintendent of a division or unitFirst sergeantDetachment chief or commandant in special circumstances

SNCOs exercise leadership and manage resources under their control.

Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) Tier

This tier is where staff sergeants and technical sergeants transition from workers and journeymen to craftsman and supervisory positions as they develop military leadership skills and attend Professional Military Education (PME).

Airman Tier

This tier consists of senior airmen, airmen first class, airmen, and basic airmen. It is the initial tier of the three-tier enlisted force structure. A member progressing from airman basic to senior airman acquires the discipline, skills, and education necessary to become eligible for NCO status.

The following table outlines the three tiers and their appropriate rankings, accompanied by the position giving to that ranking:

Airman Tier Position

Airman Basic (E-1) Apprentice

Airman (E-2) Apprentice/Worker

Airman First Class (E-3) Apprentice/Worker

Senior Airman (E-4) Journeyman/Supervisor

NCO Tier Position

Staff Sergeant (E-5) Craftsman/Supervisor

Technical Sergeant (E-6) Craftsman/Supervisor

Senior NCO Tier Position

Master Sergeant (E-7) Craftsman/Supervisor/Manager

Senior Master Sergeant (E-8) Superintendent/Manager

Chief Master Sergeant (E-9) Superintendent/Manager

Air Force Enlisted Ranks and Responsibilities

The rank of chief master sergeant (CMSgt) is the highest Air Force enlisted rank, with the exception of the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force. CMSgts are superintendents and managers, and they provide senior enlisted leadership. They are assigned chief enlisted manager (CEM) codes upon selection to CMSgt and may fill any managerial-level position and perform all duties not prohibited by law or directive. CMSgts are advisors and enlisted force managers.

Official term of address: chief master sergeant or chiefAverage active duty time for promotion: 22.6 years

Senior master sergeants (SMSgt) perform as superintendents or managers. Broad management skills are essential to exercise the responsibilities of the higher leadership positions in which SMSgts serve. The 9-skill level “Superintendent” is awarded when SMSgts sew on E-8. SMSgts should continue their professional development to become viable candidates for unique assignment opportunities and future promotion selection consideration to CMSgt.

Official term of address: senior master sergeant or sergeantAverage active duty time for promotion: 19.1 years

Master sergeants (MSgt) function primarily in craftsman and supervisory positions as they prepare for more advanced leadership positions. MSgts hold a 7-skill level. This rank carries significantly increased responsibilities and requires a broad technical and managerial perspective. MSgt selects should enroll in and complete the AFSNCOA correspondence course.

Official term of address: master sergeant or sergeantAverage active duty time for promotion: 16.1 years

Technical sergeants (TSgt) hold a 7-skill level and are qualified to perform highly complex technical duties in addition to providing supervision. They are responsible for the career development of all enlisted personnel under their supervision. They must obtain maximum performance from each subordinate and ensure the product or service is of the quality necessary for total mission effectiveness. TSgts should continuously strive to broaden and perfect their professional expertise and supervisory techniques.

Official term of address: technical sergeant or sergeantAverage active duty time for promotion: 14 years

Staff sergeants (SSgt) are primarily craftsmen with certain NCO supervisory responsibilities. They may hold either a 5- (journeyman) or 7- (craftsman) skill level. SSgts must complete their 7-skill level through upgrade training to be promoted to TSgt. SSgt supervisory duties differ from those of the TSgt only in scope and span of control. SSgts strive for greater supervisory competence as they function in their technical capacity. They are responsible for their subordinates and the effective accomplishment of assigned tasks. They ensure the proper and effective use of personnel and material. SSgts must continuously strive to further their development as technicians and supervisors.

Official term of address: staff sergeant or sergeantAverage active duty time for promotion: 6.9 years

The rank of senior airman (SrA) is a transition period from journeyman to NCO. Development of supervisory and leadership skills through professional military education (PME) and individual study is essential. All SrA should conduct themselves in a manner commensurate with established standards, thereby asserting a positive influence on other airmen. SrA must present the image of competence, integrity, and pride at all times.

Official term of address: senior airman or airmanAverage active duty time for promotion: 36 months

An airman first class (A1C) must comply with Air Force standards and be a role model for subordinates. They are expected to devote efforts to mastering the necessary skills in the new career fields.

Official term of address: airman first class or airmanAverage active duty time for promotion: 16 months

An airman (Amn), while still primarily an apprentice, is expected to understand and conform to military standards.

Official term of address: airmanAverage active duty time for promotion: 6 months

An airman basic (AB) 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. The official term of address is airman basic or airman.

Official term of address: airman basic or airman

Rank and Precedence

Within the same rank, precedence is determined in the following order:

Date of rankTotal active federal military service (TAFMS) dateTotal military service dateDate of birth

The Air Force enlisted force is comprised of distinct and separate ranks. Each correlates to increased levels of training, education, technical competence, experience, leadership, and managerial responsibilities. In 1977, the enlisted force structure was reorganized into three tiers.

Senior Noncommissioned Officers (SNCO)

The top three ranks of the enlisted force structure are a chief master sergeant, senior master sergeant, and master sergeant. Within this tier, personnel transition from craftsmen and supervisors to leadership and managerial positions.

SNCOs are assigned duties commensurate with their skill levels and ranks. Their primary leadership duties are as superintendents, supervisors, or managers of flights, functions, or activities. They usually serve as one of the following:

  • Chief of a flight, section, or branchSuperintendent of a division or unitFirst sergeantDetachment chief or commandant in special circumstances

SNCOs exercise leadership and manage resources under their control.

Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) Tier

This tier is where staff sergeants and technical sergeants transition from workers and journeymen to craftsman and supervisory positions as they develop military leadership skills and attend Professional Military Education (PME).

Airman Tier

This tier consists of senior airmen, airmen first class, airmen, and basic airmen. It is the initial tier of the three-tier enlisted force structure. A member progressing from airman basic to senior airman acquires the discipline, skills, and education necessary to become eligible for NCO status.

The following table outlines the three tiers and their appropriate rankings, accompanied by the position giving to that ranking:

Airman Tier Position

Airman Basic (E-1) Apprentice

Airman (E-2) Apprentice/Worker

Airman First Class (E-3) Apprentice/Worker

Senior Airman (E-4) Journeyman/Supervisor

NCO Tier Position

Staff Sergeant (E-5) Craftsman/Supervisor

Technical Sergeant (E-6) Craftsman/Supervisor

Senior NCO Tier Position

Master Sergeant (E-7) Craftsman/Supervisor/Manager

Senior Master Sergeant (E-8) Superintendent/Manager

Chief Master Sergeant (E-9) Superintendent/Manager

Air Force Enlisted Ranks and Responsibilities

The rank of chief master sergeant (CMSgt) is the highest Air Force enlisted rank, with the exception of the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force. CMSgts are superintendents and managers, and they provide senior enlisted leadership. They are assigned chief enlisted manager (CEM) codes upon selection to CMSgt and may fill any managerial-level position and perform all duties not prohibited by law or directive. CMSgts are advisors and enlisted force managers.

Official term of address: chief master sergeant or chiefAverage active duty time for promotion: 22.6 years

Senior master sergeants (SMSgt) perform as superintendents or managers. Broad management skills are essential to exercise the responsibilities of the higher leadership positions in which SMSgts serve. The 9-skill level “Superintendent” is awarded when SMSgts sew on E-8. SMSgts should continue their professional development to become viable candidates for unique assignment opportunities and future promotion selection consideration to CMSgt.

Official term of address: senior master sergeant or sergeantAverage active duty time for promotion: 19.1 years

Master sergeants (MSgt) function primarily in craftsman and supervisory positions as they prepare for more advanced leadership positions. MSgts hold a 7-skill level. This rank carries significantly increased responsibilities and requires a broad technical and managerial perspective. MSgt selects should enroll in and complete the AFSNCOA correspondence course.

Official term of address: master sergeant or sergeantAverage active duty time for promotion: 16.1 years

Technical sergeants (TSgt) hold a 7-skill level and are qualified to perform highly complex technical duties in addition to providing supervision. They are responsible for the career development of all enlisted personnel under their supervision. They must obtain maximum performance from each subordinate and ensure the product or service is of the quality necessary for total mission effectiveness. TSgts should continuously strive to broaden and perfect their professional expertise and supervisory techniques.

Official term of address: technical sergeant or sergeantAverage active duty time for promotion: 14 years

Staff sergeants (SSgt) are primarily craftsmen with certain NCO supervisory responsibilities. They may hold either a 5- (journeyman) or 7- (craftsman) skill level. SSgts must complete their 7-skill level through upgrade training to be promoted to TSgt. SSgt supervisory duties differ from those of the TSgt only in scope and span of control. SSgts strive for greater supervisory competence as they function in their technical capacity. They are responsible for their subordinates and the effective accomplishment of assigned tasks. They ensure the proper and effective use of personnel and material. SSgts must continuously strive to further their development as technicians and supervisors.

Official term of address: staff sergeant or sergeantAverage active duty time for promotion: 6.9 years

The rank of senior airman (SrA) is a transition period from journeyman to NCO. Development of supervisory and leadership skills through professional military education (PME) and individual study is essential. All SrA should conduct themselves in a manner commensurate with established standards, thereby asserting a positive influence on other airmen. SrA must present the image of competence, integrity, and pride at all times.

Official term of address: senior airman or airmanAverage active duty time for promotion: 36 months

An airman first class (A1C) must comply with Air Force standards and be a role model for subordinates. They are expected to devote efforts to mastering the necessary skills in the new career fields.

Official term of address: airman first class or airmanAverage active duty time for promotion: 16 months

An airman (Amn), while still primarily an apprentice, is expected to understand and conform to military standards.

Official term of address: airmanAverage active duty time for promotion: 6 months

An airman basic (AB) 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. The official term of address is airman basic or airman.

Official term of address: airman basic or airman

Rank and Precedence

Within the same rank, precedence is determined in the following order:

Date of rankTotal active federal military service (TAFMS) dateTotal military service dateDate of birth

Air Force Enlisted Ranks and Responsibilities

The rank of chief master sergeant (CMSgt) is the highest Air Force enlisted rank, with the exception of the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force. CMSgts are superintendents and managers, and they provide senior enlisted leadership. They are assigned chief enlisted manager (CEM) codes upon selection to CMSgt and may fill any managerial-level position and perform all duties not prohibited by law or directive. CMSgts are advisors and enlisted force managers.

  • Official term of address: chief master sergeant or chiefAverage active duty time for promotion: 22.6 years

Senior master sergeants (SMSgt) perform as superintendents or managers. Broad management skills are essential to exercise the responsibilities of the higher leadership positions in which SMSgts serve. The 9-skill level “Superintendent” is awarded when SMSgts sew on E-8. SMSgts should continue their professional development to become viable candidates for unique assignment opportunities and future promotion selection consideration to CMSgt.

  • Official term of address: senior master sergeant or sergeantAverage active duty time for promotion: 19.1 years

Master sergeants (MSgt) function primarily in craftsman and supervisory positions as they prepare for more advanced leadership positions. MSgts hold a 7-skill level. This rank carries significantly increased responsibilities and requires a broad technical and managerial perspective. MSgt selects should enroll in and complete the AFSNCOA correspondence course.

  • Official term of address: master sergeant or sergeantAverage active duty time for promotion: 16.1 years

Technical sergeants (TSgt) hold a 7-skill level and are qualified to perform highly complex technical duties in addition to providing supervision. They are responsible for the career development of all enlisted personnel under their supervision. They must obtain maximum performance from each subordinate and ensure the product or service is of the quality necessary for total mission effectiveness. TSgts should continuously strive to broaden and perfect their professional expertise and supervisory techniques.

  • Official term of address: technical sergeant or sergeantAverage active duty time for promotion: 14 years

Staff sergeants (SSgt) are primarily craftsmen with certain NCO supervisory responsibilities. They may hold either a 5- (journeyman) or 7- (craftsman) skill level. SSgts must complete their 7-skill level through upgrade training to be promoted to TSgt. SSgt supervisory duties differ from those of the TSgt only in scope and span of control. SSgts strive for greater supervisory competence as they function in their technical capacity. They are responsible for their subordinates and the effective accomplishment of assigned tasks. They ensure the proper and effective use of personnel and material. SSgts must continuously strive to further their development as technicians and supervisors.

  • Official term of address: staff sergeant or sergeantAverage active duty time for promotion: 6.9 years

The rank of senior airman (SrA) is a transition period from journeyman to NCO. Development of supervisory and leadership skills through professional military education (PME) and individual study is essential. All SrA should conduct themselves in a manner commensurate with established standards, thereby asserting a positive influence on other airmen. SrA must present the image of competence, integrity, and pride at all times.

  • Official term of address: senior airman or airmanAverage active duty time for promotion: 36 months

An airman first class (A1C) must comply with Air Force standards and be a role model for subordinates. They are expected to devote efforts to mastering the necessary skills in the new career fields.

  • Official term of address: airman first class or airmanAverage active duty time for promotion: 16 months

An airman (Amn), while still primarily an apprentice, is expected to understand and conform to military standards.

  • Official term of address: airmanAverage active duty time for promotion: 6 months

An airman basic (AB) 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. The official term of address is airman basic or airman.

  • Official term of address: airman basic or airman

Rank and Precedence

Within the same rank, precedence is determined in the following order:

  • Date of rankTotal active federal military service (TAFMS) dateTotal military service dateDate of birth

  • Air Force Enlisted Promotions Made Simple

  • Air Force Enlisted Rank (Insignia) History

  • Flight Attendant in the Air Force (1A6x1)

  • Military Enlisted Paygrades By Ranks

  • Air Force Enlisted Jobs, Cyber Systems Operations AFSC

  • Air Force Job: 1W0X2 Special Operations Weather (Combat Weather)

  • The History of American Military Rank

  • AFSC 3D1X3 - RF Transmission Systems

  • Air Force Enlisted Job AFSC 3D1X1 (Client Systems)

  • What to Know A Career in Air Force 1P0X1 Aircrew Equipment

  • AFSC 3D0X4, Computer Systems Programming

  • Air Force Cyber Surety Personnel – AFSC 3D0X3

  • Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst

  • Air Force Enlisted Job Description

  • Air Force Cyber Transport – AFSC-3D1X2

  • Air Force Spectrum Operations – AFSC 3D1X4

Air Force Enlisted Promotions Made Simple

Air Force Enlisted Promotions Made Simple

Air Force Enlisted Rank (Insignia) History

Air Force Enlisted Rank (Insignia) History

Flight Attendant in the Air Force (1A6x1)

Flight Attendant in the Air Force (1A6x1)

Military Enlisted Paygrades By Ranks

Military Enlisted Paygrades By Ranks

Air Force Enlisted Jobs, Cyber Systems Operations AFSC

Air Force Enlisted Jobs, Cyber Systems Operations AFSC

Air Force Job: 1W0X2 Special Operations Weather (Combat Weather)

Air Force Job: 1W0X2 Special Operations Weather (Combat Weather)

The History of American Military Rank

The History of American Military Rank

AFSC 3D1X3 - RF Transmission Systems

AFSC 3D1X3 - RF Transmission Systems

Air Force Enlisted Job AFSC 3D1X1 (Client Systems)

Air Force Enlisted Job AFSC 3D1X1 (Client Systems)

What to Know A Career in Air Force 1P0X1 Aircrew Equipment

What to Know A Career in Air Force 1P0X1 Aircrew Equipment

AFSC 3D0X4, Computer Systems Programming

AFSC 3D0X4, Computer Systems Programming

Air Force Cyber Surety Personnel – AFSC 3D0X3

Air Force Cyber Surety Personnel – AFSC 3D0X3

Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst

Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst

Air Force Enlisted Job Description

Air Force Enlisted Job Description

Air Force Cyber Transport – AFSC-3D1X2

Air Force Cyber Transport – AFSC-3D1X2

Air Force Spectrum Operations – AFSC 3D1X4

Air Force Spectrum Operations – AFSC 3D1X4

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