The United States Air Force — History, Overview, and Ranks

The U.S. Air Force (USAF) is a significant component of the U.S. Armed forces. It has the most advanced aircraft fleet globally, and trains many of the most talented pilots. The USAF is tasked with providing air defense, conducting air warfare when needed, coordinating air services with the U.S. military, and conducting military research. Moreover, it plays a humanitarian role in providing relief and rescue to communities in need globally.

USAF’s total force comprises active-duty members, civilian staff, Air Force Reserve Command, Air National Guard, and Individual Ready Reserve. It has over 300,000 active duty personnel, comprising over 60,000 officers and 260,000 enlisted staff. Most active-duty members are men, making up about 80 percent, while female personnel make up around 20 percent of the force.

The U.S. Army conducted its first air operations in 1861 during the Civil War using balloons. In 1908, the U.S. Army Signal Corps started testing airplanes, registering the first safe and functional aircraft in 1909. The beginning of World War I provided an opportunity to utilize and develop U.S. military resources. European countries had superior aircraft with the U.S. lagging, its aero squadron comprising just 12 officers, six airplanes, and 54 enlisted staff.

The U.S. Army air strength developed significantly throughout the 1930s to match European powers, and played an important role in World War II. The army had over 1500 planes and 20,000 officers when the war began. In 1947, President Harry Truman declared the Air Force an autonomous service, helping it transform into a leading global aerospace force.

Enlisted personnel within the USAF are ranked into Airmen, NCOs (non-commissioned officers), and SNCOs (senior non-commissioned officers). Members who agree to enlist for six years get enhanced promotion, and achieving NCO status is easier within the USAF than in other military branches. Educational credits and service in the Junior ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) are an added advantage for service members. Additionally, every enlisted Air Force level comprises several grades ranging from E-1 to E-9.

The Airman Rank comprises grades E-1 to E-4. This rank introduces service members to the military way of life and the USAF’s customs, traditions, and standards. Automatic promotion to E-2 is guaranteed, provided members fulfill the behavioral and performance standards of the USAF. Members showcasing strong leadership and supervisory abilities receive a promotion to the next level after registering three years of active duty.

Enlisted members in grades E-5 and E-6 make up the NCO rank. NCOs exemplify integrity, dedication, and leadership to their subordinates, and they are promoted based on the Weighted Airman Promotion System (WAPS). This system awards points based on the promotion fitness assessment, specialty knowledge tests, awards, performance tests, and the time in grade and the time in service that members register.

Grades E-7 to E-9 of enlisted members comprise the SNCO. The Master Sergeant (E-7) performs varied managerial and technical tasks. This rank requires at least 17 years of active duty time and craftsmanship experience. After 22 years of active duty, service members advance to the Chief Master Sergeant (E-9).

The Chief Master Sergeant is the highest enlisted leader in the USAF who guides and advises enlisted corps on training, professional development, technical capacity, readiness, and welfare issues. Promotion to this grade is competitive, as no more than one percent of enlisted members can hold this rank at one time. The Central Evaluation Board promotes service members with over 14 years of time in service and at least 21 months of time in grade.