U.S. Air Force Ranks

On this page, we have constructed a complete guide to U.S. Air Force ranks. As you explore this page, you’ll learn about each rank’s insignia, their base pay, how to address a member of each rank, what kinds of jobs each rank performs in the military, what each rank is equal to in all of the other branches of service, and how you would get promoted to each rank—from airman basic all the way to general.

Whether you are an enlisted Airman or commissioned officer, your rank will determine many of the duties you’ll be expected to perform successfully. Enlisted members wear chevrons on their sleeves to indicate their rank. Air Force officers use bars, oak leaves, eagles, and stars on their shoulders and flight cap to indicate their rank. In the U.S. Air Force, ranks are divided into two groups: Enlisted (E-1 through E-9) and Commissioned Officers (O-1 through O-10).

Enlisted Airmen

Enlisted members wear chevrons with the point down with an encircled star in the center on their sleeves to indicate their rank. The original design of the Air Force chevron was to have the look of a winged propeller. Air Force enlisted ranks are broken down into three tiers:

Airman Tier – This tier consists of airmen basic, airmen, airmen first class, and senior airmen. Your primary job as an Airman is to acquire the discipline, skills, and education necessary to do your job successfully. If you plan to make the Air Force a career, you’ll gain the leadership and discipline to become a Noncommissioned Officer (NCO).

Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) Tier – The NCO tier is made up of staff sergeants and technical sergeants. In these ranks, you’ll transition from worker to supervisory positions. In addition to becoming a master of your job, you’ll develop leadership skills and attend Professional Military Education (PME) to prepare you to become a Senior NCO.

Senior Noncommissioned Officers (SNCO) Tier – The top three enlisted ranks in the Air Force are master sergeant, senior master sergeant, and chief master sergeant. While you will still be expected to know your job, you are considered a leader and manager of the enlisted force. You’ll serve as superintendents, supervisors, or managers of flights, functions, or units. You can also act as a first sergeant and will be responsible for the welfare of all enlisted members in your unit.

Commissioned Officers

Commissioned Officers are divided into three groups, Company Grade Officers (O-1 through O-3), Field Grade Officers (O-4 through O-6), and General Officers ranks (O-7 through O-10). The commissioned officer ranks are the highest in the Air Force and wear their rank on their shoulders and flight caps to indicate their rank.

Airman Basic

Rank: Airman Basic (No Insignia)
Abbreviated: A.B.
Classification: Airman
Title: Airman (last name)
DoD Paygrade: E-1
Basic Pay: $1,785 per month

What does an Airman Basic do?

As an airman basic, you’ll complete basic training where you’ll learn all about the Air Force and gain the fundamental skills you’ll need to succeed in the military. After enlisting, you’ll choose your job and then go into an Air Force specialty. After basic training, you’ll attend technical training to learn your occupation.

How do I get promoted to Airman Basic?

You don’t need any prior experience to enlist in the U.S. Air Force. You’ll have to meet basic enlistment requirements like being between 17 and 39 years of age, have a high school diploma, pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test, and go through a medical exam.

Equivalent Ranks to Air Force Airman Basic:

Coast Guard – Seaman Recruit
Space Force – Specialist 1
Army – Private
Navy – Seaman Recruit
Marine Corps – Private

Airman

Rank: Airman
Abbreviated: Amn
Classification: Airman
Title: Airman (last name)
DoD Paygrade: E-2
Sleeve insignia: 1 chevron with point down with an encircled star in the center

What does an Airman do?

As an Airman, you’ll be in training mode. You’ll have graduated basic training and begun learning your job at technical training school (actual lengths vary, but some are up to one year). You’ll also spend time adjusting to military life and shadowing more experienced enlisted personnel.

How do I get promoted to Airman?

Promotion to airman is pretty much automatic. After completing six months as an airman basic, you’ll be promoted to airman. Your enlistment contract may guarantee promotion to E-2 or E-3 after completing basic training. For example, if you have a certain amount of college or have completed Junior ROTC, you will be promoted to E-2 or E-3 upon graduation.

Equivalent Ranks to Air Force Airman:

Coast Guard – Seaman Apprentice
Space Force – Specialist 2
Army – Private (PV2)
Navy – Seaman Apprentice
Marine Corps – Private First Class

Airman First Class

Rank: Airman First Class
Abbreviated: A1C
Classification: Airman
Title: Airman First Class (last name), or Airman (last name)
DoD Paygrade: E-3
Basic Pay: $2,104 per month
Sleeve Insignia: 2 chevrons with point down with an encircled star in the center

What does an Airman First Class do?

As an airman first class, you’ll concentrate on mastering Air Force standards and becoming proficient at your technical job. You should also begin planning your career and educational goals.

How do I get promoted to Airman First Class?

Promotion to airman first class is also almost guaranteed. You’ll need to have ten months of Time in Grade (TIG) as an Airman, 16 months of Time in Service (TIS), and have a clean record. Based on your enlistment contract, you may be promoted to airman first class right after you graduate from basic training.

Equivalent Ranks to Air Force Airman First Class:

Coast Guard – Seaman
Space Force – Specialist 3
Army – Private First Class
Navy – Seaman
Marine Corps – Lance Corporal

Senior Airman

Rank: Senior Airman
Abbreviated: SrA
Classification: Airman
Title: Senior Airman (last name), or Airman (last name)
DoD Paygrade: E-4
Basic Pay: $2,450 per month
Sleeve Insignia: 3 chevrons with point down with an encircled star in the center

What does a Senior Airman do?

As a senior airman, you’ll be expected to be proficient in your technical field and begin to develop your leadership skills. You may also supervise junior Airmen in your shop. To be promoted to staff sergeant, you must also complete Airman Leadership School (ALS), the first of the required professional military education (PME) courses you’ll need for promotion.

How do I get promoted to Senior Airman?

Promotion to senior airman depends if you were promoted out of basic training or not. Minimum Time in Service (TIS) is 36 months with 20 or 28 months of Time in Grade (TIG), whichever happens first. If you are an outstanding performer, you may qualify for a below-the-zone (BTZ) promotion. If you are selected for BTZ, you’ll be promoted six months before you would normally be eligible.

Equivalent Ranks to Air Force Senior Airman:

Coast Guard – Petty Officer Third Class
Space Force – Specialist 4
Army – Corporal/Specialist
Navy – Petty Officer Third Class
Marine Corps –Corporal

Staff Sergeant

Rank: Staff Sergeant
Abbreviated: SSgt
Classification: Noncommissioned Officer (NCO)
Title: Staff Sergeant (last name), or Sergeant (last name)
DoD Paygrade: E-5
Basic Pay: $2,844 per month
Sleeve Insignia: 3 chevrons with point down with an encircled star in the center and 1 chevron (rocker) below the star

What does a Staff Sergeant do?

As a staff sergeant, your job is to continue to improve your technical skills. You will be given more responsibility and will develop your leadership skills by being put in charge of small groups of younger Airmen. You will work directly with new officers and NCOs and may be in charge of a shop. As a supervisor, you make sure the mission gets done. You’ll also begin writing performance reports.

How do I get promoted to Staff Sergeant?

Staff sergeant is the first Air Force rank that you’ll have to compete for promotion. To be eligible, you must complete your 5-skill level, have three years of Time in Service (TIS), and six months of Time in Grade (TIG). How you score on the Weight Airman Promotion System, or WAPS, will determine if you have enough points for promotion. Various factors are worth promotion points. If you have the most WAPS points within your AFSC, you are selected for promotion. You earn promotion points for the following:

Promotion Fitness Examination (PFE) – Test on your Air Force knowledge.
Specialty Knowledge Test (SKT) – Test on your Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC).
Time in Service (TIS) and Time in Grade (TIG)
Awards and Decorations – Only certain one’s count
Enlisted Performance Reports (EPR) – Reports based on how well you did your job.

Equivalent Ranks to Air Force Staff Sergeant:

Coast Guard – Petty Officer Second Class
Space Force – Staff Sergeant
Army – Sergeant
Navy – Petty Officer Second Class
Marine Corps – Sergeant

Technical Sergeant

Rank: Technical Sergeant
Abbreviated: Tsgt
Classification: Noncommissioned Officer (NCO)
Title: Technical Sergeant (last name), or Sergeant (last name)
DoD Paygrade: E-6
Basic Pay: $3,455 per month
Sleeve Insignia: 3 chevrons with point down with an encircled star in the center and 2 chevrons (rockers) below the star

What does a Technical Sergeant do?

As a technical sergeant, you should have mastered your job and be able to teach other airmen and officers how to perform that skill. You will further develop your leadership skills and will be in charge of a flight or department. You’ll also start working on professional development to become a more rounded Airman. You should start working on your bachelor’s degree and participating in activities that will further develop your leadership abilities.

How do I get promoted to Technical Sergeant?

Just like promotion to staff sergeant, you will compete with other staff sergeants through WAPS. To be considered for promotion to technical sergeant, you have to have five years of Time in Service (TIS), 23 months of Time in Grade (TIG), and awarded your 7-skill level.

Equivalent Ranks to Air Force Technical Sergeant:

Coast Guard – Petty Officer First Class
Space Force – Technical Sergeant
Army – Staff Sergeant
Navy – Petty Officer First Class
Marine Corps – Staff Sergeant

Master Sergeant

Rank: Master Sergeant
Abbreviated: MSgt
Classification: Senior Noncommissioned Officer (NCO)
Title: Master Sergeant (last name), or Sergeant (last name)
DoD Paygrade: E-7
Basic Pay: $4,760 per month
Sleeve Insignia: 3 chevrons with point down and 1 chevron with point up with an encircled star in the center and 2 chevrons (rockers) below the star

What does a Master Sergeant do?

As a master sergeant, you’ll serve as a superintendent, flight chief, or non-commissioned officer in Charge (NCOIC) of a section. You are the go-to person for both enlisted or junior officers and will be called upon to show leadership in all situations. You’ll be responsible for writing performance reports and memos to senior officers. As a master sergeant, you may also be tasked to act as a first sergeant or “1st shirt.” Your job as a 1st Sergeant is to focus on the wellbeing of all enlisted personnel in your squadron. You should be well into earning your bachelor’s degree and participating in activities that will further develop your leadership abilities.

How do I get promoted to Master Sergeant?

Just like promotion to technical sergeant, you will compete with other technical sergeants through WAPS. To be considered for promotion to master sergeant, you’ll need eight years of Time in Service (TIS), 24 months of Time in Grade (TIG), and awarded your 7-skill level.

Equivalent Ranks to Air Force Master Sergeant:

Coast Guard – Chief Petty Officer
Space Force – Master Sergeant
Army – Sergeant First Class
Navy – Chief Petty Officer
Marine Corps – Gunnery Sergeant

Senior Master Sergeant

Rank: Senior Master Sergeant
Abbreviated: SMSgt
Classification: Senior Noncommissioned Officer (NCO)
Title: Senior Master Sergeant (last name), or Sergeant (last name)
DoD Paygrade: E-8
Basic Pay: $5,261 per month
Sleeve Insignia: 3 chevrons with point down and 2 chevrons with point up with an encircled star in the center and 2 chevrons (rockers) below the star

What does a Senior Master Sergeant do?

As a Senior master sergeant, you will be a superintendent and mentor to junior NCOs and officers. You are considered a senior enlisted leader and could have a staff assignment at the wing (2+ groups) or major command level. In larger units, you’ll be responsible for the training and assignment of new personnel.

How do I get promoted to Senior Master Sergeant?

Promotion to senior master sergeant is accomplished through a combination of WAPS points and a centralized promotion board that reviews your military record. You must have a minimum of 11 years of Time in Service (TIS) and 20 months of Time in Grade (TIG). The selection rate to senior master sergeant is around 7.5% of eligible master sergeants, and only about 2 percent of Air Force enlisted personnel serve in the rank of E-8. Your record should be spotless, and your education and extra duties are considered based on the whole-person concept.

Equivalent Ranks to Air Force Senior Master Sergeant:

Coast Guard – Senior Chief Petty Officer
Space Force – Senior Master Sergeant
Army – Master Sergeant
Navy – Senior Chief Petty Officer
Marine Corps – Master Sergeant

Chief Master Sergeant

Rank: Chief Master Sergeant
Abbreviated: CMSgt
Classification: Senior Noncommissioned Officer (NCO)
Title: Chief Master Sergeant (last name), or Chief (last name)
DoD Paygrade: E-9
Basic Pay: $6,307 per month
Sleeve Insignia: 3 chevrons with point down and 3 chevrons with point up with an encircled star in the center and 2 chevrons (rockers) below the star

What does a Chief Master Sergeant do?

As a chief master sergeant, you’ll hold the highest NCO rank in the Air Force. You’ll serve on staff positions at higher headquarters, and NCOs and officers will come to you for training and guidance. You may also serve as advisors to commanders and general officers or act as Command Chief Master Sergeant. You’ll be responsible for creating policies that ensure the success of the mission through innovations and efficiency. You should have completed your college degree and have further enriched your career through extracurricular activities and community involvement.

How do I get promoted to Chief Master Sergeant?

Promotion to chief master sergeant is the most difficult enlisted promotion in the Air Force. Promotion is made up of a combination of WAPS points and a centralized promotion board that reviews your military record. Your record should be spotless, and your education and extra duties are considered to promote you on the whole-person concept. You must have a minimum of 14 years of Time in Service (TIS) and 21 months of Time in Grade (TIG). Only 1 percent of all enlisted personnel can serve in the rank of E-9.

Equivalent Ranks to Air Force Chief Master Sergeant:

Coast Guard – Master Chief Petty Officer
Space Force – Chief Master Sergeant
Army – Sergeant Major
Navy – Master Chief Petty Officer
Marine Corps – Master Gunnery Sergeant

U.S. Air Force Commissioned Officer Ranks

Second Lieutenant

Rank: Second Lieutenant
Abbreviated: 2nd. Lt.
Classification: Company Grade Officer
Title: Second Lieutenant (last name), or Lieutenant (last name)
DoD Paygrade: O-1
Basic Pay: $3,386 per month
Shoulder and flight cap insignia: 1 gold bar

What does a Second Lieutenant do?

As a second lieutenant, your duties and responsibilities vary by career field. After commissioning, you’ll attend a technical school to learn your Air Force job. If you are in a non-rated (non-flying) career field, you’ll serve as flight commander or deputy officer in charge (OIC) of a section like logistics, maintenance, or personnel at the squadron level (2+ flights). If you are a rated officer, you’ll be training to become either a pilot, combat systems officer, or air battle manager and spend most of your time as a second lieutenant in training.

How do I get promoted to Second Lieutenant?

Second lieutenant is the commissioned officer rank of graduates of the United States Air Force Academy, Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC), Officer Training School (OTS), and other direct commissioning sources.

Equivalent Ranks to Air Force Second Lieutenant:

Coast Guard – Ensign
Space Force – Second Lieutenant
Army – Second Lieutenant
Navy – Ensign
Marine Corps – Second Lieutenant

First Lieutenant

Rank: First Lieutenant
Abbreviated: 1st Lt.
Classification: Company Grade Officer
Title: First Lieutenant (last name), or Lieutenant (last name)
DoD Paygrade: O-2
Basic Pay: $4,442 per month
Shoulder and flight cap insignia: 1 silver bar

What does a First Lieutenant do?

As a first lieutenant, your duties and responsibilities vary by career field. If you are in a non-rated (non-flying) career field, you’ll serve as flight commander or deputy officer in charge (OIC) of a section like logistics, maintenance, or personnel at the squadron or group level. You’ll also be expected to mentor and grow second lieutenants in your flight. Rated officers will develop their skills as pilots, navigators, or technical experts in their rated field. You’ll also supervise airmen and second lieutenants under your command.

How do I get promoted to First Lieutenant?

Promotion to first lieutenant is pretty much automatic after 24 months as a second lieutenant. You’ll have to have a clean record and good performance evaluations.

Equivalent Ranks to Air Force First Lieutenant:

Coast Guard – Lieutenant Junior Grade
Space Force – First Lieutenant
Army – First Lieutenant
Navy – Lieutenant Junior Grade
Marine Corps – First Lieutenant

Captain

Rank: Captain
Abbreviated: Capt.
Classification: Company Grade Officer
Title: Captain (last name)
DoD Paygrade: O-3
Basic Pay: $6,022 per month
Shoulder and flight cap insignia: 2 connected silver bars

What does a Captain do?

As a captain, you are a seasoned officer and will lead large flights and perform administrative tasks that keep your flight or section running. If you are in a flying career field, you may split your duties between flying and running a flight. If you are in a non-rated field like force support or maintenance, you’ll probably be the flight commander (2+ sections). You’ll also be required to complete Squadron Officer’s School (SOS) to be eligible for promotion to major.

How do I get promoted to Captain?

Promotion to captain is still not competitive, and you’ll need 24 months of Time in Service (TIS) and 21 months of Time in Grade (TIG) as a first lieutenant. You’ll also have to have a clean record and good performance evaluations. If you are a direct commission in the medical, legal, or chaplain fields, you may be commissioned directly as a captain.

Equivalent Ranks to Air Force Captain:

Coast Guard – Lieutenant
Space Force – Captain
Army – Captain
Navy – Lieutenant
Marine Corps – Captain

Major

Rank: Major
Abbreviated: Maj.
Classification: Field Grade Officer
Title: Major (last name)
DoD Paygrade: O-4
Basic Pay: $7,684 per month
Shoulder and flight cap insignia: 1 gold oak leaf

What does a Major do?

As a major, you are expected to become more involved on the administrative side of the squadron (2+ flights), group (2+ squadrons), and wing (2+ groups). You’ll usually serve as a staff officer and work directly for a commander. If you are assigned to a flying unit, you may be a flight commander or director of operations. In non-flying units such as maintenance or supply, you may serve as squadron commander. You will also be expected to be working towards a master’s degree and complete Air Command and Staff College to compete for lieutenant colonel.

How do I get promoted to Major?

You will compete for promotion to major with other captains. Your promotion package is made up of your military record (Officer Performance Reports (OPR), civilian education, Professional Military Education (PME), and level of assignments (squadron, wing, higher headquarters). About 80 percent of all captains will be promoted to major. You must have ten years of Time in Service (TIS) and three years Time in Grade (TIG) to be in the zone (IPZ) for promotion. Most major-selects will be promoted after five to six years as a captain. You may be promoted to major earlier than normal if you are considered the best of the best.

Equivalent Ranks to Air Force Major:

Coast Guard – Lieutenant Commander
Space Force – Major
Army – Major
Navy – Lieutenant Commander
Marine Corps – Major

Lieutenant Colonel

Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
Abbreviated: Lt. Col.
Classification: Field Grade Officer
Title: Lieutenant Colonel (last name)
DoD Paygrade: O-5
Basic Pay: $9,293 per month
Shoulder and cap insignia: 1 silver oak leaf

What does a Lieutenant Colonel do?

As a lieutenant colonel, you will serve as a commander of a squadron (2+ flights) or a group (2+ squadrons) like a maintenance or support group. In a flying squadron, you might be the director of operations for a group. You may also be a member of a wing staff (2+ groups)or a staff officer at a Numbered Air Force (NAF) (2+ Air Force bases), major command (2+ wings), or the air staff (Pentagon).

How do I get promoted to Lieutenant Colonel?

You will compete for promotion to lieutenant colonel with other majors. Your promotion package is made up of your military record (Officer Performance Reports (OPR), civilian education, Professional Military Education (PME), and level of assignments (squadron, wing, higher headquarters). About 70 percent of all majors will be promoted to lieutenant colonel. You must have 16 years of Time in Service (TIS) and 21 months of Time in Grade (TIG) to be in the zone for promotion.

Equivalent Ranks to Air Force Lieutenant Colonel:

Coast Guard – Commander
Space Force – Lieutenant Colonel
Army – Lieutenant Colonel
Navy – Commander
Marine Corps – Lieutenant Colonel

Colonel

Rank: Colonel
Abbreviated: Col.
Classification: Field Grade Officer
Title: Colonel (last name)
DoD Paygrade: O-6
Basic Pay: $11,512 per month
Shoulder and cap insignia: Silver Spread Eagle

What does a Colonel do?

As a colonel, you’ll probably be the commander of a wing, which is made up of between 1,000 to 3,000 AF personnel. If you are a rated (flying) officer, you may command a group, which is a part of a wing. You may also be in charge of departments or staff agencies at a Numbered Air Force (NAF) (2+ Air Force bases), major command (2+ Air Force bases), or the air staff (Pentagon).

How do I get promoted to Colonel?

You will compete for promotion to colonel with other lieutenant colonel’s. Your promotion package is made up of your military record Officer Performance Reports (OPR), civilian education, Professional Military Education (PME), and level of assignments (squadron, wing, higher headquarters). About 50% of all lieutenant colonel’s will be promoted to colonel. You must have 22 years of Time in Service (TIS) and three years of Time in Grade (TIG) to be in the zone for promotion.

Equivalent Ranks to Air Force Colonel:

Coast Guard – Captain
Space Force – Colonel
Army – Colonel
Navy – Captain
Marine Corps – Colonel

Brigadier General

Rank: Brigadier General
Abbreviated: Brig. Gen.
Classification: General Officer
Title: General (last name)
DoD Paygrade: O-7
Basic Pay: $13,789 per month
Shoulder and flight cap insignia: 1 silver star

What does a Brigadier General do?

As a brigadier general, you’ll usually serve as a wing (2+ groups) or base commander. You may also serve as a staff officer in joint assignments or at the Pentagon.

How do I get promoted to Brigadier General?

Promotion to brigadier general is a highly selective process and is a great honor. Currently, there are only 157 1-star generals in the Air Force. You are chosen from among other outstanding colonels and recommended for promotion by a sitting board of active general officers. Your promotion must also be approved by the Secretary of Defense and President of the United States. After nomination, you must be approved by the U.S. Senate before final approval for promotion. You must retire after five years in grade or at 30 years of total service unless promoted.

Equivalent Ranks to Air Force Brigadier General:

Coast Guard – Rear Admiral (Lower Half)
Space Force – Brigadier General
Army – Brigadier General
Navy – Rear Admiral (Lower Half)
Marine Corps – Brigadier General

Major General

Rank: Major General
Abbreviated: Maj Gen.
Classification: General Officer
Title: General (last name)
DoD Paygrade: O-8
Basic Pay: $15,546 per month
Shoulder and flight cap insignia: 2 silver stars

What does a Major General do?

As a major general, you’ll serve in various senior command positions such as Numbered Air Force (NAF) commander (2+ Air Force bases), training center commander, or directorate at a major command (2+ Air Force bases).

How do I get promoted to Major General?

Promotion to major general is a highly selective process and is a great honor. No more than 25 percent of all Air Force general officers may have more than two stars. Currently, there are only 100 2-star generals in the Air Force. You are chosen from among other outstanding brigadier generals and recommended for promotion by a sitting board of active general officers. Your promotion must also be approved by the Secretary of Defense and the President of the United States. After nomination, you must be approved by the U.S. Senate before final approval for promotion. You must retire after five years in grade or at 35 years of total service unless promoted.

Equivalent Ranks to Air Force Major General:

Coast Guard – Rear Admiral (Upper Half)
Space Force – Major General
Army – Major General
Navy – Rear Admiral (Upper Half)
Marine Corps – Major General

Lieutenant General

Rank: Lieutenant General
Abbreviated: Lt. Gen.
Classification: General Officer
Title: General (last name)
DoD Paygrade: O-9
Basic Pay: $16,608 per month
Shoulder and flight cap insignia: 3 silver stars

What does a Lieutenant General do?

Lieutenant generals are found at very high command positions. Lieutenant generals will typically command a Numbered Air Force (NAF) commander (2+ Air Force bases), commander of a joint services command, or serve as directorates (i.e., Plans and Programs) at the Pentagon.

How do I get promoted to Lieutenant General?

Promotion to lieutenant generals is a highly selective process and a great honor. No more than 25 percent of all Air Force general officers may have more than two stars. There are currently only 45 lieutenant generals in the Air Force. You are chosen for promotion from among other elite major generals and recommended for promotion by a sitting board of active general officers. Your promotion must also be approved by the Secretary of Defense and the President of the United States. After nomination, you must be approved by the U.S. Senate before final approval for promotion. You must retire after five years in grade or 38 years of total service unless selected to continue serving.

Equivalent Ranks to Air Force Lieutenant General:

Coast Guard – Vice Admiral
Space Force – Lieutenant General
Army – Lieutenant General
Navy – Vice Admiral
Marine Corps – Lieutenant General

General

Rank: General
Abbreviated: Gen.
Classification: General Officer
Title: General (last name)
DoD Paygrade: O-10
Basic Pay: $16,608 per month
Shoulder and flight cap insignia: 4 silver stars

What does an Air Force General do?

General is the highest rank in the U.S. Air Force and is reserved for Air Force leaders like the Air Force Chief of Staff and commanders of major commands like Air Combat Command or Pacific Air Forces. Generals are senior career officers who have demonstrated leadership and management at every level and have served in combat roles or commanders of squadrons (2+ flights), groups (2+ squadrons), or wings (2+ groups).

How do I get promoted to Air Force General?

Promotion to general is a highly selective process and a great honor. No more than 25 percent of all Air Force general officers may have more than two stars. There are currently only 14 4-Star generals in the Air Force. You are chosen for promotion from among other elite lieutenant generals and recommended for promotion by a sitting board of active general officers. Your promotion must also be approved by the Secretary of Defense and the President of the United States. After nomination, you must be approved by the U.S. Senate before final approval for promotion. You must retire after five years in grade or at 40 years of total service unless selected to continue serving.

Equivalent Ranks to Air Force General:

Coast Guard – Admiral
Space Force – General
Army – General
Navy – Admiral
Marine Corps – General