|
Continued
from Page 2
The
Senior NCO Tier
The top
three ranks of the enlisted force structure are master sergeant (MSgt),
senior master sergeant (SMSgt), and chief master sergeant (CMSgt).
Within this tier, personnel transition from craftsmen and supervisors
to leadership and managerial positions. SNCOs are assigned duties commensurate
with their skill level and rank. Their primary leadership duties are
as superintendent, supervisor, or manager of a flight, function, or
activity. They should be used as a chief of a flight, section, or branch;
as superintendent of a division or unit; first sergeant; or, in special
circumstances, as a detachment chief or commandant. It is very important
to avoid oversupervision created by establishing unnecessary supervisory
or managerial levels. Proper use of SNCOs allows them to exercise leadership
and manage resources under their control.
 |
Master
Sergeants (MSgt) wear a chevron of six stripes with
a silver star in the center. One of the six stripes is in an
inverted V position above the star. Pay grade is E-7. MSgts function
primarily in craftsman and supervisory positions as they prepare
for more advanced leadership and management 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 Air
Force Senior Noncommissioned Officer PME course. The official
term of address is “master sergeant” or “sergeant.” |
 |
Senior
Master Sergeants (SMSgt) wear a chevron of seven stripes
with a silver star in the center. Two of the seven stripes are
in an inverted position above the star. Pay grade is E-8. SMSgts
perform as superintendents or managers. Broad management skills
are essential to exercise the responsibilities of the higher
leadership positions in which they serve. The 9-skill level “superintendent” is
awarded when SMSgts pin on. SMSgts should continue their professional
development to become viable candidates for unique assignment
opportunities and future promotion selection consideration to
CMSgt. The official term of address is “senior master sergeant” or “sergeant.” |
 |
Chief
Master Sergeants (CMSgt) wear a chevron of eight
stripes with a silver star in the center. Three of the eight
stripes
are in an inverted position above the star. Pay grade is E-9.
The rank of CMSgt is the highest Air Force enlisted rank, with
the exception of the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force (CMSAF).
CMSgts are superintendents and managers who provide senior enlisted
leadership.
They are
assigned
chief
enlisted manager (CEM) codes upon selection to CMSgt who may
fill any managerial-level position and perform all duties not
prohibited by law or directive. CMSgts are advisors and enlisted
force managers. The official term of address is “chief master
sergeant” or “chief.” |
Special
NCO Positions
   |
First
Sergeant. First Sergeants can be in the pay grades of
E-7, E-8, or E-9. The first sergeant exercises general supervision
over all enlisted personnel assigned to the unit, even if they
technically outrank the "shirt" via pay grade. That's
because the first sergeant works directly for the unit commander
and derives his/her authority directly from the commander. When
the first sergeant acts or speaks in his/her official capacity,
he/she is acting or speaking "for the commander," in
all matters relating to assigned enlisted personnel. The first
sergeant’s role is time honored and rich in custom and tradition.
A distinguishing diamond device on the chevron identifies the
first sergeant. As the vital link between the commander, enlisted
personnel, and support agencies, the first sergeant must ensure
the enlisted force understands the commander’s policies, goals,
and objectives, and that support agencies are responsive to the
needs of unit personnel. Additionally, the first sergeant must
remain vigilant for and move to resolve issues that, left unchecked,
would adversely impact troop readiness. See Dedication
to the First Sergeant and Day
in the Life of a First Sergeant for more information. |
|
|
Command
Chief Master Sergeants (CCM). What the first sergeant
is at the squadron level, the Command Chief Master Sergeant is
at the Wing, Major Command (MAJCOM), and Numbered Air Force Level.
CCMs work directly for the Wing Commander, MAJCOM Commander and/or
Numbered Air Force Commander. They advise commanders on matters
impacting the enlisted force, such as proper utilization, quality
of enlisted leadership, management/supervisor training, operations
tempo, and quality of life. They monitor compliance with Air
Force standards, serve on advisory councils, and maintain a close
relationship with the local community. They maintain a liaison
between their commander, the enlisted force, and staff members,
and they communicate with commanders on problems, concerns, morale,
and attitudes of the enlisted force. They also ensure their commander’s
policies are known and understood by the enlisted force and serve
as the functional manager for assigned first sergeants. CCMs
are all in the pay grade of E-9. CCMs wear the distinctive stripes
shown to the left. |
|
|
Chief
Master Sergeant of the Air Force (CMSAF). Until 2004, the CMSAF
wore the same rank insignia as a CMSgt with one exception:
the chevron had a wreat encircling the star. In November 2004, the CMSAF insignia was updated to include the Great Seal of the United States of America and two stars in the upper field. The laurel wreath around the star in the lower field remained unchanged to retain the legacy of the Chief Master Sergeants of the Air Force. CMSAF is an E-9, but receives special pay and allowances, so
his/her pay grade is sometimes unofficially called "E-10." The
idea of creating a CMSAF position surfaced in the Air Force
as early as 1964 when the Air Force Association’s Airman Advisory
Council presented the idea. At that time, Air Force leadership
rejected the proposal, fearing that such a position may undermine
the formal chain of command. Purposeful action did not come
until 1966 when Congressman Mendel Rivers introduced a bill
that would mandate each of the services to appoint a SNCO.
Congressman Rivers became convinced that the Air Force needed
to follow the example of the Marine Corps (which had created
the position of Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps in 1957)
and the Army (which had created the position of Sergeant Major
of the Army in 1965) and appoint a Senior Enlisted Advisor
(SEA) to the CSAF. Although the Rivers bill never passed, the
Air Force recognized the tremendous support behind the proposal.
On 24 October 1966, Air Force Chief of Staff General John P.
McConnell announced the newly created position of CMSAF. In
April 1967, Chief Paul W. Airey became the first to wear the
unique insignia with the wreath around the star.
The
CMSAF acts as personal advisor to the highest-ranking military
commander in the Air Force, the Air Force Chief of Staff (CSAF)
and the highest ranking civilian leader in the Air Force, the
Secretary of the Air Force (SECAF) regarding the welfare, health,
morale, proper utilization, and progress of the enlisted force.
The office of the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force represents
the highest level of enlisted leadership, and as such, provides
the direction for the enlisted corps and represents their interests,
as appropriate, to the American public. The CMSAF testifies
before various legislative committees on issues such as pay
and compensation and also provides the enlisted voice on numerous
boards and panels. The CMSAF is the senior-ranking enlisted
member of the Air Force.
|
Next page > Commissioned
Officers > Page 1, 2,
3, 4
|
