1. Air Force Rank Structure
LE3-C5S5T7pg93-96 Air Force Rank Structure

2. This lesson introduces the Air Force rank structure.

3. Lesson Objectives
Identify Air Force officer rank, grade, and insignia.
Identify Air Force enlisted rank, grade, and insignia.
Differentiate between Air Force officer and enlisted rank and insignia.
Identify Air Force officer and enlisted rank structure in sequence.
Example:

4. CPS Lesson Questions (1-2)
Warm Up Questions
CPS Lesson Questions (1-2)
Example:

5. Warm Up Question
How much do you already know about the Air Force rank structure?
Expert – I have family members who served in the Air Force OR I have learned the Air Force rank structure.
Above average – I know more quite a bit about the Air Force rank structure.
Moderate – I know a little about the Air Force ranks.
Rookie – I am a blank slate… but ready to learn.
Example:

6. Warm Up Question True or False:
Unlike the other services, the Air Force does not have Warrant Officers.
True
False
Example:

7. (Use CPS “Pick a Student” for this question)
Opening Question
Think about the Army JROTC rank and grade structure that you have already learned. List 2-3 Army JROTC ranks and grades.
(Use CPS “Pick a Student” for this question)

8. Introduction
The Air Force has officers and enlisted personnel in the same pay grades as the other services.
Unlike the other services however, it does not have ______________.
Example:
Warrant Officers

9. Background
The National Security Act of 1947 established the United States Air Force.
Prior to that time, the Air Force was an organization within a branch of the ________________.
In 1926 they became the Army Air Corps.
Example:
United States Army

10. History
Since the Air Force was a part of the Army, the rank structure evolution was the same beginning October 13, 1775.
U.S. Air Force chevrons trace their origin from when a request was made for a distinctive rank insignia.
The inverted and curved chevron of today’s Air Force distinguishes them from the noncommissioned and petty officers of other branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Example:

11. Lesson Question
CPS Lesson Question (3)
Example:

12. Lesson Question
Unlike the other services, the Air Force does not have ________.
warrant officers
colonels
majors
None of the above
Example:

13. Air Force Rank Structure
The Air Force rank structure consists of officers and enlisted personnel.
The enlisted personnel are subdivided into two categories, just as the other services.
These two categories are noncommissioned officers and airman personnel.
Example:

14. Air Force Officer Rank Structure
0-1
0-2
0-3
0-4
0-5
0-6
Company and Field Grade Officer
2nd Lieutenant
1st Lieutenant
Captain
Major
Lieutenant Colonel
Colonel
0-7
0-8
0-9
0-10
0-11
General Officer
Brigadier General
Major General
Lieutenant General
General
General of the Air Force
Example:

15. Air Force Enlisted Rank Structure
Airman Basic
Airman
Airman First Class
Senior Airman
Staff Sergeant
Technical Sergeant
Master Sergeant
First Sergeant
E-8
E-9
Senior Master Sergeant
Chief Master Sergeant
Command Chief Master Sergeant
Chief Master Sergeant of the AF
Example:

16. Lesson Question
CPS Lesson Question (4)
Example:

17. Lesson Question
The enlisted personnel of the Air Force are subdivided into two categories, just as the other services. These two categories are:
noncommissioned officers and fliers
noncommissioned officers and soldiers
noncommissioned officers and airmen
Example:

18. (Use CPS “Pick a Student” for this question)
Closing Question
List the 2-3 most important things you learned in this lesson. Why are they important to you?
(Use CPS “Pick a Student” for this question)

19. Questions

20. Copyright Information
Images in this lesson were taken from:
Microsoft© Clip Art Gallery
Marine Corps Combat Camera
Marine Corps OCS
MCJROTC Student Text