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Quizzes > Society & Culture

Air Force rank quiz: can you place every USAF rank in order?

Quick, free Air Force ranks test. Instant feedback and rank order practice.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Erwin GuzmanUpdated Aug 24, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for a quiz testing knowledge of AF ranks on a sky blue background.

This Air Force rank quiz helps you practice USAF rank order and spot gaps before a test. For more practice, try USAF ranks practice, explore air force trivia, or drill into the chief master sergeant quiz. You will see correct answers as you go, so you learn faster.

What is the lowest enlisted rank in the United States Air Force pay grade system?
Airman Basic
Staff Sergeant
Airman
Airman First Class
Airman Basic (E-1) is the entry-level rank in the USAF enlisted pay grade system. It has no insignia and is the only enlisted rank without stripes. Promotions from E-1 to E-2 are based on time-in-grade and performance.
What pay grade corresponds to the rank of Staff Sergeant in the USAF?
E-6
O-1
E-4
E-5
Staff Sergeant is classified as pay grade E-5 in the Air Force enlisted structure. This rank is the first NCO (noncommissioned officer) tier and carries leadership responsibilities. Promotion to E-5 requires completion of Airman Leadership School and meeting time-in-grade requirements.
Which of the following ranks is the first commissioned officer rank in the USAF?
Second Lieutenant
Major
Captain
First Lieutenant
Second Lieutenant is the entry-level commissioned officer rank in the USAF and is pay grade O-1. Officers begin their careers as Second Lieutenants after commissioning programs like ROTC or the Air Force Academy. They must complete specialized training before advancing to First Lieutenant (O-2).
What rank is indicated by three downward pointing chevrons with a silver star in the center?
Airman First Class
Senior Airman
Staff Sergeant
Technical Sergeant
Senior Airman is designated by three downward pointing stripes with a silver star in the center and is pay grade E-4. It is the rank above Airman First Class and below Staff Sergeant. Promotion to Senior Airman normally occurs after 36 months of service or 20 months time-in-grade.
Which abbreviation represents the rank of Technical Sergeant?
Tec Sgt
T/S
TSgt
Tgt
The standard abbreviation for Technical Sergeant is TSgt, corresponding to pay grade E-6. This shorthand is used on official documents and nametapes. Technical Sergeants often serve as section supervisors and technical experts.
Which officer rank is immediately above Major in the USAF?
Major General
Colonel
Captain
Lieutenant Colonel
Lieutenant Colonel is the rank directly above Major and is pay grade O-5. Majors (O-4) who meet time-in-grade and selection board criteria advance to Lieutenant Colonel. This rank typically commands squadrons or holds senior staff roles.
What is the nickname given to the highest enlisted position in the Air Force that serves as the senior enlisted advisor to the Chief of Staff?
Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force
Command Chief Master Sergeant
Senior Enlisted Advisor
Master Chief Sergeant
The Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force (CMSAF) is the highest enlisted position in the USAF, designated E-9S. The CMSAF acts as the senior enlisted advisor to the Air Force Chief of Staff on enlisted matters. This role was established in 1967.
What rank is indicated by four stripes with a silver star in the center?
Senior Master Sergeant
Master Sergeant
Staff Sergeant
Technical Sergeant
Staff Sergeant is signified by four downward pointing stripes with a silver star in the center and corresponds to pay grade E-5. It is the first rank of Noncommissioned Officer. Staff Sergeants often lead small teams and manage day-to-day operations.
What pay grade is associated with the rank of Captain in the USAF?
O-4
O-3
O-1
O-2
Captain is designated as pay grade O-3 in the Air Force officer structure. Officers reach this rank after serving as First Lieutenants and completing required professional military education. Captains often serve as flight commanders or staff officers.
What rank insignia consists of five stripes with a silver star in the center?
Senior Master Sergeant
Technical Sergeant
Staff Sergeant
Master Sergeant
Technical Sergeant is represented by five downward pointing stripes with a silver star in the center, corresponding to pay grade E-6. This rank sits above Staff Sergeant (E-5) and below Master Sergeant (E-7). TSgts often hold key technical and supervisory roles.
Which enlisted pay grade is directly below Chief Master Sergeant?
Master Sergeant
Senior Master Sergeant
Staff Sergeant
Technical Sergeant
Senior Master Sergeant is pay grade E-8, immediately below Chief Master Sergeant (E-9). E-8 holds significant leadership responsibilities, often serving as group superintendents or command chiefs at wing level. Promotion to E-8 requires selection by a centralized board.
Which rank outranks Lieutenant Colonel in the USAF?
First Lieutenant
Major
Colonel
Captain
Colonel is pay grade O-6 and outranks Lieutenant Colonel (O-5). Colonels typically command wings or serve in senior staff and leadership positions. The rank insignia includes a silver eagle.
What is the rank abbreviation for Air Force pay grade O-5?
LTC
Col
Lt Col
L/Col
The official USAF abbreviation for a pay grade O-5 is Lt Col, referring to Lieutenant Colonel. This shorthand is used on duty rosters and official correspondence. It distinguishes from similarly abbreviated ranks in other services.
In the USAF, what is the equivalent rank to an Army Sergeant Major (SGM)?
Master Sergeant
Senior Master Sergeant
Chief Master Sergeant
First Sergeant
Chief Master Sergeant is pay grade E-9 and is the Air Force equivalent of the Army's Sergeant Major (SGM). Both serve as senior enlisted advisors at their respective echelons. The CMSgt rank insignia features eight stripes and a silver star.
Which officer rank carries an eagle insignia on the shoulder boards?
Captain
Major
Colonel
Lieutenant Colonel
The rank insignia for a Colonel in the USAF is a silver eagle, worn on shoulder boards and collars. This distinguishes Colonels (O-6) from lower field grade officers whose insignia are oak leaves and bars. Colonels typically command wings or serve in senior staff positions.
Which Air Force Instruction governs the wear of military uniforms and insignia?
AFI 1-1
AFI 36-2903
AFI 31-101
AFI 10-501
AFI 36-2903 is the primary regulation that prescribes the proper wear and appearance of USAF uniforms, insignia, and accouterments. It details everything from rank placement to authorized headgear and badges. Compliance is mandatory for all USAF personnel.
What is the maximum number of stripes found on the standard Chief Master Sergeant rank insignia?
8
6
9
7
Chief Master Sergeant (E-9) insignia features eight stripes: three on top and five on the bottom of the central star. This is the highest standard enlisted stripe count in the Air Force. Only the CMSAF insignia adds special elements beyond the eight stripes.
Which rank was established as the senior enlisted advisor to the Air Force Chief of Staff in 1967?
Senior Enlisted Advisor
Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force
Command Chief Master Sergeant
Senior Master Sergeant
The position of Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force was created in 1967 to serve as the senior enlisted advisor to the Air Force Chief of Staff. The holder of this rank advises on morale, welfare, and training of enlisted personnel. It is a unique, singular position separate from E-9.
What pay grade corresponds to the rank of Brigadier General?
O-9
O-6
O-7
O-8
Brigadier General is the first general officer rank in the USAF, designated pay grade O-7. It is symbolized by a single silver star worn on the shoulder. Officers must complete significant command and staff experience before promotion boards consider them.
Which rank is immediately junior to First Lieutenant?
Lieutenant Junior Grade
Second Lieutenant
Captain
Warrant Officer 1
Second Lieutenant is pay grade O-1 and is the rank directly below First Lieutenant (O-2). All commissioned officers start as Second Lieutenants. There is no ranks such as Lieutenant Junior Grade in the USAF.
Which rank's insignia features a silver oak leaf?
Captain
Lieutenant Colonel
Major
Colonel
A silver oak leaf denotes the rank of Major (O-4) in the Air Force. Lieutenant Colonels (O-5) use a silver eagle, while Colonels (O-6) use a silver eagle as well but larger. Captains (O-3) and below use bars and leaves can be either silver or gold depending on rank.
What is the enlisted rank corresponding to pay grade E-4?
Airman
Senior Airman
Airman First Class
Staff Sergeant
Pay grade E-4 in the USAF is Senior Airman. It follows Airman First Class (E-3) and precedes Staff Sergeant (E-5). Promotion to E-4 requires specific time-in-grade and professional military education.
During joint operations, what is the NATO code for the USAF rank of Lieutenant Colonel?
OR-7
OF-5
OF-3
OF-4
In NATO rank codes, a USAF Lieutenant Colonel (O-5) is classified as OF-4. This coding standardizes ranks across allied forces for joint operations. OF-4 corresponds to field-grade officers such as Lieutenant Colonels and Commanders in the Navy.
Which rank category is not currently active in the United States Air Force rank structure?
Warrant Officer
Senior Master Sergeant
Master Sergeant
Senior Enlisted Advisor
The USAF phased out the Warrant Officer category in 1959, eliminating W-1 and other warrant grades. All warrant officer functions were absorbed into commissioned or enlisted ranks. The rank category has not been reintroduced since.
What is the NATO code for an Air Force Major General?
OF-7
OF-9
OF-8
OF-6
A USAF Major General (two-star) is pay grade O-8 and is coded as OF-7 in the NATO rank system. NATO codes provide a consistent reference for officer levels across allied nations. OF-7 aligns with two-star officers like Major Generals.
Which Air Force Instruction governs the enlisted promotions and reductions process?
AFI 1-1
AFI 36-2502
AFI 36-2903
AFI 33-360
AFI 36-2502 is the directive that outlines policies and procedures for USAF enlisted promotions, reductions, and demotions. It details eligibility, scoring, and board procedures across all enlisted pay grades. Compliance ensures a standardized and fair promotion system.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify AF Ranks -

    Accurately recognize and name each rank in the U.S. Air Force, from Airman Basic through General, using clear rank titles and insignias.

  2. Distinguish Ranks in USAF -

    Categorize enlisted, NCO, and officer grades to understand how each level fits within the broader USAF rankings.

  3. Sequence US Air Force Ranks in Order -

    Arrange the full hierarchy of air force ranks in order, reinforcing your grasp of progression from junior airmen to senior leadership.

  4. Interpret USAF Rankings Feedback -

    Analyze your quiz results to identify strengths and areas for improvement in your knowledge of AF ranks and insignias.

  5. Apply Knowledge in an Air Force Career Quiz -

    Use real-world scenarios to test how well you can match missions and roles to the correct rank within your air force career planning.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Enlisted Rank Structure Overview -

    The enlisted af ranks range from Airman Basic (E-1) up to Chief Master Sergeant (E-9), each with defined roles and responsibilities (official USAF Publications). Remember that E-4 can be Senior Airman or Specialist by time-in-grade and promotion tests (AFI 36-2502). Reviewing the official Air Force Personnel Center site helps visualize every step in the enlisted ladder.

  2. Commissioned Officer Ranks and Roles -

    Commissioned officer ranks in usaf span Second Lieutenant (O-1) through General (O-10), with key leadership duties expanding at each grade (Department of Defense Rank Chart). For example, captains (O-3) often lead flights of aircraft or sections, while colonels (O-6) command wings or serve on strategic staff. Refer to the Air Force Doctrine Document (AFDD 1) to see how officer ranks tie into mission command.

  3. Insignia Recognition Techniques -

    Insignias use chevrons for enlisted and bars, oak leaves, eagles, or stars for officers - learning shapes by color and stripe count speeds recognition (Air Force Instruction 36-2903). A simple mnemonic: "Sergeants wear stripes, Lieutenants wear lines, Leaders wear leaves and stars that shine." Flash cards with images from the official af.mil gallery reinforce visual memory.

  4. Mnemonic Tricks for Rank Order -

    Creating a catchy phrase like "Basic Airman's Flying Higher, Senior Chiefs Command" helps you recall enlisted progression from Basic Airman to Chief Master Sergeant. For officers, try "Lieutenants Lead, Captains Command, Majors Manage, Colonels Coordinate, Generals Govern." Backing these mnemonics with drill quizzes from university ROTC programs ensures accuracy.

  5. Career Quiz Application & Feedback -

    Applying a us air force ranks in order quiz after study sessions cements knowledge - immediate feedback from platforms like USAF Knowledge Now reveals gaps (official AF Knowledge Now portal). Track your score trends to focus on weaker areas, such as distinguishing O-4 from O-5 insignia. Pairing quizzes with the Air Force Enlisted and Officer promotion guides builds both retention and confidence.

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