Understanding the Air Force Officer Rank Structure
Company Grade Officers
Officers in the Air Force are divided into three categories: company grade, field grade, and general officers. Company grade officers are the most junior and include the ranks of second lieutenant, first lieutenant, and captain.
Responsibilities
Company grade officers typically serve as platoon leaders or flight commanders. They are responsible for leading and motivating their troops, as well as for carrying out mission-essential tasks.
Field Grade Officers
Field grade officers are more senior than company grade officers and include the ranks of major, lieutenant colonel, and colonel.
Responsibilities
Field grade officers typically serve as squadron commanders or group commanders. They are responsible for overseeing the operations of their units and for ensuring that mission objectives are met.
General Officers
General officers are the most senior officers in the Air Force and include the ranks of brigadier general, major general, lieutenant general, and general.
Responsibilities
General officers typically serve as wing commanders or higher-level commanders. They are responsible for overseeing the operations of large units, such as wings or bases, and for ensuring that Air Force goals are met.
Rank Insignia
The rank insignia for Air Force officers is displayed on the shoulder boards of their uniforms. The insignia consists of silver stars and bars, with the number of stars or bars indicating the officer's rank.
The following table lists the Air Force officer ranks in increasing order of seniority:
| Rank | Abbreviation | Insignia |
|---|---|---|
| Second Lieutenant | 2d Lt | One silver star |
| First Lieutenant | 1st Lt | Two silver stars |
| Captain | Capt | Three silver stars |
| Major | Maj | One silver oak leaf |
| Lieutenant Colonel | Lt Col | Two silver oak leaves |
| Colonel | Col | Three silver oak leaves |
| Brigadier General | Brig Gen | One silver star |
| Major General | Maj Gen | Two silver stars |
| Lieutenant General | Lt Gen | Three silver stars |
| General | Gen | Four silver stars |
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