An Airman poses for a photograph holding a senior master sergeant stripe at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., March 1, 2024. (Air Force photo by Mark Herlihy) The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
By: FEDweek StaffThe Air Force is promoting some 1,635 master sergeants (E-7) to senior master sergeant (E-8) this year, out of a pool of 14,041 eligible airmen. The selection rate is the highest in the past six years – an increase of 0.2 percent compared to last year – the Air and Space Forces Association (AFA) reported.
Even though the total number of selectees has decreased slightly when compared to the last cycle, the report noted that the number of eligible airmen dropped even more significantly – to the lowest level since 2019.
The AFA report mentioned that the service had warned noncommissioned officers in 2022 that promotion rates would be lower, largely because too many were being promoted too quicky, which created a top-heavy force.
Airmen in the ranks of E-5 through E-7 were hit particularly hard. The Covid-19 pandemic also played a role, inspiring many airmen to remain in uniform and thus increasing competition for advancement. In 2021, only 1,194 airmen out of a pool of 17,107 were promoted to E-8. But in each of the four years since then, promotion rates have increased.
- The Air Force sergeant ranks start with Staff Sergeant (SSgt), which is the first non-commissioned officer (NCO) rank. A Staff Sergeant leads smaller teams and fulfills technical and supervisory duties.
- Next is the Technical Sergeant (TSgt), a role involving more leadership responsibilities while maintaining technical expertise in their field.
- Following this rank is the Master Sergeant (MSgt), where personnel take on significant leadership and management responsibilities, often serving as senior advisors.
- The Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt) rank emphasizes managerial duties, with fewer members promoted due to increased competition.
- The highest enlisted sergeant rank is Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt), which involves overseeing multiple teams or departments and serving as key advisors to senior commanders.
- Additionally, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force (CMSAF) is a unique position held by the top enlisted member, serving as an advocate for enlisted personnel and a representative on capstone leadership matters.
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