Space Force Guardians monitor workstations in the Combined Space Operations Center (CSpOC) at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif. The center operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week; continuously coordinating, planning, integrating, synchronizing and executing space operations; providing tailored space effects on demand to support combatant commanders; and accomplishing national security objectives. (Photo by David Dozoretz)
By: FEDweek StaffThe Space Force announced promotions to pay grades E-5, E-6 and E-7. Of 494 eligible guardians, 90 technical sergeants are being promoted to master sergeant. Another 274 sergeants are being promoted to technical sergeant, and 494 specialists are being promoted to sergeant.
The names of the guardians selected for advancement are available online at the Air Force Personnel Center website, www.afpc.af.mil. Members can see their scores online via the Military Personnel Flight via OKTA https://af.okta.mil/.
Enlisted Ranks
| Pay Grade | Air Force Title | Space Force Title |
|---|---|---|
| E-1 | Airman Basic | Specialist 1 (Spc1) |
| E-2 | Airman | Specialist 2 (Spc2) |
| E-3 | Airman First Class | Specialist 3 (Spc3) |
| E-4 | Senior Airman | Specialist 4 (Spc4) |
| E-5 | Staff Sergeant | Sergeant |
| E-6 | Technical Sergeant | Technical Sergeant |
| E-7 | Master Sergeant | Master Sergeant |
| E-8 | Senior Master Sergeant | Senior Master Sergeant |
| E-9 | Chief Master Sergeant | Chief Master Sergeant |
| E-9 (CMSAF) | Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force | Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force |
Key Differences in Enlisted Ranks
- The Space Force uses “Specialist” ranks (E-1 to E-4) instead of “Airman” ranks.
- At E-5, Space Force uses “Sergeant” instead of “Staff Sergeant” to emphasize leadership earlier.
Officer Ranks
| Pay Grade | Air Force & Space Force Title |
|---|---|
| O-1 | Second Lieutenant |
| O-2 | First Lieutenant |
| O-3 | Captain |
| O-4 | Major |
| O-5 | Lieutenant Colonel |
| O-6 | Colonel |
| O-7 to O-10 | General ranks (Brigadier General through General) |
Note: There are no differences in officer rank titles between the Space Force and Air Force at this time.
Promotion Process Differences
Enlisted Promotions
- Space Force uses smaller, more specialized promotion boards due to its smaller force size.
- Promotion emphasizes technical expertise, particularly in cyber and space operations.
- Space Force is exploring flexible development pathways, allowing for faster or more technical career progressions.
Officer Promotions
- Space Force has fewer leadership positions, making promotions highly selective.
- Evaluations prioritize innovation, technical fluency, and joint service experience.
- The promotion system is being shaped to reflect readiness for space operations rather than traditional aviation or command roles.
Cultural Emphasis
- The Air Force covers a broad range of missions including aviation, ISR, and logistics.
- The Space Force is focused narrowly on digital systems, satellite operations, and space domain awareness.
- Promotion in the Space Force is more likely to reward advanced education, digital skills, and interagency collaboration.
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