Making the difference: today's airmen lire in a world shocked by the terrorist bombings of Sept. 11, 2001—a day that changed America forever. With "overseas deployments" jumping to the top of the list of common household terms, it's even more important than ever that Air Force members be physically prepared - Database

Airman, Jan, 2004

Although the Air Force has airmen in more than 380 career fields stationed around the world, no one person in any specialty code can afford to take it easy. Cooks, administrative support people, truck drivers, security policemen, electricians, maintainers and all the others who make up a diversified force must be physically ready to do their jobs and defend their units as necessary to accomplish the mission.

There's no substitute for being physically fit and ready. It doesn't matter whether you're active duty, in the Guard or part of a Reserve unit. All members are part of the mission in places such as Southwest Asia; they're all relied upon to support that mission. And no matter the ranks, they're airmen with a common goal.

As Gen. John P. Jumper said about the new physical fitness program: "This is about our preparedness to deploy and fight. It's about warriors."

Air Force Grade and Insignia

Airman Basic (E-1) has no rank insignia

Airman First Class (E-3)

Staff Sergeant (E-5)

Master Sergeant (E-7)

Senior Master Sergeant (E-8)

Chief Master Sergeant (E-9)

Command Chief Master Sergeant

Airman (E-2)

Senior Airman (E-4)

Technical Sergeant (E-6)

First Sergeant

First Sergeant

First Sergeant

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force

Second Lieutenant (O-1)

Captain (O-3)

Lieutenant Colonel (O-5)

Brigadier General (O-7)

Lieutenant General (O-9)

First Lieutenant (O-2)

Major (O-4)

Colonel (O-6)

Major General (O-8)

General (O-10)

Air Force Awards and Decorations

Silver/Bronze Stars

The bronze star represents participation in campaigns or operations, multiple qualifications or an additional award to any of the various ribbons on which it is authorized. The silver star is worn in the same manner as the bronze star, but each silver star is worn in lieu of five bronze service stars. When worn together on a single ribbon, the silver star(s) will be worn to the wearer's right of any bronze star(s).

Silver/Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters

The bronze oak leaf cluster represents second and subsequent entitlements of awards. The silver oak leaf cluster represents sixth, 11th, etc., entitlements or in lieu of five bronze oak leaf clusters. Silver oak leaf clusters are worn to the wearer's right of the bronze oak leaf clusters on the same ribbon.

Antarctica Service Medal Clasp (and disc)

The Antarctica Service Medal Clasp, bearing the words "Wintered Over," is only worn on the medal's suspension ribbon. The discs are authorized for people who stayed on the continent during winter months.

Arabic Numerals

Arabic numerals are worn on the Armed Forces Reserve medal to denote participation in additional contingencies.

Arctic Service Device

The "A" device, when worn with oak leaf clusters, is worn to the wearer's right of such clusters. The device is worn with the Air Force Overseas Ribbon--Short Tour and is authorized for people who completed a short tour north of the Arctic Circle.

Germany and Japan Clasps

Good Conduct Medal Clasp

Hourglass Device

The hourglass is worn with the Armed Farces Reserve Medal in bronze for 10 years of service, silver for 20 years and gold for 30 years.

M Device

The "M" device is worn with the Armed Forces Reserve Medal to denote active duty status for at least one day during a contingency.

The Valor Device

The "V" device represents valor and does not denote an additional award. Only one may be worn on any ribbon.

Valor Devices and Clusters

The "V" device, when worn on the same ribbon with clusters, is worn to the wearer's right of such clusters.

Plane Device

The device is worn with the Army of Occupation Medal to denote service of 90 consecutive days in direct support of the Berlin Airlift (June 26, 1948, to Sept. 30, 1949).

Arrowhead

The arrowhead denotes participation in a combat parachute jump, combat glider landing or ampibious assault landing. The arrowhead points up and is worn to the wearer's right of any service stars.

* Also awarded with gold, silver or bronze devices. The gold frame on the ribbon denotes a unit citation; without, an individual citation.

Medal of Honor

Air Force Cross

Defense Superior Service Medal

Bronze Star

Air Medal

Joint Service Achievement Medal

Air Force Outstanding Unit Award

Air Force Good Conduct Medal

Air Force Recognition Ribbon

Euro-African-Middle Eastern Campaign

National Defense Service Medal

Vietnam Service Medal

Humanitarian Service Medal

Air Force Overseas Ribbon Long Tour

Air Force Recruiter Ribbon

Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon

Philippine Independence Ribbon

United Nations Service Medal

Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal

Defense of Distinguished Service Medal

Legion of Merit

Purple Heart

Aerial Achievement Medal

Air Force Achievement Medal

Air Force Organizational Excellent Award

Good Conduct Medal

American Defense Service medal

World War II Victory Medal

Korean Service Medal

Southwest Asia Service Medal

Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal

Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon

Armed Forces Reserve Medal

Air Force Training Ribbon

Philippine Presidential Unit Citation

United Nations Medal

Kuwait Liberation Medal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Distinguished Service Medal