Badges of the United States Air Force

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Contents 1 Aviation 2 Occupational Badges 3 Medical Service 4 Religious Services 5 Air and Space Warfare 6 Restricted Warfare 7 Service Badges 8 See also 9 Sources

Badges of the United States Air Force are military awards authorized by the United States Air Force that signify USAF aeronautical ratings or qualification in several career fields, and also serve as identification devices for personnel occupying certain assignments. All Air Force badges (with the exception of identification badges) are issued in three degrees or skill levels. Occupational badges are issued in Basic, Senior, and Master degrees for officers while pilot badges are issued in Basic, Senior, and Command ratings. Enlisted badges reflect skill levels: 3-level apprentice/5-level Journeyman (same badge), 7-level craftsman, and 9-level superintendent. A star and wreath system, worn above the Air Force badge, denotes which degree or skill level a service member currently holds. Chaplain and aviation badges (to include the parachutist badge) are mandatory on Air Force uniforms. Other badges are optional.

The Air Force is the most restrictive service with regards to which Air Force badges may be worn on the uniforms of other United States armed forces branches. With the exception of aviation badges, most U.S. Air Force badges may only be displayed on United States Air Force uniforms.

The Air Force previously authorized continued use of a number of aviation badges originally issued by the U.S. Army during World War II. Such badges are no longer authorized and are now categorized as obsolete badges. The following is a list of modern-day United States Air Force badges:

[edit] See also

• Military badges of the United States
• Obsolete badges of the United States military

[edit] Sources

• AFI 36-2923, Aeronautical, Duty and Occupational Badges, 1 May 97
• AFI 11-402, Aviation and Parachutist Service, Aeronautical Ratings and Badges, 29 July 2003