Badges of the United States Air Force are military awards authorized by the United States Air Force that signify aeronautical ratings, special skills, career field qualifications, and serve as identification devices for personnel occupying certain assignments. The newest badge to be authorized for wear is the Cyberspace Operator Badge, first awarded to qualified officers on April 30, 2010 at Bolling Air Force Base, Washington, DC. [1] [2]
Most Air Force badges are awarded in three degrees or skill levels. Aeronautical rating badges for Pilots (including operators of unmanned aircraft), Navigators/Combat Systems Officers/Observers, and Air Battle Managers are awarded at Basic, Senior, and Command levels; while flight nurses and flight surgeons are awarded ratings at the Basic, Senior, and Chief levels. All other aviation badges are awarded at the Basic, Senior, and Master levels. Occupational badges are normally issued in Basic, Senior, and Master level for officers. Enlisted occupational 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. [1]
Chaplain, aviation, space, and cyberspace badges are mandatory for wear on Air Force uniforms. Wear of all other badges is optional. The Air Force is the most restrictive service with regards to which Air Force badges may be worn on the uniforms by other branches of the US Armed Forces. Most Air Force badges may only be displayed on Air Force uniforms. [1]
The Air Force previously authorized continued use of a number of aviation badges originally issued by the US Army during World War II. Such badges are no longer authorized and are now categorized as obsolete badges.
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The following aviation badges also serve as occupational badges, formally known as aeronautical rating badges:
The following badges serve as aircrew qualification badges:
An Air Force Occupational Badge is a military badge of the United States Air Force which is awarded to those members of the line Air Force community who are engaged in duties “other than flying”. The purpose of the Air Force Occupational Badge is to denote and recognize training, education and qualifications received in a particular career field and to provide recognition in an outwardly displayed badge. [1] [5]
The first Air Force Occupational Badges began appearing on Air Force uniforms in the late 1950s. Prior to this time, the only Air Force badges authorized were the Pilot’s Badge and other aeronautical career badges such as the Navigator Badge and Flight Surgeon Badge.
The following Operations Career Group insignia are worn as flashes or crests on unique Air Force berets vs. the left breast of Air Force uniforms. Both the breast insignia and the following flashes/creats signify the same thing, an Air Force occupational specialty. [6]
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