US Air Force Sergeant and Senior Airman
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30 DECEMBER 1975 The E-2 through E-4 rank chevrons were reviewed in December 1975 during a CORONA TOP meeting which examined a proposed three tier enlisted force organization . A new criteria for advancement to NCO status was decided and announced to the major commands on 30 December 1975 . A key aspect of the new program was a new insignia for Senior Airmen and below. The insignia would sport a blue star instead of a silver star in the center of the chevrons 19 MARCH 1991 General Merril McPeak, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, announced the termination of the E-4 NCO (Sergeant) status, effective 2 May 1991 . In place since October 1967, the removal of NCO status for E-4s was due to a number of reasons . Officials cited that with fewer enlisted accessions (due to the mandated drawdown of personnel ordered by the U.S . Congress) ratio between NCOs and Airmen was off balance. Seventy-seven percent of the enlisted force were NCOs, with the E-4 Sergeants accounted for 28 percent of the NCO corps . Yet less than half of them were in positions of responsibility . By dropping NCO status of E-4s, General McPeak believed the Air Force would have a better ratio of NCOs to Airmen . Those in the rank of E-4 Sergeant would continue in that capacity until promoted to Staff Sergeant or separated from the Air Force . This action brought Staff Sergeants back as the first level NCO grade as it had been in 1952 through 1967 . In addition, a reduction of E-4 Sergeants would reduce the NCO strength of the enlisted force to 52 percent. The reduced Air Force budget also had a share in the demise of the appointment ceremony from E-4 Senior Airman to E-4 Sergeant . Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Gary Pfingston cited the cost savings by eliminating the monthly NCO status appointment program. ref. A CHRONOLOGY OF THE ENLISTED RANK CHEVRON OF THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE by TSgt Barry L . Spink Air Force Historical Research Agency 19 February 1992 |