Table of Contents
What is the insignia of a Command Chief Master Sergeant?
The rank insignia for Senior Master Sergeant is the same as the Master Sergeant’s, three silver, downward pointing chevrons outlined in blue with an encircled star at the point with two curved chevrons below the star, but with two upward pointing chevrons over the downward pointing ones, instead of just one.
How do you address a Chief Master Sergeant in the Air Force?
The correct way to address a Chief Master Sergeant named Mr. Smith is “Chief Master Sergeant Smith”, or written as CMSgt Smith. In formal situations, a Chief Master Sergeant should always be addressed by their full rank.
What does a Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force do?

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force. Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass represents the highest enlisted level of leadership, and as such, provides direction for the enlisted force and represents their interests, as appropriate, to the American public and to those in all levels of government.
What is a Chief Master Sergeant equivalent?
Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt) It is equivalent to the rank of sergeant major in the Army, master gunnery sergeant/sergeant major in the Marines, and master chief petty officer in the Navy/Coast Guard.
Is master sergeant a high rank in the Air Force?
The rank of chief master sergeant is the highest Air Force enlisted rank, with the exception of the chief master sergeant of the Air Force. The CMSAF is a distinctive rank with special basic and retired pay rates set by law.
Do you salute the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force?

By saluting first, the person is demonstrating deference to the senior rank, NOT inferiority to the person being saluted. This chief master sergeant proudly salutes her second lieutenant son, and after that exchange, he hugs his mother.
How long can a Chief Master Sergeant stay in the Air Force?
30 years
The HYT limits for both chief master sergeant (30 years) and staff sergeant (20 years) will remain the same since they were not raised in 2003.
Is Chief Master Sergeant higher than major?
A chief master sergeant in the U.S. Air Force is the highest senior non-commissioned officer rank and directly above senior master sergeant. It is equivalent to the rank of sergeant major in the Army, master gunnery sergeant/sergeant major in the Marines, and master chief petty officer in the Navy/Coast Guard.
What it means to be a Chief Master Sergeant?
Command chief master sergeants serve as the senior enlisted advisors to commanders at key levels of command; these include Wings, Numbered Air Forces, Field Operating Agencies, and Major Commands.
How long does it take to become a Chief Master Sergeant in the Air Force?
The Air Force established selection criteria for the position, which whittled potential nominees down to 2,200 chief master sergeants from the more than 5,900 chiefs on active duty. Candidates had to have at least 22 years of activeduty service and two years’ time in grade as a chief master sergeant.
How high is Chief Master Sergeant?
United States. Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt) is the ninth, and highest, enlisted rank in the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Space Force, just above Senior Master Sergeant, and is a senior non-commissioned officer rank. The official term is “Chief Master Sergeant” or “Chief”.