The U.S. Air Force Technical Sergeant metal rank insignia is not worn on any Dress or Mess Dress uniform variations, but rather on optional garments such as the Blue Pullover, Blue Cardigan, and White Cardigan sweaters (the latter is only authorized for wear with the Maternity Jumper and Long- and Short-Sleeved Maternity Blouses). On these garments, the metal Technical Sergeant insignia is worn on the epaulets with the bottom of the rank facing toward the seam between the sleeve and the shoulder and the chevron ends parallel to the epaulet edges.
Air Force uniform regulations also call for the wear of metal rank insignia by enlisted Airmen on the collars of the All-Weather Coat and the Top Coat, as well as on the surgical scrub shirt (placed a half-inch above the name tag). The decision to allow the wear of metal collar chevrons on these types of garments was made in 1974 after seven years of debate and discussion. In August of that year, Air Force Chief of Staff David Jones approved metal enlisted rank insignia on raincoats, men’s optional topcoats, the lightweight blue jacket, the food handler’s coat, and medical and dental whites. Enlisted personnel now wear 4-inch chevrons on the Chef’s coat, and in 2010 the Air Force phased out the wear of metal chevrons on the lightweight blue jacket.
More E-6 Technical Sergeant Insignia and Devices