Worn by Aides-de-Camp serving the Secretary of the Air Force, Air Force Chief and Vice Chief of Staff, and Commanders and Generals in the O-10 pay grade, this collar insignia features the four stars that have been used for the grade since the Air Force was established in 1947. Aides-de-Camp are the Air Force’s version of an executive assistant, assisting O-10 commanders in the organization of their schedules, travel plans, event attendance (and planning), uniform and wardrobe preparation and maintenance, and much more.
Because the meetings and events attended (or hosted) by O-10 Commanders and Generals are typically highly formal affairs, Officers who have been tabbed to serve as Aides-de-Camp must have an encyclopedic knowledge not only of Air Force history, customs, and traditions, but also those of other military branches—including at times the military of other nations.
Officers who have been chosen for consideration as an Aide-de-Camp to an O-10 Commander or General must pass a Single Scope Background Investigation because they can come in contact with highly classified material.