Since 1991, the Staff Sergeant (E-5) has been the first rung on the Air Force’s noncommissioned officer ladder, making it the only one of the five Armed Forces of the United States to not have a noncommissioned officer in the E-4 rating. This was not the first time that Staff Sergeant had been the entry-level NCO position in the Air Force: the service had eliminated the E-4 rate of Sergeant in 1952 and had not revived it until 1967.
To qualify for advancement to E-5 Staff Sergeant, Senior Airman must have logged three years Time-in-Service, six months in the E-4 grade, and have earned a 5 on the Air Force Skill Level rating (possible scores are 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9, with 9 the maximum). Senior Airmen chosen for promotion to Staff Sergeants are required to attend Airman Leadership School, were they will be taught both leadership skills and administrative duties incumbent with their new pay grade.
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Embroidered Staff Sergeant rank insignias are worn on a variety of utility uniforms and outerwear garments and is available in two patterns, the ABU (Airman Battle Uniform) and OCP, or Operational Camouflage Pattern (note that insignias for certain garments like the Sage Green Fleece are classified as “ABU” but have a solid background rather than a camo pattern).
Both OCP and ABU embroidered rank insignias are available in three attachment styles you may choose from in the selection box to right—sew-on, hook and loop (Rank with Velcro), and slip-on (Gortex loop). When making selections for the OCP coat insignia, note that the attachment style must be the same as the style used for the nametape and USAF tape.
| Uniform/Garment | Selections |
| OCP Coat | Rank with Velcro, OCP
Sew-on, OCP |
| ABU Coat (Officer) | Sew-on, ABU |
| ABU Coat (Enlisted) | Shoulder chevrons (go) |
| OCP Patrol Cap (Officers) | Sew-on, OCP |
| ABU Patrol Cap (Officers) | Sew-on, ABU |
| APECS | Gortex Loop, ABU |
| Improved Rain Suit | Gortex Loop, ABU |
| Sage Green Fleece | Rank with Velcro, ABU |
| Coyote Brown Fleece | Rank with Velcro, ABU |
| Woodland Gore-Tex Jacket | Gortex Loop, OCP |
| ECWCS | Gortex Loop, OCP |
Introduced in October 2018 as the successor to the ABU, the OCP utility uniform replaced the ABU’s system of different insignia placement for Officers (collars) and Enlisted Airmen (shoulders); all personnel wear their rank insignia on the chest of the OCP. Customers who need the sew-on ABU Staff Sergeant shoulder rank insignia can purchase them by clicking the "Sew-On Chevrons" link below. The ABU is currently being phased out and has a mandatory wear-out date of 31 March 2021.
More E-5 Staff Sergeant Insignia and Devices
More E-5 Staff Sergeant Insignia and Devices