Junior Enlisted Tier — AB through SrA
Tier Overview
- Airman Basic (AB)
- Airman (Amn)
- Airman First Class (A1C)
- Senior Airman (SrA)
Focus Areas
Initial enlisted accessions enter the USAF in this tier and are introduced to the foundational competencies. They focus on:
- Adapting to the military
- Being part of the profession of arms
- Achieving occupational proficiency
- Learning to be productive members of the USAF
Readiness
In this tier, Airmen are trained, qualified, and ready to operate at home station and in an expeditionary environment, and they prepare for increased responsibilities.
Airmanship Continuum
- 100 — BMT
- 200 — Technical Training
- 300 — First-Term Airmen Center
Airman Basic (AB) and Newly Enlisted Airmen
Airmen Basic, as well as Airmen who initially enlist as Airman or Airman First Class, are primarily:
- Adapting to the military profession
- Acquiring knowledge of USAF standards, customs, courtesies
- Striving to attain occupational proficiency under close supervision
Airman (Amn)
Airmen continue learning and adapting to the military profession and are expected to understand and conform to military standards, customs, and courtesies.
An Airman:
- Begins to show occupational proficiency at basic tasks
- Still requires significant supervision and support
Airman First Class (A1C)
Airmen First Class:
- Fully comply with USAF standards
- Devote time to increasing skills in their career fields and the military profession
- Become effective team members
For the A1C, continued supervision is essential to ongoing occupational and professional growth.
Senior Airman (SrA)
Senior Airmen commonly perform as skilled technicians and trainers. They begin developing supervisory and leadership skills through:
- Progressive responsibility
- Individual study
- Mentoring
Senior Airmen strive to establish themselves as effective trainers through the maximum use of guidance and assistance from officer and enlisted leaders.