SNCO Tier — MSgt, SMSgt, and CMSgt
Tier Overview
The Three SNCO Ranks
The Senior Noncommissioned Officer (SNCO) tier consists of:
- Master Sergeant (MSgt)
- Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt)
- Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt)
Role of SNCOs
Profession of Arms Leaders
SNCOs serve as leaders in the profession of arms.
They:
- Advise
- Supervise
- Mentor
- Develop junior enlisted Airmen and NCOs under their charge
Continued Development
In this tier, SNCOs:
- Continue professional development
- Participate in decision-making processes on a variety of technical, operational, and organizational issues
They have a great deal of leadership experience to leverage resources and personnel against a variety of mission requirements.
Continued professional development through:
- Functional opportunities
- Professional military education
- Sister service or international SNCO courses (may attend)
Master Sergeant (MSgt)
Master Sergeants are technical experts, transitioning from first-line supervisors to leaders of operational competence.
This rank carries increased responsibilities for:
- Leadership
- Management
- Team building
Broadening Opportunities
Master Sergeants should consider broadening opportunities through the developmental special duty selection process.
SNCOA Required Before SMSgt
Master Sergeants must complete the SNCO Academy before assuming the grade of Senior Master Sergeant.
MSgt Address
Written abbreviation: "MSgt". Official term of address: "Master Sergeant" or "Sergeant".
Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt)
Senior Master Sergeants are experienced, operational leaders, skilled at merging team talents, skills, and resources with other organizations.
SMSgt Address
Written abbreviation: "SMSgt". Official term of address: "Senior Master Sergeant", "Senior", or "Sergeant".
Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt)
Chief Master Sergeants:
- Possess substantial operational and occupational experience
- Hold strategic leadership positions with tremendous influence
- Are charged with mentoring and developing junior enlisted personnel
- Influence the professional development of company grade officers
CLC Required for New Chiefs
All newly selected RegAF chiefs will attend the Chief Leadership Course. Newly selected Reserve Component chiefs will attend either the Chief Leadership Course or their Chief Orientation Course.
CMSgt Address
Written abbreviation: "CMSgt". Official term of address: "Chief Master Sergeant" or "Chief".