Of all the different military branches out there, the one that people tend to know the least about is the United States Space Force, sometimes abbreviated as USSF. The space force is a recent addition to the military – President Donald Trump signed it into law back in 2019.
For this reason, you couldn’t be blamed if you weren’t familiar with the space force ranks. After all, they’re brand new!
They were announced in the beginning of 2021 and are mostly modeled off the ranking conventions of the United States Air Force. What are these Space Force positions and what should you know about them? What opportunities do they present to those hoping to join the military? Read on.
Specialist 1 (E-1)
The rankings of the Space Force are broken down broadly into three levels, just like the Air Force. Those who graduate from basic training and become regular members of the military become what is known as a Space Force specialist.
The official designation of this position is Specialist 1 (E-1). This is the most basic rank in the Space Force and is awarded to all members who advance from Air Force to Space.
If you’re interested in joining the Armed Forces and eventually the Space Force, this is the initial position you’ll be aiming for. The longer you stay with the Space Force, the more your position will rise, becoming a E-2, then E-3 and so forth.
These advancements are based on time enrolled and overall behavior in the position.
Non-Commissioned Officers (E-5,6)
When Space Force members climb as high as E-5 and E-6 in the military rankings, they are given a different title. These officers are referred to as Non-Commissioned Officers.
These Officers are meant to perfectly embody all of the personal integrity and devotion to duty that the military requires.
A commander’s recommendation is required for a Space Force member to make the leap to this position, and certain tests and exams must be passed as well. Those who score the highest on these exams will be promoted.
Space Force Sergeants
When a Space Force member exhibits extraordinary leadership beyond the role of NCO, they can begin to climb into the highest ranks of the Space Force ranks.
Generally speaking, a member of the Space Force will need to have been enlisted for over four years before they will be considered for promotion to sergeant.
This is a highly technical skill that will require true mastery over all elements of Space Force work, in addition to honed leadership skills for the supervision of others.
Above the role of sergeant are Master Sergeant, Senior Master Sergeant, and Chief Master Sergeant, though few military members will ever climb to these ranks.
Understanding Space Force Ranks
If you are thinking about joining the armed forces, it makes sense that you’ll want to know the ins and outs of the military ranking. The above depiction of the Space Force ranks can help you to understand what positions you may seek if you do sign up with the military.
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