The United States Space Force (USSF) is one of six military branches. It aims to carry out global space operations via organizing, training, and equipping Guardians in the dynamic space domain. 

Like other armed branches, the ranking system of the U.S. Space Force includes various types of ranks and distinctive insignias. More specifically, on January 29, 2021, the Space Force’s official rank system was revealed. Then, official insignia’s for each guardian rank were announced eight months later. The difference of responsibility’s level and seniority will vary depending on rank, insignia and pay grade that an individual holds. Now, in this paper, we will dig deeper into the U.S. Space Force Ranks ordered by seniority for both enlisted personnel and officers . Let’s get started. 

 

1. U.S. Space Force Ranks: Specialist (E1 through E4)

 

The USSF is the only component of the military that does not recruit new members during basic training. Instead, the U.S. Air Force’s space systems operations career field has provided the Space Force with its prospective guardians. The base rank for these individuals is that of a specialist in the U.S. Space Force.

 

1.1. Specialist 1 (Spc1)

 

  • Classification: Specialist
  • Pay Grade: E1
  • Abbreviation:  Spc1
  • Terms of address: Specialist, Spec1, or Specialist 1

Almost all specialist 1 space force guardians have derived from the Air Force. Like any other new recruit, specialist 1 must accomplish basic training. E-1 specialists may get promoted automatically to E-2 ones if they meet all requirements of performance and conduct as well. 

 

1.2. Specialist 2 (Spc2)

 

The U.S. Space Force Specialist 2
The U.S. Space Force Specialist 2 Insignia

 

  • Classification: Specialist
  • Pay Grade: E2
  • Abbreviation:  Spc2
  • Terms of address:  Specialist, Spec2, or Specialist 2

Serving as a Specialist 2 in the Space Force requires you to commit to military culture, learn trade effectively as well as undergo the Air Force’s basic training with specialized education in the subject of space systems operations (1C6) 

With regard to military promotion, the supervisor will be granted automatic promotion to E-2 as long as the supervisor meets the requirements of time in service and conduct. Furthermore, guardians may advance to the rank of specialist 2 if they complete coursework in space operation. A specialist 2 must have at least 10-month service to be promoted to Specialist 3. 

 

1.3. Specialist 3 (Spc3)

 

The U.S. Space Force Specialist 3
The U.S. Space Force Specialist 3 Insignia

 

  • Classification: Specialist
  • Pay Grade: E3
  • Abbreviation:  Spc3
  • Terms of address:  Specialist, Spec3, or Specialist 3

USSF guardians at the Specialist 3 take responsibilities for not only implementing their assignments promptly and effectively but also honing their professional abilities. Furthermore, they also sharpen professional expertise and accomplish routine tasks in space system operations. 

 

1.4. Specialist 4 (Spc4)

 

The U.S. Space Force Specialist 4
The U.S. Space Force Specialist 4 Insignia
  • Classification: Specialist
  • Pay Grade: E4
  • Abbreviation:  Spc4
  • Terms of address:  Specialist, Spec4, or Specialist 4

In the Space Force, Specialist 4 guardians must adhere to prescribed standards, have a positive influence and become a good example for their subordinates and peers.

>>> Related Article: The U.S. Marine Corps Officer Ranks Ordered By Seniority

 

2. U.S. Space Force Ranks: Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) (E-5 through E-6)

 

Non-commissioned officers whose ranks are E-5 and E-6 are also known as NCOs. Guardians have to compete for promotions based on WAPS (Weighted Airman Promotion System) to reach this rank. Some factors might be taken into consideration when assessing NCO eligibility for promotion: 

 

  • Time in service (TIS)
  • Time in grade (TIG)
  • Skill level
  • Commander recommendations
  • WAPS points which can be earned with Medals, Awards, Positive performance evaluations, Promotion fitness exam, Specialty knowledge test (SKT). Bear in mind that the higher WAPS guardians earn, the more opportunities for promotion they obtain. 

 

2.1. Sergeant (Sgt)

 

The U.S. Space Force Sergeant
The U.S. Space Force Sergeant Insignia
  • Classification: Non-Commissioned Officer 
  • Pay Grade: E5
  • Terms of address: Sergeant
  • Abbreviation:  Sgt

Sergeant is the lowest rank in the Non-Commissioned Officers ranking system. Sergeants actively enhance their technical and managerial abilities. They should be at least level 5 of journeymen or level 7 of craftsmen. 

 

2.2. Technical Sergeant (TSgt)

 

The U.S. Space Force Technical Sergeant
The U.S. Space Force Technical Sergeant Insignia

 

  • Classification: Non-Commissioned Officer 
  • Pay Grade: E6
  • Terms of address: Sergeant, Technical Sergeant, or Tech Sergeant
  • Abbreviation:  TSgt

Technical sergeant is the second-highest noncommissioned officer rank in the United States Security Forces. The duties of a technical sergeant comprises supervision and complex technical work. 

They are in charge of fostering the professional development of their staff members and making sure that everyone has access to the resources they require to perform their duties effectively.Besides, the TSgt is responsible for providing all enlisted soldiers with the necessary equipment in order to ensure peak performance and total mission success. 

The fundamental requirements for promotion to tech sergeant in the Air Force, including a 7-skill level and five years of time in service, are the same as those for promotion to staff sergeant in the service. However, the TIG requirement is lessened to 23 months.

>>> Related Article: U.S. Navy Ranks

 

3. U.S. Space Force Ranks: Senior Non-Commissioned Officer

 

3.1. Master Sergeant (MSgt)

 

The U.S. Space Force Master Sergeant
The U.S. Space Force Master Sergeant Insignia
  • Classification: Senior Non-Commissioned Officer
  • Pay Grade: E7
  • Terms of address: Sergeant or Master Sergeant
  • Abbreviation:  MSgt

Master Sergeants (MSgts) are required to have a deep understanding of their technical aspects and take on more leadership roles. MSgts are known as senior-level commanders with extensive technical expertise in seven areas. To take over this position, a master sergeant must have a broader technological and administrative perspective and take significantly increased responsibility. 

Generally speaking, promotions to Master Sergeant (E-7) in the Space Force are comparable to those to E-5 and E-6 levels, with the following exceptions: A 7-skill level is compulsory, as well as 8 years of Time-in-Serve and 24 months of Time-in-Grade.

 

3.2. Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt)

 

The U.S. Space Force Senior Master Sergeant
The U.S. Space Force Senior Master Sergeant Insignia
  • Classification: Senior Non-Commissioned Officer
  • Pay Grade: E8
  • Terms of address: Senior or Senior Master Sergeant
  • Abbreviation:  SMSgt

Promotion to senior master sergeant requires you to serve for roughly 15-30 years. Only 2% of enlisted personnel are elevated to SMSgt by the central promotion board after reviewing and assessing their professional competence, performance, experience, leadership, education, and other aspects.  Hence, it seems difficult to reach the rank of senior master sergeant. Main responsibilities of senior master sergeants are to supervise and instruct the work of those under their command.

 

3.3. Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt)

 

The U.S. Space Force Chief Master Sergeant
The U.S. Space Force Chief Master Sergeant Insignia

 

  • Classification: Senior Non-Commissioned Officer
  • Pay Grade: E9
  • Terms of address: Chief or Chief Master Sergeant
  • Abbreviation:  CMSgt

A Chief Enlisted Manager (CEM) code is given to a CMSgt, giving them the power to serve in any managerial capacity and carry out any task that isn’t expressly prohibited by law or order. Command chief master sergeants give base commanders advice, communicate with them, and share information that could affect the mission and operations of the command.Typically, Chief master sergeants carry out the duties of managers, supervisors, and counselors. In the US military, Chief Master Sergeant is a rank that is typically attained after more than 22 years of continuous service.

The highest rank you can achieve, unless you want to join the Space Force, is chief master sergeant. A guardian who rises to the rank of chief master sergeant in the military is in charge of management, counsel, and leadership. The E-9 rank is only available to 1% of active duty personnel.

 

3.4. Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force (CMSSF)

 

Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force
Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force Insignia
  • Classification: Senior Non-Commissioned Officer
  • Pay Grade: E9
  • Terms of address: Chief or Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force
  • Abbreviation:  CMSSF

In addition to the Chief Master Sergeant, the Chief Master Sergeant is the highest enlisted rank in the Space Force. The CMSSF is responsible for representing the USSF’s enlisted personnel while also serving as the corps’ overall leader and mentor. Besides, the CMSSF provides information on the current enlisted force, including morale and progress reports, to the chief of staff for the Space Force and the secretary of the Space Force. 

>>> Related Article: The U.S. Air Force Enlisted Ranks

 

4. U.S. Space Force Ranks: Company Grade officers, Field Grade officers, and General Officers (O-1 through O-10)

 

The USSF commissioned officers (COS) are broken down into the following levels: 

  • Company-Grade Officers (O-1 to O-3)
  • Field-Grade Officers (O-4 to O-6)
  • General Officers (O-7 to O-10)

 

4.1. Second Lieutenant (2nd Lt)

 

The U.S. Space Force Second Lieutenant
The U.S. Space Force Second Lieutenant Insignia
  • Classification: Company-Grade Officers 
  • Pay Grade: O-1
  • Terms of address: Lieutenant or Second Lieutenant
  • Abbreviation:  2nd Lt

Second lieutenants, who are new commissioned officers, receive training in various areas. There are some Air Force officers with commission who may opt to skip this level. Additionally, a second lieutenant often gets promoted to the first lieutenant after 24 months “in-grade”

 

4.2. First Lieutenant (1st Lt)

 

The U.S. Space Force First Lieutenant
The U.S. Space Force First Lieutenant Insignia

 

  • Classification: Company-Grade Officers
  • Pay Grade: O-2
  • Terms of address: Lieutenant or First Lieutenant
  • Abbreviation:  1st Lt

Generally speaking, first lieutenants have responsibilities similar to those of second lieutenants but are paid more and have more power. A first lieutenant in the Air Force is typically considered for promotion to captain after serving for 24 months.

 

4.3. Captain (Capt)

 

The U.S. Space Force Captain
The U.S. Space Force Captain Insignia
  • Classification: Company-Grade Officers
  • PayGrade: O-3
  • Terms of address: Captain
  • Abbreviation:  Capt

Captains, known as the company commanders, are responsible for and assigned to a specific Flight. A captain typically needs to serve for 24 months in the Air Force before becoming qualified for promotion to major.

 

4.4. Major (Maj)

 

The U.S. Space Force Major Insignia
The U.S. Space Force Major Insignia
  • Classification: Field-Grade Officers
  • Pay Grade: O-4
  • Terms of address: Major
  • Abbreviation:  Maj

Once you’ve reached the major level, you’ll be responsible for leading and overseeing other people. They typically operate at the squadron or wing level. In some circumstances, they might become the leader of a squad. For graduation, students in all majors must complete a master’s program or higher.

 

4.5. Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col)

 

The U.S. Space Force Lieutenant Colonel Insignia
The U.S. Space Force Lieutenant Colonel Insignia

 

  • Classification: Field-Grade Officers
  • Pay Grade: O-5
  • Terms of address: Colonel or Lieutenant Colonel
  • Abbreviation:  Maj

A lieutenant colonel is expected to perform as a leader, assist the colonel in their duties and advise less senior commanders.

 

4.6. Colonel (Col)

 

The U.S. Space Force Colonel Insignia
The U.S. Space Force Colonel Insignia

 

  • Classification: Field-Grade Officers
  • Pay Grade: O-6
  • Terms of address: Colonel
  • Abbreviation:  Col

The highest rank of field officers is known as colonel. The purpose of the colonel’s office is to improve base productivity and standard of living. They supervise the training facilities and may simultaneously be in charge of up to 4,000 military personnel.

 

4.7. Brigadier General (Brig Gen)

 

The U.S. Space Force Brigadier General Insignia
The U.S. Space Force Brigadier General Insignia
  • Classification: General Officers 
  • PayGrade: O-7
  • Terms of address: General or Brigadier General
  • Abbreviation:  Brig Gen

To become a Brigadier General, you must overcome a long and challenging journey.  More specifically,  a list of prospective candidates, compiled by a group of general officers, will be sent to the President, eventually making the promotion decisions. 

Brigadier generals are in charge of larger military installations while frequently ignoring the Pentagon’s top brass and other senior employees. They participate in events meant to raise morale and spirits. The position also entails routine leadership and management duties. Generals must retire after 30 years of service or after five years of holding the rank of brigadier general.

 

4.8. Major General (Maj Gen)

 

The U.S. Space Force Major General Insignia
The U.S. Space Force Major General Insignia
  • Classification: General Officers 
  • Pay Grade: O-8
  • Terms of address: Major General
  • Abbreviation:  Maj Gen

The next rank for general officers is major general. Major generals are the ultimate authority over joint force commanders and other senior officers who are in charge of up to 10,000 soldiers.

 

4.9. Lieutenant General (Lt Gen)

The U.S. Space Force Lieutenant General Insignia
The U.S. Space Force Lieutenant General Insignia

 

  • Classification: General Officers 
  • PayGrade: O-9
  • Terms of address: Lieutenant General or General
  • Abbreviation:  Lt Gen

From among the current Air Force General Officers, the President appoints Lieutenant Generals. They will vacate that position when their term is over.

Lieutenant generals are typically in charge of overseeing significant installations and outposts. They have a lot of control over the general morale and direction of their troops.

 

4.10. General (Gen)

 

The U.S. Space Force General Insignia
The U.S. Space Force General Insignia

 

  • Classification: General Officers 
  • Pay Grade: O-10
  • Terms of address: General
  • Abbreviation:  Gen

General is the highest rank that can be attained in the Space Force. Each of these individuals holds a high position at the Pentagon and other organizations.

In short, the U.S. Space Force ranks in order are provided above. You should visit our site to learn more about our series of U.S. ranks by branches or take our free ASVAB practice questions.