Why aren't E4's in the Air Force a part of the NCO Core when they can tasked to become one?

TSgt Terry Hudson — Fri, 15 Aug 2014 03:26:25 -0400

Senior Airman are expected to step-up and take charge and act as if they are already NCO's. In every other branch E4's are NCO's (We know the Army has that lateral promotion in some MOS's where a CPL is an NCO but not a SPC although both are E4). Why not in the AF? Do you think the the rank of Sergeant should be brought back? Do you think E4's should be considered NCO's in the AF or Military period? Or should E4's remain as is?

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 15 at 2014 3:39 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Fri, 15 Aug 2014 03:39:14 -0400

I think that E-4's are still on the learning curve for the basics in leadership. In the Army, I thought being a Corporal was just miserable. You are in purgatory. That being said, it motivated me to kick things into high gear and to step up my desire to take on more responsibility. I knew some powerful E-4's and would trust them with more responsibility than they had. Are you going through some unnecessary drama in the AF at the time?

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 15 at 2014 12:49 PM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Aug 2014 12:49:39 -0400

I personally feel like it should stay as is, kind of like what SFC Mark Merino said. While we're expected to learn to become a NCO and pratically be one at SrA. I feel like pure experience beats all. We both know of people who got promoted to SSgt and only because they're book smart and lack every bit of leadership skills required. I feel like its that perfect bridge. Not quite bottom of the barrel yet not too high either. SrA are slightly over A1C, and can get pratice in that area. I also feel like maturity is a big thing too. Although sometimes you have older men/women who are SrA, if a SrA had SSgt rights or espectations some would not handle it well or maturely. Since SrA is given to us, Itd put a lot of pressure on A1Cs to get their act together REAL quick...which isnt entirely bad but would be pretty nerve racking.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2014 12:31 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 16 Aug 2014 12:31:39 -0400

I think that the SrA rank should remain as is, but that E-4's should spend all of their time at that rank figuring out what it takes to be an NCO, learning the SSgt's responsibilities in their duty section and mastering them, and asking for more opportunities to lead. If you want them to look at you as an NCO, you have to perform as an NCO. I was always taught that good airmen work a stripe or two ahead. When I was an A1C, I had to fill an acting NCOIC spot in my duty section due to a manning shortage in our flight at the time. Now that I have a line number, I'm shadowing TSgts and trying to master everything that they do.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2015 11:33 AM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Oct 2015 11:33:33 -0400

TSgt Terry Hudson what would you anticipate the biggest difference would be if you were considered an NCO as an E4 as opposed to waiting until E5? We have had other discussions about this on RP, specifically talking about prestige that comes with ranks. While NCO does come with prestige, it is the person wearing it that earns the prestige, not the rank/NCO status. Just curious what you think the benefit would be? Thanks!

Response by TSgt John Hull made Oct 29 at 2015 11:47 AM

TSgt John Hull — Thu, 29 Oct 2015 11:47:59 -0400

Prior to the implementation of the E-4 SRA rank an individual had to wait for an NCO opening to be promoted to E-4 Sargent. At the time their was a limited amount of NCOs allowed in proportion to Airman. I suppose there is still some limitations today. With the implementation of the SRA rank, A1Cs can be promoted and draw the E-4 pay as soon as their time in grade (TIG) is met. Prior to the SRA rank A1Cs had to wait past their TIG allocation waiting for an NCO slot. The present process allows Airmen to continue in training while drawing E-4 pay. I wish it had been that way when I served. I was an A1C longer that I was a Sgt, E-4.

Response by Cpl Clinton Britt made Nov 28 at 2015 7:39 PM

Cpl Clinton Britt — Sat, 28 Nov 2015 19:39:24 -0500

E4 in the Marine Corps is a NCO

Response by Capt George Kent Brashear made May 3 at 2019 11:26 PM

Capt George Kent Brashear — Fri, 03 May 2019 23:26:48 -0400

This can be a problem, especially on bases where Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marines serve together. As an E-4 I was an airman first class, then that rank name was changed to sergeant again in the late sixties. Then came that senior airman/sergeant period in the seventies.

Historically, corporal and petty officer third class have been NCO ranks with a little bump in prestige like NCO club membership. I know I didn't like it when my three stripes couldn't get me into the NCO Club while sister service E-4s could.

I know I could handle NCO duties and responsibilities because one morning I woke up as an E-4 sergeant and went to bed that same night as a second lieutenant. And I was years away from making SSgt. Air Force E-4s, especially those with over four should be NCOs.