Think of the Air Force and you imagine soldiers in sky blue uniforms with medals and rank insignia. Each institution follows a hierarchy. The Royal Australian Air Force is no different. Here, we will look at their ranks from lowest to highest order.
Did You Know?
RAAF uses hot air balloons for aviation. They are one of the earliest and oldest forms of aviation. They were also used in World War I. It is based in Canberra, and is used by the members to meet the Air Force personnel. It also promotes the RAAF and inspires young people.
The armed forces is what protects the country day and night. You get a sense of relief that you are guarded by all sides of the country, whether land, water, or the skies. A salute to all the armed forces personnel who sacrifice their sleep and lives for their countries, and make us proud!
One of them is the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). It was established in 1921. It is the second-oldest Air Force in the world, and the youngest among the three defense forces of Australia. Initially, it began as Australian Flying Corps. On March 31, 1921, it became known as the RAAF. The motto that appears on the Coat of Arms of the RAAF is “Per Ardua ad Astra”. It means “Through Struggle to the Stars.”
The ranks help define a disciplined structure and hierarchy of any defense force in this world. The RAAF’s rank structure was passed on to it from the Royal Air Force (RAF). The insignia are used to identify the ranks and are almost similar to that of the RAF, except that ‘Australia’ can be seen at the bottom of each insignia of every rank. The ranks are worn by the officers and airmen on their shoulders or sleeves depending on the rank. They are worn on all uniforms. In formal and official occasions, the Australian Air Force officers are addressed by their ranks followed by their names and family names. The ranks are abbreviated, but written all in uppercase and without any spaces unlike other defense organizations. They are segregated according to the seniority and degree of responsibilities.
Let’s have a look the ranks and insignia of the Royal Australian Air Force.
Royal Australian Air Force | ||
Other Ranks – Starting from Junior most | ||
Rank | Abbreviation | Rank Insignia |
Airmen | ||
Aircraftman | AC | No rank insignia. Plain rank with ‘Australia’ at the below. |
Leading Aircraftman | LAC | A single-bar chevron |
Non-Commissioned Officers | ||
Corporal | CPL | A two-bar chevron |
Sergeant | SGT | A three-bar chevron. |
Flight Sergeant | FSGT | A three-bar chevron surmounted by a crown. |
Warrant Officers | ||
Warrant Officer | WOFF | Australian Coat of Arms embroidered in blue/silver. |
Warrant Officer of the Air Force | WOFF-AF | Australian Coat of Arms surrounded by a laurel wreath embroidered in blue/silver. |
Officers – Starting from Junior most | ||
Rank | Abbreviation | Rank Insignia |
Trainee Officers | ||
Officer Cadet | OFFCDT | A White Gorget patch |
Junior Officers | ||
Pilot Officer | PLTOFF | One row of narrow braid. |
Flying Officer | FLGOFF | One row of medium braid. |
Flight Lieutenant | FLTLT | Two rows of medium braid. |
Senior Officers | ||
Squadron Leader | SQNLDR | One row of medium braid, one row of narrow braid, and one row of medium braid. |
Wing Commander | WGCDR | Three rows of medium braid. |
Group Captain | GPCPT | Four rows of medium braid. |
Air Officers | ||
Air Commodore | AIRCDRE | One row of broad braid. |
Air Vice Marshal | AVM | One row of broad braid and one row of medium braid. |
Air Marshal | AIRMSHL | One row of broad braid and two rows of medium braid. |
Air Chief Marshal | ACM | One row of broad braid and three rows of medium braid. |
Marshal of the RAAF | MRAAF | One row of broad braid and four rows of medium braid. |
This was in brief about the Air Force ranks of the RAAF. The rank of Marshal of the Royal Australian Air Force (MRAAF) is not an active rank, and is considered to be an honorary or ceremonial rank. The Duke of Edinburgh holds the rank of Marshal of the Royal Australian Air Force (MRAAF) along with the honorary ranks of Marshal of the Royal Air Force and Marshal of the Royal New Zealand Air Force.
If you wish to do something for your country and fly high, then joining the Air Force is the best option for you. Undoubtedly, this is one of the most elite and heroic careers for those who want to make their country proud!