Chief Master Sergeant - Historical Notes

Historical Notes


Obsolete
CMSgt Chevron
(1958–1994)

Although the Air Force had been an independent service since 1947, the rank of Chief Master Sergeant did not come into being until the authorization of the Military Pay Act of 1958. This act established the pay grades of E-8 and E-9, but without specifying titles for those pay grades. It wasn't until late 1958 that the title of Chief Master Sergeant (and the accompanying rank insignia) was decided upon.

The original Chief Master Sergeant rank insignia (1958–1994) consisted of 2 chevrons on top, 3 stripes in the middle, and 3 rockers on bottom.

Until his retirement in 2003, Chief Master Sergeant Norman Marous was the Air Force's most senior Chief Master Sergeant, having served in the Air Force since 1962. Marous left active duty in 1967 to spend 22 years in the USAF Reserve and National Guard before returning to active duty as a Chief Master Sergeant in 1989. He retired in 2003 with 41 and 1/2 years of service. He is the only person authorized to wear two longevity ribbons, due to the space required for the number of multiple award devices authorized.

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