From USAFA Folklore
The rank worn by cadets is unique to the Academy. It is displayed on either hard or soft shoulderboards, which are worn on all blue uniform combinations, including parade dress, service dress and blues. The first cadets had only hard shoulderboards; soft shoulder boards were introduced in 1978. Special pin-on rank insignia is worn on utility uniforms during summer programs.
[edit] Terminology
One of the first things all fourth class cadets are expected to learn is how to read cadet rank insignia. When reciting what a particular rank insignia looks like, it is standard to work from the bottom of the rank upwards:
- The thin bar at the very bottom (present on all first, second and third class ranks) is referred to as "ground".
- The squiggly line in the middle (present on every rank other than basic cadet) is referred to as "cloud". It is a heraldic cloud device (nebulis) and is present on a lot of Air Force insignia, including the Academy emblem.
- The thin bar right above the clouds (present on all second and first class rank) is "horizon".
- Above that, the particular cadet rank is described as chevrons, thin bars, thick bars, stars, horizontal diamonds, or vertical diamonds, as appropriate.
- For example, the rank of the Wing Honor Chairman would be described as "Ground, clouds, horizon, 3 thick bars, star"; the rank of a Cadet Staff Sergeant would be "Ground, clouds, chevron"
| Fourth Class Cadets
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| Basic Cadet
| C4C unranked
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| No insignia
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| Third Class Cadets
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| C3C unranked
| Cadet Staff Sergeant
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| Wing Color Bearer
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| First Class Cadets
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| C1C unranked
| Cadet 2nd Lt
| Cadet 1st Lt
| Cadet Captain
| Cadet Major
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| Flight Commander
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| Ath. Team Captain
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