Airman

{{Short description|Member of a national armed force relating to aviation}} {{About|military ranks|civilian and generic usage|aircraft pilot|other uses}} [[File:PACAF Welcomes the Sri Lanka Air Force for Airman-to-Airman Talks.jpg|thumb|Leaders in the Sri Lanka Air Force and United States Air Force at a joint gathering called "Airman-to-Airman Talks"]] An '''airman''' is a member of an air force or air arm of a nation's military. In some services it can refer to any service member, equivalent to the term soldier or sailor, and in some it is also a specific enlisted rank.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |url=http://www.oed.com/view/Entry/4406?redirectedFrom=Airman#eid |title=Airman |encyclopedia=Oxford English Dictionary |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-01-21 |title=airman |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/airman |access-date=2026-01-27 |website=Cambridge Dictionary |language=en-US}}</ref> Both men and women with this rank are called airmen.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=June 29, 2016 |title=Airmen: Gender-based job titles not high on radar |url=https://www.stripes.com/news/2016-06-29/airmen-gender-based-job-titles-not-high-on-radar-1539671.html1 |access-date=2026-01-27 |website=Stars and Stripes |language=en}}</ref> Some services have replaced the term airman with the gender-neutral term aviator.<ref>{{Cite web |last=White |first=Debbie |date=2021-11-29 |title=RAF goes gender-neutral as aviators replace airmen |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/defence/article/farewell-to-airmen-as-raf-goes-gender-neutral-hx8cpgttm |access-date=2026-01-27 |website=The Times |language=en}}</ref> Airman may also refer to civilian aircraft pilots, aircraft maintenance technicians.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-09-21 |title=Definition of AIRMAN |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/airman |access-date=2025-10-05 |website=Merriam-Webster Dictionary |language=en}}</ref> For example, the United States Federal Aviation Administration has used the term airman to refer to a number of aviation-related job titles in its civil aviation regulations. The term airwoman is occasionally used in both military and civilian contexts.

== Etymology and mainstream usage == [[File:Richard Lounsbery (aviator).jpg|thumb|214x214px|Airman from the United States]] The English word ''airman'' was derived from ''aer'', and ''man'' in Old English is a word for an individual who served roles in the air or took place in the sky during medieval times. In civilian aviation, the term airman is analogous to the term "sailor" in nautical usage. In 1873, "airman" was first mentioned in a former British monthly newspaper referred to as the ''Cassell's Magazine'', written by John Cassel.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-09-21 |title=Definition of AIRMAN |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/airman |access-date=2025-10-05 |website=www.merriam-webster.com |language=en}}</ref> [[File:CAP On the Air Force Team poster.jpg|thumb|168x168px|Civil Air Patrol poster]] Today, "airman" is a term common throughout the world and particularly in the English speaking countries, "aviator" is used primarily in New Zealand and the United States, and "airwomen" formally in the United Kingdom. The term "airwomen" had a less-well documented early historical role, but in the modern world work at identical tasks and have obtained considerable respect for their achievements in aviation. "Airman" is also used by the Federal Aviation Administration.

== Airmen skills == {{Military ranks|state=expanded}}Armed aviators in the sky flying during wartime can be more difficult than knowing how to operate all the crucial buttons and advanced systems, it requires critical training and time. And listening to air traffic controllers. It requires the basics of aviation and following orders. In many countries, the flight regulating body rules the sky whether military or not.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Specialized Skills Training |url=https://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Benefit-Library/Federal-Benefits/Specialized-Skills-Training?serv=120 |access-date=2025-10-23 |website=myarmybenefits.us.army.mil |language=en-us}}</ref>

=== Physical skill === A military aviator is limited to their physical skill with the ability to turn maneuver and turn direction at a moment notice. For example, a Sikorsky UH-60 Blackhawk pilot serving under the Army Air Corps of the United Kingdom, British Army requirements can range from a mid thigh pull, and a medicine ball throw.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Serve as an Army Air Corps Officer Pilot {{!}} Army Jobs |url=https://jobs.army.mod.uk/roles/army-air-corps/officer-pilot/ |access-date=2025-10-23 |website=jobs.army.mod.uk |language=en}}</ref>

=== Mental skill === Preventing an emergency situation and preparing for the event of an emergency requires strict rules:<ref>{{Cite web |last=Roza |first=David |date=2024-04-15 |title=F-16 Pilots Use New Sensors to Max Out Human Performance |url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/f-16-pilot-human-performance-sensor/ |access-date=2025-10-23 |website=Air & Space Forces Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref>

* Observing the environment for other aircraft traffic, commercial or foreign weather conditions, and other hazards * Spatial contextual awareness, especially in a war zone * Making good and quick decisions based on factors such as fire and wind conditions * Evasive maneuvering * Understanding basic and advanced branches of aerodynamics

=== Safety === Safety issues in driving include: * Flying in poor conditions and low visibility * Experiencing high g−forces * Risk of being in a dogfight * Distracted flying

Distractions can compromise a airman's mental skills, as can any altered state of consciousness. Mental factors might play in, PTSD and CPTSD is often seen after increased levels of trauma after being exposed to war. Seizure disorders are among the leading medical causes of mental impairment within civilian aviation the armed forces and military aviation in the United States and Europe. The possibility of the aircraft malfunctioning is always a risk.

== By country == === New Zealand ===

==== Royal New Zealand Air Force ==== "Airman" was a former general term used to describe service members of the Royal New Zealand Air Force. Following the Royal Air Force, the RNZAF now refers to its personnel as “aviators.”

=== United Kingdom ===

==== Royal Air Force ==== "Airman" and "airwoman" were formerly general terms used to describe members of the Royal Air Force, particularly other ranks. In 2021 those terms were changed to the gender-neutral term "aviator".<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/raf-branded-woke-drops-terms-25567054.amp | title=RAF called 'woke' as it drops 'airmen' and 'airwomen' in favour of 'aviator' | website=Daily Mirror | date=28 November 2021 }}</ref> === United States === ==== United States Air Force ==== {{see also|United States Air Force enlisted rank insignia}}{{Infobox military rank|name=Airman|image=E2_USAF_AM.svg|image_size=100 px|caption=Airman (USAF)|country={{flagu|United States}}|service branch={{air force|United States}}|abbreviation=Amn|rank group=Enlisted|NATO rank=OR-2|pay grade=E-2|lower rank=Airman basic {{small|(USAF)}}|higher rank=Airman first class {{small|(USAF)}}|equivalents=Seaman apprentice {{small|(Navy & USCG)}}<br />Private {{small|(USA)}}<br />Private first class {{small|(USMC)}}<br/>Specialist 2 {{small|(USSF)}}|image2=E2_USAF_AM_(1976–1991).svg|image_size2=100 px|caption2=Airman Insignia 1976–1991}} In the U.S. Air Force, "airman" is a general term which can refer to any member of the United States Air Force, regardless of rank, but is also a specific enlisted rank in the Air Force. The rank of airman (abbreviated "Amn") is the second enlisted rank from the bottom, just above the rank of Airman Basic, and just below that of Airman First Class. Since the Air Force was established in 1947, all of the various ranks of "airman" have always included women, and in this context, the word "man" means "human being". Former U.S. Air Force ranks included Airman Second Class and Airman Third Class.<ref group=Note>In 1967, there was significant reorganization of the enlisted ranks, and the former rank of "Airman First Class" became an "Air Force Sergeant"; the former "Airman" became the new "Airman First Class"; the former "Airman Second Class" became an "Airman"; and the former "Airman Third Class" became an "Airman Basic". All of the pay and fringe benefit grades remained as they were, just associated with new and less cumbersome rank names.</ref> The current E-2 pay grade rank of Airman was called Airman Third Class from 1952 to 1967.

[[File:720th Special Tactics Group airmen jump 20071003.jpg|thumb|U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 720th STG parachute jumping out of a C-130J Hercules aircraft during water rescue training in the Florida panhandle]]

A person with the rank of Airman Basic is typically promoted to the rank of Airman after six months of active duty service in the Air Force, if that member had signed up for an enlistment period of at least four years of active duty. On the other hand, an enlistee could be promoted to the rank of Airman immediately after completing Air Force basic training (and thus paid somewhat more) given one of several additional qualifications:

*Having completed at least two years of a Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (Junior ROTC) while in high school. *Having achieved the Eagle Scout rank from the Boy Scouts of America, or the Gold Award from the Girl Scouts of the United States of America. *Having earned 20 college semester credit hours (30 quarter hours).

Those enlistees who have qualified for these early promotions to the rank of Airman are allowed to wear their single airman insignia stripe during the Air Force basic training graduation ceremony at Lackland Air Force Base at Joint Base San Antonio in Texas.<ref>{{Cite web |title=randolph airforce base |url=https://www.compatiblelands.org/randolph-air-force-base/ |access-date=2025-10-24 |website=Compatible Lands Foundation |language=en-US}}</ref>

Where they also receive a retroactive pay increment that brings them up to the pay grade for an Airman upon their completion of basic training. (Thus, it is as if they have enlisted as Airmen on the first day, as far as their pay is concerned. However, if they do not complete basic training and are discharged, they do not receive the extra pay.)

While at the rank of Airman, the duties of enlisted personnel include adjusting to the Air Force way of military life and becoming proficient in their Air Force duty specialties. Note that upon leaving basic training, all Airmen enter a period of many weeks or many months of training at Air Force schools in their duty specialties that they and the Air Force have selected for them depending on their aptitudes and interests, and the needs of the Air Force. For Airmen with high aptitudes, some of these training programs include more than one school and take a year or more to complete.

Airmen are often nicknamed "mosquito wings" due to the insignia's resemblance to a mosquito's small wings.

==== Army Air Corps ==== [[File:Tuskegee Airmen - Circa May 1942 to Aug 1943.jpg|thumb|Eight Tuskegee Airmen in front of a P-40 fighter aircraft in 1942 or 1943]] From 1926 to 1941, the Army Air Corps served as the armed service for aviation, the now diminished service, referenced the term airman for its primary operating roles. In the former Army Air Corps the term of aviator applies to navigators, air crew, mechanics, flight instructors, nurses, chefs, and support personnel. Historically it is mentioned when referring to the Tuskegee Airman, which was a squadron of African American pilots in World War II.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ph.D |first=Scott Rank |date=2018-10-23 |title=Army Air Corps: A History of The Military Service |url=https://www.historyonthenet.com/history-army-air-corps |access-date=2025-08-18 |website=History |language=en-US}}</ref> By the end of World War II the Army Air Corps would be diminished, and in 1947 the Air Force was founded and adopted the term of Airmen, and used it for members of its service.

==== Navy ==== {{see also|List of United States Navy enlisted rates}} thumb|103x103px|US Navy Airman E-3 rank insignia thumb|Navy airman participating in a training exercise in 2011 In the U.S. Navy, Airman is the enlisted rank that corresponds to the pay grade of E-3 in the Navy's aviation field, but it is just below the rank of Petty Officer Third Class, pay grade E-4.<ref group=Note>The following Navy rates (actual job names and functions) fall within the category of "Airman" and are all at the E-3 pay grade: {| |----- valign="top" | *AB: aviation boatswain's mate *ABH: aviation handler *ABE: aviation equipment *ABF: aviation fuel *AC: air traffic controlman | *AD: aviation machinist's mate *AE: aviation electrician's mate *AG: aviation aerographer's mate *AM: aviation structural mechanic *AME: aviation structural mechanic (egress) | *AO: aviation ordnanceman *AS: aviation support equipment technician *AT: aviation electronics technician *AW: aviation warfare systems operator *AZ: aviation maintenance administrationman |} </ref> The name of Airman though different in duties it is loosely related to that of Seamen.<ref>{{Cite web |title=U.S. Navy Pay and Benefits {{!}} Navy.com |url=https://www.navy.com/careers-benefits/pay |access-date=2025-08-15 |website=www.navy.com |language=en}}</ref> This term is also referred to a fireman, in engineering, and hospitalman in medical duties, respectively. The Airman rank is identified by its distinct green stripes.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Navy E-3 Airman Striker Rating Badge |url=https://www.usamm.com/products/e-3-airman-striker-rating-badge |access-date=2025-08-15 |website=USAMM |language=en}}</ref> Particularly, opposite that of Seamen, its duties since 1922 when the very first aircraft carrier was established<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-01-04 |title=America's First Aircraft Carrier |url=https://airandspace.si.edu/air-and-space-quarterly/winter-2022/americas-first-aircraft-carrier |access-date=2025-08-16 |website=airandspace.si.edu |language=en}}</ref> in the first world war have been air bases, maintaining navy aircraft, and that of aircraft carriers through tying down and refueling planes both domestically and abroad.<ref group="Note">"Class" E.g. B (Bomber), F (Fighter), notable ones include B-2, Stealth Bomber, F-15, Fighting Falcon.</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Chapter 8: Airman|url=https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Reference/NEOCS/Vol1/AN_occs_CH_90_Apr22.pdf?ver=Nxgs-nXrscGFgdKTu0BLMA%3d%3d |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250313143705/https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Reference/NEOCS/Vol1/AN_occs_CH_90_Apr22.pdf?ver=Nxgs-nXrscGFgdKTu0BLMA%3d%3d |archive-date=2025-03-13 |access-date=2025-08-16 |website=www.mynavyhr.navy.mil |url-status=live }}</ref>

Regarding the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps,<ref group="Note">A United States youth program sponsored and managed by the U.S Navy and U.S. Coast Guard, often referred to as USNSCC or NSCC.</ref> a U.S Navy youth development program the term: "''Airman''" explicitly refers to a participant who participates in flight school with U.S. Navy and Coast Guard personnel and reservist.<ref group="Note">Also referred to as airman</ref> The term is often tied to the own division's website, alternatively referred to as a squadron.<ref group="Note">The official terminology is unit, though the units referred to will operate completely differently than the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps though still under their legal ownership.</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=AVIATION |url=https://www.marvinshields.com/copy-of-medical |access-date=2025-08-14 |website=Marvin Shields |language=en |quote=Cadets in advanced airman training may...}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Sea Cadet Advancement |url=https://www.fdrseacadets.org/advancement-training |access-date=2025-08-14 |website=FDR Sea Cadets |language=en |quote=Although the coursework is entitled “Seamen,” Cadets in FD Roosevelt are “Airmen” because we are a squadron and on an air base.}}</ref> The common and correct terminology for the flight school participants is the terminology of "''Sea Cadet''" or ''"Seamen"'' which is referred to by multiple magazines,<ref>{{Cite book |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=O5EjAAAAIBAJ&dq=sea+cadet&pg=PA24&article_id=4051,2830707 |title=Reading Eagle |publisher=Reading Eagle |page=24 |language=en |chapter=Sea Cadets find adventure without enlisting}}</ref> media outlets,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Manohalal |first=Jayna |date=June 16, 2025 |title=Nation's best Naval Sea Cadet Corps in Windermere faces new challenge |url=https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2025/06/16/nations-best-naval-sea-cadet-corps-in-windermere-faces-new-challenge/ |access-date=August 14, 2025 |work=WKMG |location=Windermere, Orange County, Clermont, Lake County |quote=...the highest honor given to a Sea Cadet unit...}}</ref> personal journals,<ref>{{Cite journal |date=1849 |title=United Service Magazine and Naval Military Journal |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xtoRAAAAYAAJ&dq=sea+cadet+journal&pg=PA329 |journal=H. Colburn |page=329 |quote=...(Sea Cadet) if he belongs to a high famil... |via=Google Books}}</ref> and newspapers.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gqqWryFUfIUC&dq=sea+cadet&pg=PA17 |title=The Navy education and training monthly: "Campus" |date=1982 |publisher=Chief of Naval Education and Training |page=17 |language=en |quote=...200 Sea Cadet... |via=Library of Michigan using Google Books}}</ref> The term in particular in the public-eye is almost never used and is most often never referred to in un-involved Sea Cadet organizations in the United States<ref>{{Cite web |title=America's Sea Cadets - The US Navy's youth development program. |url=https://www.seacadets.org/ |access-date=2025-08-14 |website=America's Sea Cadets |publisher=United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps, (Owner United States Navy League) |language=en-US |publication-place=Arlington Virginia |quote="...Sea Cadets wear uniforms, work as teams in a disciplined environment, and adhere to our core values of honor, respect, commitment, and service."}}</ref> ('''i.e.'''. ''Colorado Sea Cadet Corps as of 2025'').<ref>{{Cite web |title=Home |url=https://www.coloradoseacadets.com/ |access-date=2025-08-14 |website=Colorado Sea Cadets |language=en |quote=...Sea Cadets through classroom and appl...}}</ref> Most credibly, it is within papers such as legal documents,<ref>{{Cite book |last=Levin |first=Carl |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oyKvWvALWisC&dq=usnscc&pg=PA119 |title=National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 |date=2014 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |page=119 |language=en}}</ref> where it is mentioned by the official 9 latin characters,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Latin alphabet {{!}} Definition, Description, History, & Facts {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Latin-alphabet |access-date=2025-08-14 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en |quote=...the standard script of the English language..}}</ref> as "''Sea Cadets''" <ref>{{Cite book |last=Congress |first=United States |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UUtQcphVCJoC&dq=sea+cadet&pg=PA31642 |title=Congressional Record: Proceedings and Debates of the ... Congress |date=1977 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |page=31642 |language=en |quote=Through their Sea Cadet training...}}</ref> and the longform with 13 characters as "''Sea Cadet Corps"''. While uncommon in popular culture as a terminology it does in turn offer benefits for its participants, including a possible private pilot license (PPL) though this amount of training is commonly portrayed as unachievable for most Sea Cadets unless well educated or gifted. The FAA's requirements have often made it stringent for most international Sea Cadets in their exchange program, as per a 2022 statement by the FAA requiring them to be well knowledgeable in reading, writing, and understanding English.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Department of Transportation |first=FAA |date=November 15, 2022 |title=Become a Pilot |url=https://www.faa.gov/pilots/become/student_cert |access-date=August 15, 2025 |website=faa.gov}}</ref> This claim has been discredited by other Sea Cadets, instead stating it only takes time, dedication and hard work.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-08-14 |title=Girl cadets who are crafting an inspiring road to national service |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/ncc-girl-cadets/articleshow/123300619.cms |access-date=2025-08-15 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>

==== Coast Guard ==== thumb|103x103px|US Coast Guard E-3 Airman rank insignia The U.S. Coast Guard rank of airman is identical to the pay grade and naval rank of the U.S Navy.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-02-15 |title=United States Coast Guard Ranks (Low to High) |url=https://securityjournalamericas.com/united-states-coast-guard-ranks/ |access-date=2025-08-15 |language=en-GB}}</ref> Coast Guard Airman corresponds to the pay grade of E-3 in the Coast Guard's aviation field respectively. Airman is classified as the rank above the Coast Guard rank of airman apprentice, Seaman Apprentice, Fireman Apprentice which is the E-2 pay grade, but it is directly below the rank of Petty Officer Third Class, E-4 pay grade.<ref>{{Cite web |title=U.S. Coast Guard Ranks List - Lowest to Highest |url=https://www.federalpay.org/military/coast-guard/ranks |access-date=2025-08-15 |website=www.federalpay.org}}</ref> A airman may be tasked with maintaining and stowing aircraft to gain experience.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Aviation rating candidates begin new apprenticeship program. |url=https://www.mycg.uscg.mil/News/Article/2342578/aviation-rating-candidates-begin-new-apprenticeship-program/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250906225448/https://www.mycg.uscg.mil/News/Article/2342578/aviation-rating-candidates-begin-new-apprenticeship-program/ |archive-date=2025-09-06 |access-date=2025-10-24 |work=United States Coast Guard |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Notes== {{Reflist|group=Note}}

==References== {{Reflist}}

Category:Airmen Category:Military ranks Category:Military aviation