Airman first class
| Airman First Class | |
|---|---|
Airman First Class | |
Airman First Class insignia 1976–1991 | |
| Country | United States |
| Service branch | United States Air Force |
| Abbreviation | A1C |
| Rank group | Enlisted |
| NATO rank code | OR-3 |
| Pay grade | E-3 |
| Next higher rank | Senior Airman (USAF) |
| Next lower rank | Airman (USAF) |
| Equivalent ranks | Seaman (Navy & USCG) Private first class (USA) Lance corporal (USMC) Specialist 3 (USSF) |
Airman first class (A1C) is the third enlisted rank in the United States Air Force, just above airman and below senior airman. The male form of rank designation also applies to women. The rank of airman first class is considered a junior enlisted rank, with the non-commissioned officers and senior non-commissioned officers above it.
Airman first class is a rank that has also been used by the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard, although it is not currently in use. In documents about the history of U.S. armed forces, this combination of pay grade and rate is abbreviated as "A1C".