If E-8 is designated with an asterisk, what position does it indicate?

If E-8 is designated with an asterisk, what position does it indicate?

• A. Senior Master Sergeant
• B. Master Sergeant
• C. First Sergeant
• D. Chief Master Sergeant

Answer: (C)

An asterisk next to an E-8 signals the First Sergeant designation. In the Air Force, First Sergeant is a leadership appointment, not a higher pay grade. The First Sergeant acts as the unit’s senior enlisted advisor to the commander, responsible for the welfare, morale, discipline, and readiness of the enlisted personnel, and coordinates how the unit handles training and personnel actions. This designation distinguishes the role from the regular rank alone, so an E-8 with the asterisk is serving as a First Sergeant rather than just holding Senior Master Sergeant duties.

An asterisk next to an E-8 signals the First Sergeant designation. In the Air Force, First Sergeant is a leadership appointment, not a higher pay grade. The First Sergeant acts as the unit’s senior enlisted advisor to the commander, responsible for the welfare, morale, discipline, and readiness of the enlisted personnel, and coordinates how the unit handles training and personnel actions. This designation distinguishes the role from the regular rank alone, so an E-8 with the asterisk is serving as a First Sergeant rather than just holding Senior Master Sergeant duties.