Study for the United States Air Force Academy Contrails Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions featuring hints and explanations. Prepare to ace your test!

Multiple Choice

Major, one gold oak leaf corresponds to which officer grade?

Understanding officer insignia is the key. In the Air Force, the shape and color on an officer’s shoulder indicate rank. A gold oak leaf is used for the rank of Major, which corresponds to pay grade O-4. This symbol sets Major apart from other tiers: a Captain (O-3) wears two connected bars; a First Lieutenant (O-2) wears a silver bar; a Second Lieutenant (O-1) wears a gold bar; a Lieutenant Colonel (O-5) uses a silver oak leaf; and a Colonel (O-6) uses an eagle. So the presence of a single gold oak leaf identifies Major, i.e., O-4.

Understanding officer insignia is the key. In the Air Force, the shape and color on an officer’s shoulder indicate rank. A gold oak leaf is used for the rank of Major, which corresponds to pay grade O-4. This symbol sets Major apart from other tiers: a Captain (O-3) wears two connected bars; a First Lieutenant (O-2) wears a silver bar; a Second Lieutenant (O-1) wears a gold bar; a Lieutenant Colonel (O-5) uses a silver oak leaf; and a Colonel (O-6) uses an eagle. So the presence of a single gold oak leaf identifies Major, i.e., O-4.