History

The Enlisted Air Crew Badge was initially established as the Army Air Force Enlisted Air Crew Badge by the United States Army Air Force in 1942. In 1947, the Wings were re-instituted as the Air Force Enlisted Air Crew Badge following the institution of the United States Air Force. The Wings are issued to enlisted aircrew members who served on board military aircraft for training and other qualifications. The Wings were initially awarded upon the completion of training but were later presented as a permanent award upon 36 months of paid flying service or upon the completion of 40 missions, and were awarded for service during the Second World War. A distinct Air Crew Badge was later introduced to reward Officers who were trained as in-flight personnel. The Wings awarded to Officers may be referred to as the Air Force Officer Air Crew Badge.

The Wings are awarded in 3 grades. Preceding the Basic Enlisted Air Crew Badge, the Senior Enlisted Air Crew Badge, which features a surmounting star, is awarded for 7 years of aviation service, 1300 flight hours, and 72 months of paid flying service. The highest grade is the Chief Enlisted Air Crew Badge. The Chief Enlisted Air Crew Badge features a star superimposed imposed on a wreath surmounting the badge and is awarded in recognition of 15 years of aviation service, 2300 flight hours, and 144 months of paid flying service.

The Air Force Enlisted Air Crew Badge design is the same as the original Army Air Force Enlisted Air Crew Badge.

There are multiple versions of the Wings which vary by composition. There may be additional versions which are not featured here.