airmen

Airmen are personnel who serve in air forces, specializing in the operation and support of military aircraft. The term can refer to all members of an air arm, or specifically to the junior enlisted ranks in many air forces. Airmen perform a wide range of duties, from flying and maintaining aircraft to managing air traffic, handling logistics, communications, and intelligence, as well as planning missions and ensuring safety.

In many air forces, airmen constitute the entry level of the enlisted force. Promotions advance through a series of ranks that vary by country and service, with some forces using the exact word “airman” as the lowest or next-lowest rank, often with qualifiers such as basic, senior, or first class. Officers who pilot aircraft or command units are separate career tracks.

Training for airmen typically includes initial basic or entry training followed by specialized technical schooling aligned with a specific job specialty, such as airframe and powerplant, avionics, weapons, or air traffic control. Continued professional development may include professional military education, leadership courses, and flight training where applicable.

The concept originated with early 20th-century air services and has evolved into a global term for personnel who operate or support air power. Modern airmen work in air forces across many nations, reflecting a shared emphasis on air operations, safety, and precision.

See also: air force, military rank, aircraft maintenance, air traffic control.