Go Chiefs!
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo.— Guests huddle in to cheer on the three new Chief Master Sergeant inductees, Allen Sturges, Paul Smith and Vatema Ivy at the conclusion of the Chief’s Recognition Ceremony March 21. By Federal law, only one percent of the Air Force enlisted force may hold the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. The rank of chief master sergeant did not come into being until the authorization of the Military Pay Act of 1958. This act established the pay grades of E-8 and E-9, but without specifying titles for those pay grades. It wasn't until late 1958 that the title of Chief Master Sergeant and the accompanying rank insignia was decided upon.(U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Stephanie Clark)