Newest chief selects
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. - Senior Master Sgt. Vatema Ivy, 509th Services Squadron, and Senior Master Sgt. Paul Smith, 509th Maintenance Squadron, became Whiteman’s newest chief selects Nov. 14. 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. By federal law, only one percent of the Air Force enlisted force may hold the rank of chief master sergeant. (Insignia provided by ITC(SW) MIke Purcell)