Ranks in the French Air and Space Force
Rank insignia in the French Air and Space Force are worn on the sleeve or on shoulder marks of uniforms
Officers
Although they all wear the same insignia and titles, officers are divided into:- Regular officers of the air force
- Officers of the Armed Forces Commisariat Corps
- Officers of the technical and administrative corps of the armed forces
- sub-officers, i.e. non-commissioned officers
Etymologically the adjudant is the adjoint of an officer, and the sergeant "serves".Aspirants are cadet officers still in training. Sous-lieutenants are junior officers and are often aided by adjudants or adjudants-chefs, who are experienced NCOs/warrant officers.
Full lieutenants are experienced junior officers, served by sergeants when commanding their unit.
A four chevron sergent-chef-major rank existed until 1947. It was a ceremonial rank usually given to the most senior or experienced NCO in a unit, similar to a colour sergeant in the British Army. It was discontinued in the post-war army due to its redundancy.