Air Marshal
From Free net encyclopedia
- This article is about the Air Force rank. Air marshal is also the term given to American federal security agents who travel undercover aboard commercial airliners.
Air Marshal (Air Mshl or AM) is a rank in the Royal Air Force. It exists in a number of air forces, ranking above Air Vice-Marshal and immediately below Air Chief Marshal. Officers in the ranks of Air Chief Marshal and Air Vice-Marshal are sometimes also addressed generically as "Air Marshal".
It has a NATO ranking code of OF-8, equivalent to a Vice-Admiral in the Royal Navy or a Lieutenant-General in the British Army or the Royal Marines.
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Origins
Prior to the adoption of RAF-specific rank titles in 1919, it was suggested that the RAF might use the Royal Navy's officer ranks, with the word "Air" inserted before the naval rank title. For example, the rank that later became Air Marshal would have been Air Vice-Admiral. The Admiralty objected to any use of their rank titles, including this modified form, and so an alternative proposal was put forward: Air Officer ranks would be based on the term "Ardian", which was derived from a combination of the Gaelic words for "chief" (ard) and "bird" (eun), with the term "Wing Ardian" being used specifically for the rank equivalent to a Vice-Admiral and Lieutenant-General. However, Air Marshal was preferred and was adopted on 1 August 1919. The rank of Air Marshal has been used continuously since 11 August 1919.
Insignia and command flag
The rank insignia consists of two narrow light blue bands (each on a slightly wider black band) over a light blue band on a broad black band. This is worn on the both the lower sleeves of the tunic or on the shoulders of the flying suit or the casual uniform.
The command flag for an Air Marshal is defined by the single broad red band running in the centre of the flag.
Other air forces
The rank of Air Marshal is also used in a number of the air forces in the Commonwealth, including the Indian Air Force (IAF), Pakistan Air Force (PAF), Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF). It is also used in the Egyptian Air Force.
In Australia, there are only two appointments available for Air Marshals. The Chief of Air Force (CAF), and Vice Chief of Defence Force (VCDF). The latter is only available when that position is filled by an Air Force officer.