The nonsubdued, pin-on USAF 2nd Lieutenant rank insignia is worn on a variety of Air Force uniforms, typically placed near the end of an epaulet. On the Class A Men’s Service Dress and Women’s Service Dress Uniform, for instance, the 2d Lt rank insignia is centered 5/8” of an inch from the end of the epaulet and is positioned parallel to the seam (when applicable); the same rule applies for the Lightweight Blue Jacket and the Topcoat.
Rank insignia is also worn on specialized uniforms such as the Modified Service Dress Uniform worn in different Air Force Bands, the Ceremonial Band Tunic, the Special Forces Jacket, and the lightweight jacket worn by members of the Presidential Airlift Group.
The USAF 2d Lt rank insignia was taken directly from the U.S. Army rank insignia for its 2nd Lieutenants, a reflection of the Air Force’s origins as an Army component called the U.S. Army Air Forces before its establishment in September 1947. The single gold bar was approved for this rank in 1917.
More USAF 2nd Lieutenant Insignias and Devices