This tie tack / clasp featuring the rank insignia of United States Air Force Technical Sergeants is authorized for wear by personnel currently serving in the E-6 Enlisted pay grade. It is worn on the blue Herringbone twill necktie, either pre-tied or regular, centered between the bottom of the tie knot and the tip of the tie. (The tip of the tie must cover at least some of the belt buckle, but may not extend past its bottom.)
Besides the various uniforms requiring (or permitting) a necktie, the Technical Sergeant tie tack / clasp is also authorized for wear on civilian business attire; the only other item featuring rank insignia that may be worn with civilian clothing is a lapel pin.
The E-6 pay grade is one of only two that has maintained both its rank title and basic insignia design (five total “stripes” divided into two “rockers” and three upper stripes) for the entirety of the Air Force’s existence (E-5 Staff Sergeant is the other). From 1947 to 1952, the three upper stripes pointed upward in the style of U.S. Army chevrons. Since the introduction of rank insignia designed solely for the Air Force featuring downward-pointing chevrons, the Technical Sergeant insignia has remained essentially unchanged except for minor changes in its dimensions.
More E-6 Technical Sergeant Insignia and Devices