Green shoulder cords and aiguillettes, commonly re-ferred to as “Green Ropes,” are worn Airman who have volunteered for the United States Air Force’s Airman Leader program, a student-leadership system employed at the Air Force technical training schools designed to cultivate leadership skills among promising Airmen. Green Ropes are given responsibility over all the Airmen in an element or assigned to a Dormitory Bay (they’re sometimes referred to as “Bay Chiefs” or “Element Leader”), and are frequently the Airman leaders assigned to march students to and from their classes.
Becoming a Green Rope Airman Leader is not as simple as volunteering for the position, however. Assistant Flight Chiefs (or higher) review all submissions for the program, closely examining their Basic Military Training evaluation and taking into consideration instructor recommendations, any disciplinary infractions, and past experience in leadership roles. Candidates should be in the grade of Airman First Class, although Airmen and even Airmen Basic may be accepted if no suitable candidates are found in a unit. Potential Airman Leaders must also have a minimum average grade of 80, although here again an exception might be made if the candidate has not yet acquired a grade average but displays satisfactory progress.
Green Airman Leader Aiguillettes are worn with the Blue Service and Mess Dress jackets and are grounded to the left shoulder seam. Green shoulder cords are worn with utility uniforms, fleece jackets, and the blue shirt.