The United States Air Force seeks to promote and develop the leadership skills of Airmen serving not only as Officers but also in the enlisted ranks. A key element in its training methodology is identifying enlisted Airmen who display key leadership capabilities and inculcating them by assigning them to positions of authority and responsibility among their fellow Airmen. These positions are identified through the wearing of variously colored shoulder cords—commonly referred to as “ropes” or “shoulder ropes—and aiguillettes.
Airmen serving as Chapel Student Leaders wear a white shoulder cord/aiguillette. At Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi, they are organized into the White Rope Leadership program, a student-led service organization focused on aiding fellow Airmen, family members, and the local community.
To be selected as prospective “White Rope,” Airmen must meet high standards of behavior and military bearing, perform well academically, and have no behavioral issues. After a two-week training session conducted by current White Ropes, candidates must pass written and oral exams on the mission, logistics, and goals of the program before being issued the white shoulder cord and aiguillette.
Shoulder ropes are worn with utility uniforms, the blue shirt, and the fleece jacket and are worn attached under the collar near the left seam or the left shoulder board button on blue shirts. Aiguillettes are worn on the Blue Service or Mess Dress jacket grounded to the left shoulder seam.