As a method of promoting leadership skills for enlisted Airmen, the United States Air Force employs a student-leadership system in which Airmen are selected to exercise some authority over their fellow students at technical training school; they are identified by green, yellow, and red shoulder cords and aiguillettes.
Other colored shoulder cords/aiguillettes are used to distinguish Airmen who have volunteered for an organization or duty not necessary for their training, but which displays their initiative and dedication. Airmen who volunteer for the Drill Team or other Special Activity teams are issued black shoulder cords, commonly referred to as “black ropes,” for wear with utility uniforms, blue shirts, and the fleece jacket. Black aiguillettes are worn with the Blue Service or Mess Dress jackets.
On the utility uniform and fleece jacket, the shoulder cord is attached near the left shoulder seam under the collar, while the left shoulder board button is used to attach it on the blue shirt. Aiguillettes are grounded on the left shoulder seam of the Service and Mess Dress jackets.