Airman basic
United States Air Force rank / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Airman basic (AB) is the lowest enlisted rank in the United States Air Force immediately below airman. The male form of rank designation also applies to women. The pay grade for airman basic is E-1.[1]
As opposed to all other USAF enlisted and officer ranks, airman basic has no rank insignia affiliated.[1][2] The lack of uniform insignia for airman basic is the reason for the nickname "slick-sleeve"; all other enlisted Air Force ranks wear stripes and chevrons on their uniform sleeves.[3]
In accordance with Air Force Instruction (AFI) 36-2618, The Enlisted Force Structure, the term of address for an airman basic is "Airman Basic" or "Airman".[4]