The Air Force has decided that Jan. 1, 2007, will be the date when enlisted airmen must make the switch back to wearing US insignia with circle. The service announced earlier this month that it planned to make this change, which officials call a return to enlisted heritage. The Air Force also plans to eliminate the option for senior noncommissioned officers to wear their rank on shoulder boards, beginning Oct. 1, 2006.
In a rare letter to the entire force, Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach is telling Airmen to stay ready to support Operation Epic Fury, the massive U.S. operation against Iran.