Buck Sargent???

Vietnam-era articles occasionally refer to E-4's as "Buck Sargent" or "Sargent" rather than "Airman First Class." In my admittedly limited (SAC 1963-67) USAF experience, E-4's were definitely NOT considered NCO's, three stripes notwithstanding. Was this an official rank and, if not, where and when was it used?

Senior airman (SrA) is the fourth enlisted rank in the United States Air Force, just above airman first class and below staff sergeant. It has a pay grade of E-4.The Air Force mirrored the Army from 1976 to 2 May 1991 with an E-4 being either a Senior Airman wearing three stripes without a star or a Sergeant (informally referred to as "Buck Sergeant") which was noted by the presence of the central star and considered an NCO. Despite not being an NCO, a Senior Airman who has completed Airman Leadership School can be a supervisor. Hope that helps!

Senior airman (SrA) is the fourth enlisted rank in the United States Air Force, just above airman first class and below staff sergeant. It has a pay grade of E-4. Air Force mirrored the Army from 1976 to 2 May 1991 with an E-4 being either a Senior Airman wearing three stripes without a star or a Sergeant (informally referred to as "Buck Sergeant") which was noted by the presence of the central star and considered an NCO. Despite not being an NCO, a Senior Airman who has completed Airman Leadership School can be a supervisor. Hope that helps!

It was an official rank from late 68/early 69 to 1997. In 1997 it was completely eliminated through attrition. The actual title was Sgt. But was commonly called Buck Sgt.

I was one of those "Buck Sergeants" .. Promoted to Senior Airman then went to a NCO Academy - graduated the NCO Academy and was given my 3 stripes with the central star and the rank of Sergeant. At the time (1973) I was at Minot AFB.. In the 91st Security Police squadron.

Thanks to everyone who replied. Apparently I was in at the wrong time (1963-67) to receive that honorific. I also understand that the pay was the same as a "regular" E-4, so I guess I didn't miss much.
Steve