The insignia consists of a fanned cluster of gold oak leaves, although there are design differences between the Army/Air Force version and the Marine Corps version. The rank of major is considered the first field grade officer and warrants gold trim on the visor of the cap (silver trim for the USAF). Major is the first rank above
Captain and one rank below
Lieutenant Colonel.
A major in the Air Force typically has duties as a senior staff officer at the squadron level. In flying squadrons majors are generally flight commanders or assistant directors of operations. In the mission support and maintenance groups majors may occasionally be squadron commanders. In the medical group a major may be the head of a clinic or flight.
