U.S. Air Force Airmen enter the ballroom for a Chief Master Sgt. select party in the Nellis Club at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Dec. 7, 2023. The rank of Chief Master Sgt. is the highest tier in the enlisted leadership structure. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Timothy Perish)U.S. Air Force Airmen pose for a photograph during a Chief Master Sgt. select party in the Nellis Club at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Dec. 7, 2023. The position of Chief Master Sgt. is earned by practicing the leadership qualities necessary to achieve the highest enlisted rank in the U.S. Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Timothy Perish)U.S. Air Force cupcakes sit on display for a Chief Master Sgt. select party in the Nellis Club at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Dec. 7, 2023. This promotion cycle selectees have an average time in grade of 3.16 years and a total time in service of 21 years. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Timothy Perish)U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Mitchell Higgins, a superintendent assigned to 757th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron gives high fives while walking into the ballroom prior to the celebration of his upcoming promotion to Chief Master Sgt. at the select party in the Nellis Club at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Dec. 7, 2023. The rank of Chief Master Sgt. is the highest tier in the enlisted leadership structure. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Timothy Perish)