The Order of the Sword Induction Ceremony
Honor Reserved For
Sword Honor Criteria
Induction into the order of the sword is an honor reserved for individuals who have provided outstanding leadership and support to enlisted members as a:
Sword Honor Phrase
"Leader among Leaders and an Airman among Airmen."
Highest Enlisted Honor
Highest Enlisted Tribute
The order of the sword event is conducted with the dignity that reflects its significance as the highest honor and tribute an enlisted member can bestow on anyone.
Format
Sword Event Format
Similar to the dining-in, this evening affair usually consists of:
- Social period
- Formal dinner
- Induction ceremony
Required Dress
Sword Dress
The required dress is the mess dress, semiformal uniform, or equivalent.
Award Levels
Two Approved Levels
The only approved levels for award of the sword are:
- The USAF level
- The major command level
Keepers of the Sword
Keepers of the Sword
The Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force and MAJCOM command chiefs are known as the "keepers of the sword," and maintain the official lists of order of the sword recipients, respectively.
History of the Order of the Sword
First U.S. Ceremony
1860s First U.S
Order of Sword. The first recorded order of the sword ceremony in the United States was in the 1860s when a General officer was presented a sword by his command.
USAF Adoption
1967 USAF Adoption
The ceremony was revised, updated, and adopted by the USAF in 1967 to recognize and honor:
- Military senior officers, Colonel or above
- Civilian equivalents
…for conspicuous and significant contributions to the welfare and prestige of the USAF enlisted force mission effectiveness as well as the overall military establishment.