Знаки квалификации пилотов ВВС США времен Второй мировой войны.

The Glider Pilot, Liaison Pilot, and Service Pilot badges were qualification badges of the United States Army Air Forces issued during the years of World War II to identify a rating in one of three specialized, limited duty pilot categories whose selection and training differed from that of the traditional military pilot. The badges denoting these respective ratings were similar to the standard USAAF Pilot Badge with one of three upper case letters superimposed upon the badge's shield (formally termed escutcheon) denoting the wearer's rating: G (Glider Pilot), L (Liaison Pilot), or S (Service Pilot). The individual awarded these ratings were selected on the basis of civil flying experience and pilot certificates gained prior to their induction into the U. S. Army. Further training tended to be focused within a narrowly defined set of missions for which their previously acquired skills and experience were considered directly applicable. In addition, less restrictive medical standards and broader age limits applied at initial entry.

The Liaison Pilot Badge was presented to enlisted military pilots of MOS 772 (officers holding the Liaison Pilot rating held the MOS Code 1981 Air Observation Pilot): "Pilots and maintains a small liaison airplane of 175 horsepower or less for purposes of ferrying officers, taking observers on observation missions, or transporting small amounts of critical materiel. Inspects and performs minor maintenance on airplane to which assigned. ",

Washouts from the Basic and Advanced phases of pilot training under the Aviation Cadet Training Program (USAAF) or Aviation Cadet Training Program (USN). In similar manner to the Glider Pilots, applicants in this category were required to have passed Primary phase and have logged at least 50 hours of student pilot time (dual, solo or a combination thereof) on military or naval aircraft. Individuals who had finished Primary but washed out from a later phase were often given the option to transition to the Liaison Pilot or Glider Pilot rating, depending upon needs of the service, hence both were often considered "second chance" ratings. The Field Artillery School, Fort Sill, Oklahoma. These were typically Field Artillery officers (and occasionally enlisted personnel) who had already been trained as forward observers. Those not possessing a private (or higher) pilot rating acquired in civil life or 50 hours of previous military or civilian pilot experience were given an elementary course of some 40 to 60 hours on L or PT series aircraft (similar to that given Class B students in the Glider Pilot program) before progressing to mission specific Liaison Pilot training. Graduates of the Civilian Pilot Training Program. This course was considered to be equivalent in depth and scope to Elementary or Primary Flying Training under the USAAF and US Navy programs. Direct assignment of USAAF personnel currently rated as Pilots (including Service Pilots). This appears to have been a less commonplace source, and anecdotal indications from the relevant literature suggest they had usually volunteered for this duty. Civilian pilot volunteers. A private pilot certificate (or higher) and a minimum or 40 hours of flight time were required. Individuals falling short of the experience requirements demanded for the Service Pilot rating were often accepted as Liaison Pilots instead. Liaison Pilot School was conducted by the Department of Air Training of the Field Artillery School at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. The course placed particular emphasis on short field and soft /rough field takeoffs and landings over obstacles, and low altitude navigation. Their duties included transportation of troops and supplies, medical evacuation, aerial photography, and low level reconnaissance. Graduates received Liaison Pilot wings. Personnel trained in grade, with enlisted students being promoted to Staff Sergeant until September 1942, after which graduates were appointed as Flight Officers.

Liaison pilots flew light single engine aircraft in direct support of Army Ground Forces units. Commissioned officers holding the Liaison Pilot Rating were eligible to command flying units equipped with liaison (L series) aircraft only. John Thornton Walker, personal pilot for Gen. Mark W. Clark

Service pilots performed non combat flying duties, including instruction, outside the theaters of operation. An image of the Service Pilot badge remains shown (at right) pending completion of new articles for all three ratings.

Following the close of World War II, these pilot badges fell into disuse and there were no further issuances. With the creation of the U. S. Air Force, these three aeronautical ratings became obsolete.

Following the USAAF's separation in 1947 to become the U. S. Air Force, the Liaison Pilots embedded with the U. S. Army's Field Artillery battalions remained part of the Army, forming the nucleus of what would evolve into today's U. S. Army Aviation Branch. What was once the Liaison Pilot rating has long since evolved, further expanding into the Army Aviator qualification of today's Army. The modern Airborne Forward Air Controller (FAC) role has its roots in the role of the Liaison Pilots of the WW2 era, and continues to be employed on modern airframes in the U. S. Army, U. S. Air Force and U. S. Marine Corps alike. In addition, many foreign military air arms developed their own FAC capability in similar fashion during and after the WW2 era.