yes an e5 is a staff sergeant but an E4 in 1986 was a SergeantAn E5 is a Staff Sergeant in the USAF. There are some indications that an E4 is between an Airman 1st class and a Staff Sergeant. A Buck Sergeant I suppose. I just find it difficult to believe that you were one when you can't even spell it correctly.E4 Sargent
The berate was awarded to Air Force personal who qualified to wear them they were never just given
US Air Force Enlisted Grade Timeline, 1920-1994
uniform-reference.net