An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Twin brothers, identical rank

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Timothy Young
  • 345th Recruiting Squadron Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  

From high school tennis matches to joining the Air Force, Nathan and Nicholas Jackson have always done things together. Growing up side-by-side in Tennessee, they pushed each other, challenged each other, and never strayed far from the same path. Now, decades later, they have reached one of the highest Air Force honors: both serving as Chief Master Sergeants.

Chief Master Sgt. Nicholas Jackson, Air Combat Command Inspector General mission support branch superintendent, left, and Chief Master Sgt. Nathan Jackson, 345th Recruiting Squadron senior enlisted leader, pose together following Nicholas’s promotion ceremony at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, May 30, 2025.

Chief Master Sgt. Nicholas Jackson, Air Combat Command Inspector General mission support branch superintendent, left, and Chief Master Sgt. Nathan Jackson, 345th Recruiting Squadron senior enlisted leader, pose together following Nicholas’s promotion ceremony at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, May 30, 2025. The identical twin brothers joined the Air Force on the same day and were both promoted to the service’s highest enlisted rank, marking a rare and inspiring milestone in their shared journey.
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
This rare occasion is made even more special because they’ve shared the journey from the very beginning.

The brothers drew strong support from their mother, an Army veteran, whose own father served 23 years in the Air Force.

“She spoke on the quality of life and adventures that the Air Force would offer,” said Chief Master Sgt. Nathan Jackson, 345th Recruiting Squadron senior enlisted leader. “My twin brother took the leap of faith, and I came tagging along.”

“We both came in on the buddy program,” said Chief Master Sgt. Nicholas Jackson, Air Combat Command Inspector General mission support branch superintendent. “Which allowed us both to join simultaneously.”

They went to Basic Military Training and technical training together in the same flight and class. Their first assignments sent them both to Oklahoma. Nicholas at Altus Air Force Base and Nathan at Vance AFB.

While they were never stationed in the same unit, they always stayed close.

“Nathan is my support system —my lifeline,” Nicholas said. “Even though we’re twins, I look up to him. We lean on each other a lot, and it shows.”

Their bond has been more than emotional; it’s also been motivational. Though never hyper-competitive, the twins have always challenged one another to grow.

“We try our best to be present for one another,” Nathan said. “To actively listen and provide constructive criticism on how to better ourselves both personally and professionally.”

Both brothers credit their accomplishments with the support they received along the journey, especially from their mother.

“Honestly, it’s the sacrifice that others have poured into us along this journey,” said Nathan. ”Just two young kids from Chattanooga, Tennessee!” Nicholas added, “that no matter where you come from, the challenges you face, you can achieve whatever it is you want in life with a strong support system!”

Now that they’re both chiefs, their goal is to give back that sacrifice and help young Airmen succeed. They hope their story shows what’s possible with hard work, support, and strong bonds.

“Never forget to reach back and pull those up along with you,” Nicholas said. “I truly believe that ‘Iron Sharpens Iron’.”

If you ever cross paths with Nathan or Nicholas, you might hear them say a phrase that has become a staple in their daily lives.

“’Have a great day on purpose’ allows for personnel to really think about the meaning in hopes that they will indeed make it a priority in their daily life,” said Nathan.

Nicholas added, “To me, it means life is short and if we can brighten someone’s day by saying ‘have a great day on purpose,’ then that’s what I aim to do.”

As they continue their careers at the highest enlisted level, Nathan and Nicholas Jackson carry with them the values of faith, family, and a deep commitment to lifting others up.

Whether together or apart, the Jacksons prove that leadership isn't just about reaching the top, it's about bringing others with you along the way. For them, iron truly sharpens iron.