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{{Distinguish|United States Department of the Air Force|}}
{{Short description|Air service branch of the U.S. military}}
{{Organization 
|OrganizationName=United States Air Force 
|OrganizationType=Executive Departments
|Mission=The mission of the United States Air Force is to fly, fight, and win - airpower anytime, anywhere. It aims to provide global vigilance, reach, and power to deter aggression and defend the nation, its allies, and its interests through air, space, and cyberspace superiority.
|OrganizationExecutive=Chief of Staff of the Air Force
|Employees=321,848 active duty; 147,879 civilian personnel; 68,927 reserve airmen; 105,104 Air National Guard airmen (as of 2020)
|Budget=$179.7 billion (Fiscal Year 2020)
|Website=https://www.airforce.com
|Services=Air Superiority; Global Strike; Rapid Global Mobility; Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance; Command and Control
|ParentOrganization=Department of the Air Force, United States Department of Defense
|CreationLegislation=National Security Act of 1947
|Regulations=
|HeadquartersLocation=38.869941, -77.009053
|HeadquartersAddress=1670 Air Force Pentagon, Washington, DC 20330-1670
}}
{{United States Armed Forces sidebar}}

The '''United States Air Force''' ('''USAF''') is the [[Aerial warfare|air]] [[military branch|service branch]] of the [[United States Armed Forces]], and is one of the eight [[uniformed services of the United States]].<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.airforce.com/|title=U.S. Air Force|website=United States Air Force|access-date=July 30, 2023}}</ref> Originally created on 1 August 1907, as a part of the [[United States Army]] [[Signal Corps (United States Army)|Signal Corps]], the USAF was established as a separate branch of the United States Armed Forces in 1947 with the enactment of the [[National Security Act of 1947]]. It is the second youngest branch of the United States Armed Forces{{Efn|After the [[United States Space Force]], founded in 2019|name=|group=}} and the fourth in [[United States order of precedence|order of precedence]]. The United States Air Force articulates its core missions as [[air supremacy]], [[intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance|global integrated intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance]], [[airlift|rapid global mobility]], [[Strategic bombing|global strike]], and [[command and control]].

The United States Air Force is a military service branch organized within the [[United States Department of the Air Force|Department of the Air Force]], one of the three military departments of the [[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]]. The Air Force through the Department of the Air Force is headed by the civilian [[United States Secretary of the Air Force|Secretary of the Air Force]], who reports to the [[United States Secretary of Defense|Secretary of Defense]] and is appointed by the President with [[United States Senate|Senate]] [[advice and consent|confirmation]]. The highest-ranking military officer in the Air Force is the [[Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force|Chief of Staff of the Air Force]], who exercises supervision over Air Force units and serves as one of the [[Joint Chiefs of Staff]]. As directed by the Secretary of Defense and Secretary of the Air Force, certain Air Force components are assigned to [[unified combatant command]]s. Combatant commanders are delegated operational authority of the forces assigned to them, while the Secretary of the Air Force and the Chief of Staff of the Air Force retain administrative authority over their members.

Along with conducting independent air operations, the United States Air Force provides [[air support]] for land and naval forces and aids in the recovery of troops in the field. {{As of|2020}}, the service operates approximately 5,500 [[military aircraft]]<ref name=":2">{{Cite journal |last=Cancian |first=Mark |date=December 3, 2020 |title=U.S. Military Forces in FY 2021: Air Force |url=https://www.csis.org/analysis/us-military-forces-fy-2021-air-force |access-date=March 30, 2024 |website=Center for Strategic and International Studies}}</ref> and approximately 400 [[ICBM]]s.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 30, 2024 |title=America's Nuclear Triad |url=https://www.defense.gov/Multimedia/Experience/Americas-Nuclear-Triad/ |access-date=March 30, 2024 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=}}</ref> The world's largest air force, it has a $179.7&nbsp;billion budget<ref>{{Cite web |title=Department of the Air Force President's Budget |url=https://www.saffm.hq.af.mil/FM-Resources/Budget/ |access-date=31 October 2023 |website=SAF/FM}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.businessinsider.com/most-powerful-air-forces-in-the-world-in-2023-ranked-2023-6|title=The world's most powerful air forces in 2023, ranked|last=Baker|first=Sinead|date=July 15, 2023|website=[[Business Insider]]|access-date=November 27, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.19fortyfive.com/2021/12/worlds-largest-air-force-us-military-has-more-aircraft-than-next-5-nations-combined/|title=World's largest Air Force: U.S. Military Has More Aircraft Than Next 5 Nations Combined|last=Suciu|first=Peter|date=December 17, 2021|website=19fortyfive.com|access-date=November 27, 2023}}</ref> and is the second largest service branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, with 321,848 [[active duty personnel|active duty airmen]],{{efn|FY23 Projected End Strength}}<ref name="DoD FY24 Budget Request">{{Cite web |date=1 March 2023 |title=United States Department of Defense Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Request |url=https://comptroller.defense.gov/Portals/45/Documents/defbudget/FY2024/FY2024_Budget_Request.pdf |access-date=31 October 2023 |website=Office of the Under Secretary of Defense Comptroller/Chief Financial Officer}}</ref> 147,879 civilian personnel,{{efn|This reflects all [[Department of the Air Force]] civilian employees, the Dept of the Air Force manages the civilian employee programs for both the Air Force and Space Force. This is not inclusive of any [[defense contractors|contract]] personnel<ref name="AFPC Civilians" />}} 68,927 [[Air Force Reserve Command|reserve]] airmen,{{efn|FY23 Projected End Strength}}<ref name="DoD FY24 Budget Request" /> 105,104 [[Air National Guard]] airmen,{{efn|FY23 Projected End Strength}}<ref name="DoD FY24 Budget Request" /> and approximately 65,000 [[Civil Air Patrol]] [[Auxiliaries|auxiliarists]].<ref name="CAP">{{Cite web |title=2023 Report to Congress |url=https://www.cap.news/report-to-congress/ |access-date=27 Oct 2023 |website=Civil Air Patrol |date=31 December 2023 |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Mission, vision, and functions ==
=== Missions ===
According to the [[National Security Act of 1947]] (61 ''Stat''. 502), which created the USAF:
<blockquote>
:''In general, the United States Air Force shall include aviation forces both [[combat]] and service not otherwise assigned. It shall be organized, trained, and equipped primarily for prompt and sustained offensive and defensive air operations. The Air Force shall be responsible for the preparation of the air forces necessary for the effective prosecution of war except as otherwise assigned and, in accordance with integrated joint mobilization plans, for the expansion of the peacetime components of the Air Force to meet the needs of war.''
</blockquote>

Section 9062 of Title 10 US Code defines the purpose of the USAF as:<ref>{{Cite web|date=1 October 2009|title=10 U.S. Code § 9062 - Policy; composition; aircraft authorization |url= https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/9062|access-date=8 December 2020|publisher=Legal Information Institute }}</ref>
* to preserve the peace and security, and provide for the defense, of the United States, the Territories, Commonwealths, and possessions, and any areas occupied by the United States;
* to support national policy;
* to implement national objectives;
* to overcome any nations responsible for aggressive acts that imperil the peace and security of the United States.

=== Core missions ===
The five core missions of the Air Force have not changed dramatically since the Air Force became independent in 1947, but they have evolved and are now articulated as air superiority, global integrated ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance), rapid global mobility, global strike, and command and control. The purpose of all of these core missions is to provide what the Air Force states as global vigilance, global reach, and global power.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{Cite web |title=Air Force Future Operating Concept |date=September 2015 |website=Air & Space Forces Magazine |url=http://www.airforcemag.com/DocumentFile/Documents/2015/Future_Operating_Concept.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412083735/http://www.airforcemag.com/DocumentFile/Documents/2015/Future_Operating_Concept.pdf |archive-date=12 April 2019 |access-date=26 February 2018}}</ref>

==== Air superiority ====
{{main|Aerial warfare}}
Air superiority is "that degree of dominance in the air battle of one force over another which permits the conduct of operations by the former and its related land, sea, air, and special operations forces at a given time and place without prohibitive interference by the opposing force" (JP 1-02).<ref name="AFDD1">{{cite web |url-status=dead |url=http://www.apc.maxwell.af.mil/l004/pubs/afdd1.pdf |title=Air Force Basic Doctrine, Organization, and Command |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160618030147/http://www.apc.maxwell.af.mil/l004/pubs/afdd1.pdf |archive-date=18 June 2016 |date=14 October 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.airuniversity.af.edu/Wild-Blue-Yonder/Articles/Article-Display/Article/3234516/maintaining-air-superiority-looking-to-the-past-to-inform-the-future/|title=Maintaining Air Superiority: Looking to the Past to Inform the Future|last=Moulton|first=Todd|date=December 8, 2022|website=AirUniversity.af.edu|access-date=July 28, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.airandspaceforces.com/mutual-denial-of-air-superiority-could-benefit-us-in-future-conflict-top-usaf-planner-says/|title=Mutual Denial of Air Superiority Could Benefit U.S. in Future Conflict, Top USAF Planner Says|last=Hadley|first=Greg|date=September 6, 2022|website=Air & Space Forces Magazine|access-date=July 28, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.gao.gov/blog/u.s.-air-forces-75th-we-look-its-role-national-defense-and-how-it-can-maintain-its-edge-aerial-battlefield|title=For the U.S. Air Force's 75th, We Look At its Role In National Defense And How It Can Maintain Its Edge In the Aerial Battlefield|date=September 15, 2022|website=[[Government Accountability Office]]|access-date=July 30, 2023}}</ref>

[[File:First F-35 Lightning Arrives at Eglin AFB Florida.jpg|thumb|The first [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II|F-35 Lightning II]] of the [[33rd Fighter Wing]] arriving at [[Eglin Air Force Base|Eglin AFB]]]]
[[Offensive counter air|Offensive Counter-Air]] (OCA) is defined as "offensive operations to destroy, disrupt, or neutralize enemy aircraft, missiles, launch platforms, and their supporting structures and systems both before and after launch, but as close to their source as possible" (JP 1-02). OCA is the preferred method of countering air and missile threats since it attempts to defeat the enemy closer to its source and typically enjoys the initiative. OCA comprises attack operations, sweep, escort, and suppression/destruction of enemy air defense.<ref name="AFDD1" />

[[Anti-aircraft warfare|Defensive Counter-Air]] (DCA) is defined as "all the defensive measures designed to detect, identify, intercept, and destroy or negate enemy forces attempting to penetrate or attack through friendly airspace" (JP 1-02). In concert with OCA operations, a major goal of DCA operations is to provide an area from which forces can operate, secure from air and missile threats. The DCA mission comprises both active and passive defense measures. Active defense is "the employment of limited offensive action and counterattacks to deny a contested area or position to the enemy" (JP 1-02). It includes both ballistic missile defense and airborne threat defense and encompasses point defense, area defense, and high-value airborne asset defense. Passive defense is "measures taken to reduce the probability of and to minimize the effects of damage caused by hostile action without the intention of taking the initiative" (JP 1-02). It includes detection and warning; chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense; camouflage, concealment, and deception; hardening; reconstitution; dispersion; redundancy; and mobility, counter-measures, and stealth.<ref name="AFDD1" />

Airspace control is "a process used to increase operational effectiveness by promoting the safe, efficient, and flexible use of airspace" (JP 1-02). It promotes the safe, efficient, and flexible use of airspace, mitigates the risk of fratricide, enhances both offensive and defensive operations, and permits greater agility of air operations as a whole. It both deconflicts and facilitates the integration of joint air operations.<ref name="AFDD1" />

==== Global integrated ISR ====
{{main|Intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance}}
Global integrated intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) is the synchronization and integration of the planning and operation of sensors, assets, and processing, exploitation, dissemination systems across the globe to conduct current and future operations.<ref name="AFDD1" />

[[File:Global Hawk 1.jpg|thumb|An Air Force RQ-4 strategic reconnaissance aircraft]]
Planning and directing is "the determination of intelligence requirements, development of appropriate intelligence architecture, preparation of a collection plan, and issuance of orders and requests to information collection agencies" (JP 2-01, Joint and National Intelligence Support to Military Operations). These activities enable the synchronization and integration of collection, processing, exploitation, analysis, and dissemination activities/resources to meet information requirements of national and military decision-makers.<ref name="AFDD1" />

Collection is "the acquisition of information and the provision of this information to processing elements" (JP 2-01). It provides the ability to obtain required information to satisfy intelligence needs (via use of sources and methods in all domains). Collection activities span the Range of Military Operations (ROMO).<ref name="AFDD1" />

Processing and exploitation is "the conversion of collected information into forms suitable to the production of intelligence" (JP 2-01). It provides the ability to transform, extract, and make available collected information suitable for further analysis or action across the ROMO.<ref name="AFDD1" />

Analysis and production is "the conversion of processed information into intelligence through the integration, evaluation, analysis, and interpretation of all source data and the preparation of intelligence products in support of known or anticipated user requirements" (JP 2-01). It provides the ability to integrate, evaluate, and interpret information from available sources to create a finished intelligence product for presentation or dissemination to enable increased situational awareness.<ref name="AFDD1" />

Dissemination and integration is "the delivery of intelligence to users in a suitable form and the application of the intelligence to appropriate missions, tasks, and functions" (JP 2-01). It provides the ability to present information and intelligence products across the ROMO enabling understanding of the operational environment to military and national decision-makers.<ref name="AFDD1" />

==== Rapid global mobility ====
{{main|Airlift|Aerial refueling}}
[[File:Pegasus refuels Globemaster (2).jpg|thumb|An Air Force KC-46 Pegasus refuels a C-17A Globemaster III]]

Rapid global mobility is the timely deployment, employment, sustainment, augmentation, and redeployment of military forces and capabilities across the ROMO. It provides joint military forces the capability to move from place to place while retaining the ability to fulfill their primary mission. Rapid Global Mobility is essential to virtually every military operation, allowing forces to reach foreign or domestic destinations quickly, thus seizing the initiative through speed and surprise.<ref name="AFDD1" />

Airlift is "operations to transport and deliver forces and [[materiel]] through the air in support of strategic, operational, or tactical objectives" (Annex 3–17, Air Mobility Operations). The rapid and flexible options afforded by airlift allow military forces and national leaders the ability to respond and operate in a variety of situations and time frames. The global reach capability of airlift provides the ability to apply US power worldwide by delivering forces to crisis locations. It serves as a US presence that demonstrates resolve and compassion in humanitarian crisis.<ref name="AFDD1" />

Air refueling is "the refueling of an aircraft in flight by another aircraft" (JP 1-02). Air refueling extends presence, increases range, and serves as a force multiplier. It allows air assets to more rapidly reach any trouble spot around the world with less dependence on forward staging bases or overflight/landing clearances. Air refueling significantly expands the options available to a commander by increasing the range, payload, persistence, and flexibility of receiver aircraft.<ref name="AFDD1" />

Aeromedical evacuation is "the movement of patients under medical supervision to and between medical treatment facilities by air transportation" (JP 1-02). JP 4-02, Health Service Support, further defines it as "the fixed wing movement of regulated casualties to and between medical treatment facilities, using organic and/or contracted mobility airframes, with aircrew trained explicitly for this mission." Aeromedical evacuation forces can operate as far forward as [[fixed-wing aircraft]] are able to conduct airland operations.<ref name="AFDD1" />

==== Global strike ====
{{main|Strategic bombing|Nuclear warfare}}

Global precision attack is the ability to hold at risk or strike rapidly and persistently, with a wide range of munitions, any target and to create swift, decisive, and precise effects across multiple domains.<ref name="AFDD1" />

[[File:A-10 simulates close air support.jpg|thumb|An Air Force [[A-10]] demonstrating close air support at [[Nellis Air Force Base|Nellis AFB]]]]
Strategic attack is defined as "offensive action specifically selected to achieve national strategic objectives. These attacks seek to weaken the adversary's ability or will to engage in conflict, and may achieve strategic objectives without necessarily having to achieve operational objectives as a precondition" (Annex 3–70, Strategic Attack).<ref name="AFDD1" />

Air Interdiction is defined as "air operations conducted to divert, disrupt, delay, or destroy the enemy's military potential before it can be brought to bear effectively against friendly forces, or to otherwise achieve JFC objectives. Air Interdiction is conducted at such distance from friendly forces that detailed integration of each air mission with the fire and movement of friendly forces is not required" (Annex 3-03, Counterland Operations).<ref name="AFDD1" />

Close Air Support is defined as "air action by fixed- and rotary-winged aircraft against hostile targets that are in close proximity to friendly forces and which require detailed integration of each air mission with the fire and movement of those forces" (JP 1-02). This can be as a pre-planned event or on demand from an alert posture (ground or airborne). It can be conducted across the ROMO.<ref name="AFDD1" />

The purpose of nuclear deterrence operations (NDO) is to operate, maintain, and secure nuclear forces to achieve an assured capability to deter an adversary from taking action against vital US interests. In the event deterrence fails, the US should be able to appropriately respond with nuclear options. The sub-elements of this function are:<ref name="AFDD1" />

[[File:Minuteman3launch.jpg|thumb|Test launch of a [[LGM-30 Minuteman]] Intercontinental Ballistic Missile from [[Vandenberg Air Force Base|Vandenberg AFB]]]]
Assure/Dissuade/Deter is a mission set derived from the Air Force's readiness to carry out the nuclear strike operations mission as well as from specific actions taken to assure allies as a part of extended deterrence. Dissuading others from acquiring or proliferating WMD and delivering them contributes to promoting security and is also an integral part of this mission. Moreover, different deterrence strategies are required to deter various adversaries, whether they are a nation state, or non-state/transnational actor. The Air Force maintains and presents credible deterrent capabilities through successful visible demonstrations and exercises that assure allies, dissuade proliferation, deter potential adversaries from actions that threaten US national security or the populations, and deploy military forces of the US, its allies, and friends.<ref name="AFDD1" />

Nuclear strike is the ability of nuclear forces to rapidly and accurately strike targets which the enemy holds dear in a devastating manner. If a crisis occurs, rapid generation and, if necessary, deployment of nuclear strike capabilities will demonstrate US resolve and may prompt an adversary to alter the course of action deemed threatening to our national interest. Should deterrence fail, the President may authorize a precise, tailored response to terminate the conflict at the lowest possible level and lead to a rapid cessation of hostilities. Post-conflict, regeneration of a credible nuclear deterrent capability will deter further aggression. The Air Force may present a credible force posture in either the [[Continental United States]], within a theater of operations, or both to effectively deter the range of potential adversaries envisioned in the 21st century. This requires the ability to engage targets globally using a variety of methods; therefore, the Air Force should possess the ability to induct, train, assign, educate and exercise individuals and units to rapidly and effectively execute missions that support US NDO objectives. Finally, the Air Force regularly exercises and evaluates all aspects of nuclear operations to ensure high levels of performance.<ref name="AFDD1" />

Nuclear surety ensures the safety, security and effectiveness of nuclear operations. Because of their political and military importance, destructive power, and the potential consequences of an accident or unauthorized act, nuclear weapons and nuclear weapon systems require special consideration and protection against risks and threats inherent in their peacetime and wartime environments. In conjunction with other entities within the Departments of Defense or Energy, the Air Force achieves a high standard of protection through a stringent nuclear surety program. This program applies to materiel, personnel, and procedures that contribute to the safety, security, and control of nuclear weapons, thus assuring no nuclear accidents, incidents, loss, or unauthorized or accidental use (a [[Broken Arrow incident]]). The Air Force continues to pursue safe, secure and effective nuclear weapons consistent with operational requirements. Adversaries, allies, and the American people must be highly confident of the Air Force's ability to secure nuclear weapons from accidents, theft, loss, and accidental or unauthorized use. This day-to-day commitment to precise and reliable nuclear operations is the cornerstone of the credibility of the NDO mission. Positive nuclear command, control, communications; effective nuclear weapons security; and robust combat support are essential to the overall NDO function.<ref name="AFDD1" />

==== Command and control ====
{{main|Command and control|Air Operations Center|Joint Force Air Component Commander}}
Command and control is "the exercise of authority and direction by a properly designated commander over assigned and attached forces in the accomplishment of the mission. Command and control functions are performed through an arrangement of personnel, equipment, communications, facilities, and procedures employed by a commander in planning, directing, coordinating, and controlling forces and operations in the accomplishment of the mission" (JP 1-02). This core function includes all of the C2-related capabilities and activities associated with air, cyberspace, nuclear, and agile combat support operations to achieve strategic, operational, and tactical objectives.<ref name="AFDD1" />

[[File:Combined Air and Space Operations Center 151007-F-MS415-015.jpg|thumb|Combined Air Operations Center at [[Al Udeid Air Base]]]]
At the strategic level command and control, the US determines national or multinational security objectives and guidance, and develops and uses national resources to accomplish these objectives. These national objectives in turn provide the direction for developing overall military objectives, which are used to develop the objectives and strategy for each theater.<ref name="AFDD1" />

At the operational level command and control, campaigns and major operations are planned, conducted, sustained, and assessed to accomplish strategic goals within theaters or areas of operations. These activities imply a broader dimension of time or space than do tactics; they provide the means by which tactical successes are exploited to achieve strategic and operational objectives.<ref name="AFDD1" />

Tactical Level Command and Control is where individual battles and engagements are fought. The tactical level of war deals with how forces are employed, and the specifics of how engagements are conducted and targets attacked. The goal of tactical level C2 is to achieve commander's intent and desired effects by gaining and keeping offensive initiative.<ref name="AFDD1" />

== History ==
{{main|History of the United States Air Force}}
The origins of the United States Air Force can be traced back to the [[Union Army Balloon Corps]] of the [[American Civil War]]. The Union Balloon Corps, established by aeronaut [[Thaddeus S. C. Lowe]], provided aerial reconnaissance for the [[Union Army]]. This early use of balloons for military purposes marked the beginning of modern aerial warfare and set the stage for the development of the United States Air Force.<ref>Smithsonian American History Encyclopedia. (2003). Nation divided: The first modern war (p. 47).</ref>

The [[United States Department of War|U.S. War Department]] created the first antecedent of the U.S. Air Force, as a part of the U.S. Army, on 1 August 1907, which through a succession of changes of organization, titles, and missions advanced toward eventual independence 40 years later. In [[World War II]], almost 68,000 U.S. airmen died helping to win the war, with only the infantry suffering more casualties.<ref>Robert Pitta, Gordon Rottman, Jeff Fannell (1993). ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=ydRaKBTQ0AgC&pg=PA3 US Army Air Force (1)] {{webarchive |url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160428174544/https://books.google.com/books?id=ydRaKBTQ0AgC&pg=PA3&dq=&hl=en |date=28 April 2016}}''. Osprey Publishing. p. 3. {{ISBN|1-85532-295-1}}</ref> In practice, the [[U.S. Army Air Forces]] ([[USAAF]]) was virtually independent of the [[United States Army|Army]] during World War II, and in virtually every way functioned as an independent service branch, but airmen still pressed for formal independence.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Army Air Forces in World War II Volume VI: Men and Planes: Chapter 2 |url=http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/AAF/VI/AAF-VI-2.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171028090810/http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/AAF/VI/AAF-VI-2.html |archive-date=28 October 2017 |access-date=8 November 2017 |website= ibiblio.org}}</ref> The [[National Security Act of 1947]] was signed on 26 July 1947, which established the [[Department of the Air Force]], but it was not until 18 September 1947, when the first secretary of the Air Force, [[W. Stuart Symington]], was sworn into office that the Air Force was officially formed as an independent service branch.<ref>[http://www.af.mil/AboutUs/FactSheets/Display/tabid/224/Article/104613/the-us-air-force.aspx "The Air Force Fact Sheet"] {{webarchive |url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141208042018/http://www.af.mil/AboutUs/FactSheets/Display/tabid/224/Article/104613/the-us-air-force.aspx |date=8 December 2014}}. U.S. Air Force. Retrieved 30 December 2014.</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20080512165955/http://www.intelligence.gov/0-natsecact_1947.shtml ''National Security Act of 1947'']. U.S. Intelligence Community, October 2004. Retrieved 14 April 2006.</ref>

The act created the ''National Military Establishment'' (renamed [[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]] in 1949), which was composed of three subordinate Military Departments, namely the [[Department of the Army]], the [[United States Department of the Navy|Department of the Navy]], and the newly created Department of the Air Force.<ref>U.S. Department of State. ''[https://history.state.gov/milestones/1945-1952/NationalSecurityAct National Security Act of 1947] {{webarchive |url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130727111301/http://history.state.gov/milestones/1945-1952/NationalSecurityAct |date=27 July 2013}}''. Retrieved 3 October 2010.</ref> Prior to 1947, the responsibility for military aviation was shared between the Army Air Forces and its predecessor organizations (for land-based operations), the [[United States Navy|Navy]] (for sea-based operations from [[aircraft carrier]]s and [[amphibious warfare|amphibious]] aircraft), and the [[United States Marine Corps|Marine Corps]] (for close air support of Marine Corps operations). The 1940s proved to be important for military aviation in other ways as well. In 1947, Air Force Captain [[Chuck Yeager]] broke the sound barrier in his X-1 rocket-powered aircraft, beginning a new era of aeronautics in America.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Wildsmith |first=Snow |url=http://www.mcfarlandbooks.com/book-2.php?id=978-0-7864-4758-9 |title=Joining the United States Air Force |publisher=McFarland |year=2012 |isbn=978-0-7864-4758-9 |location=United States of America |page=56 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904030356/http://www.mcfarlandbooks.com/book-2.php?id=978-0-7864-4758-9 |archive-date=4 September 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[File:Usaroundelevo.gif|thumb|right|[[United States military aircraft national insignia|Roundels]] that have appeared on U.S. military aircraft <br />1.) 5/1917–2/1918 <br />2.) 2/1918–8/1919 <br />3.) 8/1919–5/1942 <br />4.) 5/1942–6/1943 <br />5.) 6/1943–9/1943 <br />6.) 9/1943–1/1947 <br />7.) 1/1947– ]]

=== Antecedents ===
The predecessor organizations in the Army of today's Air Force are:
* [[Aeronautical Division, U.S. Signal Corps|Aeronautical Division, Signal Corps]] (1 August 1907 – 18 July 1914)
* [[Aviation Section, U.S. Signal Corps|Aviation Section, Signal Corps]] (18 July 1914 – 20 May 1918)
* [[Division of Military Aeronautics]] (20 May 1918 to 24 May 1918)
* [[U.S. Army Air Service]] (24 May 1918 to 2 July 1926)
* [[U.S. Army Air Corps]] (2 July 1926 to 20 June 1941)<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.historyonthenet.com/history-army-air-corps|title=Army Air Corps: A History of the Military Service|website=historyonthenet.com|date=23 October 2018 |access-date=July 29, 2023}}</ref> and
* [[U.S. Army Air Forces]] (20 June 1941 to 18 September 1947)

=== 21st century ===
During the early 2000s, two USAF aircraft procurement projects took longer than expected, the [[KC-X]] and [[F-35]] programs. As a result, the USAF was setting new records for average aircraft age.<ref>Bennett, John T. [https://www.usnews.com/news/blogs/dotmil/2012/05/14/panetta-selects-trusted-hand-for-new-air-force-chief "Panetta Selects Trusted Hand for New Air Force Chief."] {{webarchive |url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170629130713/https://www.usnews.com/news/blogs/dotmil/2012/05/14/panetta-selects-trusted-hand-for-new-air-force-chief |date=29 June 2017}} ''U.S. News & World Report'', 14 May 2012.</ref>

Since 2005, the USAF has placed a strong focus on the improvement of [[United States Air Force Basic Military Training|Basic Military Training]] (BMT) for enlisted personnel. While the intense training has become longer, it also has shifted to include a deployment phase. This deployment phase, now called the BEAST, places the trainees in a simulated combat environment that they may experience once they deploy. While the trainees do tackle the massive obstacle courses along with the BEAST, the other portions include defending and protecting their base of operations, forming a structure of leadership, directing search and recovery, and basic self aid buddy care. During this event, the Military Training Instructors (MTI) act as mentors and opposing forces in a deployment exercise.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Air Force Basic Military Training – Home |url=http://www.basictraining.af.mil/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150408013544/http://www.basictraining.af.mil/ |archive-date=8 April 2015 |access-date=1 April 2015 |website=af.mil}}</ref> In November 2022, the USAF announced that it will discontinue BEAST and replace it with another deployment training program called PACER FORGE.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2022/11/21/air-force-ditches-beast-week-for-new-mock-deployment-training/#:~:text=Air%20Force%20boot%20camp%20is,training%20dubbed%20%E2%80%9CBEAST%20Week.%E2%80%9D|title=Air Force ditches BEAST Week for new mock deployment training|last=Cohen|first=Rachel |date=November 21, 2022 |website=AirForceTimes.com |access-date=July 28, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.military.com/daily-news/2022/11/16/air-force-ends-beast-week-mock-deployment-boot-camp.html |title=Air Force Ends BEAST Week Mock Deployment at boot camp|last=Novelly|first=Thomas|date=November 16, 2022|website=Military.com|access-date=July 28, 2023}}</ref>

In 2007, the USAF undertook a Reduction-in-Force (RIF). Because of budget constraints, the USAF planned to reduce the service's size from 360,000 active duty personnel to 316,000.<ref name="AF_mag_rif">[http://www.airforce-magazine.com/MagazineArchive/Pages/2008/October%202008/1008aircraft.aspx Needed: 200 New Aircraft a Year] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130120030910/http://www.airforce-magazine.com/MagazineArchive/Pages/2008/October%202008/1008aircraft.aspx |date=20 January 2013}}, ''Air Force Magazine'', October 2008.</ref> The size of the active duty force in 2007 was roughly 64% of that of what the USAF was at the end of the first [[Gulf War]] in 1991.<ref name="downsize">{{Cite web |title=2008 USAF Almanac: People |url=http://www.airforce-magazine.com/MagazineArchive/Magazine%20Documents/2008/May%202008/0508facts_figs.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707095725/http://www.airforce-magazine.com/MagazineArchive/Magazine%20Documents/2008/May%202008/0508facts_figs.pdf |archive-date=7 July 2011 |access-date=2 September 2011 |publisher=AIR FORCE Magazine}} 1991: 510,000; 2007: 328,600</ref> However, the reduction was ended at approximately 330,000 personnel in 2008 in order to meet the demand signal of combatant commanders and associated mission requirements.<ref name="AF_mag_rif" /> These same constraints have seen a sharp reduction in flight hours for crew training since 2005<ref>{{Cite web |title=Air Force Magazine news |url=http://www.airforce-magazine.com/MagazineArchive/Pages/2008/January |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20170524215714/http://www.airforcemag.com/Pages/HomePage.aspx |archive-date=24 May 2017 |website= Airforcemag.com}}</ref> and the Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower and Personnel directing Airmen's Time Assessments.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Maj. Timothy Farr |title=Airmen's time tour makes follow-up visits |url=http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123159900 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101016132644/http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123159900 |archive-date=16 October 2010 |access-date=30 August 2010 |publisher=AF.mil}}</ref>

On 5 June 2008, [[United States Secretary of Defense|Secretary of Defense]] [[Robert Gates]] accepted the resignations of both the [[United States Secretary of the Air Force|Secretary of the Air Force]], [[Michael Wynne]], and the [[Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force|Chief of Staff of the Air Force]], [[General (United States)|General]] [[T. Michael Moseley]]. In his decision to fire both men Gates cited "systemic issues associated with... declining Air Force nuclear mission focus and performance".<ref name="auto">{{Cite news |date=July 2008 |title=The Gates Case |publisher=Air Force Magazine |agency=Air Force Magazine |issue=July 2008 |url=http://www.airforcemag.com/MagazineArchive/Documents/2008/July%202008/0708gates.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=22 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123053048/http://www.airforcemag.com/MagazineArchive/Documents/2008/July%202008/0708gates.pdf |archive-date=23 November 2016}}</ref> Left unmentioned by Gates was that he had repeatedly clashed with Wynne and Moseley over other important non-nuclear related issues to the service.<ref name="auto" /> This followed an investigation into two incidents involving mishandling of [[nuclear weapons]]: specifically a [[2007 United States Air Force nuclear weapons incident|nuclear weapons incident]] aboard a B-52 flight between [[Minot AFB]] and [[Barksdale AFB]], and an accidental shipment of nuclear weapons components to Taiwan.<ref>[http://www.airforce-magazine.com/MagazineArchive/Pages/2008/July%202008/0708watch.aspx "Washington watch"] {{webarchive |url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130120031054/http://www.airforce-magazine.com/MagazineArchive/Pages/2008/July%202008/0708watch.aspx |date=20 January 2013}}, ''AIR FORCE Magazine'', July 2008, Vol. 91 No. 7, pp. 8.</ref> To put more emphasis on nuclear assets, the USAF established the nuclear-focused [[Air Force Global Strike Command]] on 24 October 2008, which later assumed control of all USAF bomber aircraft.<ref>Chavanne, Bettina H. [http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_generic.jsp?channel=defense&id=news/GSC102408.xml&headline=USAF%20Creates%20Global%20Strike%20Command "USAF Creates Global Strike Command"] {{webarchive |url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120111032006/http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_generic.jsp?channel=defense&id=news%2FGSC102408.xml&headline=USAF%20Creates%20Global%20Strike%20Command |date=11 January 2012}}. ''Aviation Week'', 24 October 2008.</ref>

On 26 June 2009, the USAF released a force structure plan that cut fighter aircraft and shifted resources to better support nuclear, irregular and information warfare.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Plan reshapes U.S. air power |url=http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2009/07/airforce_realignment_070609w/ |access-date=30 August 2010 |publisher=Airforcetimes.com}}</ref> On 23 July 2009, The USAF released their Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Flight Plan, detailing Air Force UAS plans through 2047.<ref>{{Cite web |first=Gerry J. |last=Gilmore |title=Unmanned aircraft take on increased importance |url=http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123160247 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101016130924/http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123160247 |archive-date=16 October 2010 |access-date=30 August 2010 |publisher=AF.mil |date=Jul 23, 2009}}</ref> One third of the planes that the USAF planned to buy in the future were to be unmanned.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Singer |first=Peter W. |date=7 October 2009 |title=Future U.S. Defense Needs in a High Technology Present – Up Front Blog |url=http://www.brookings.edu/opinions/2009/1007_defense_prioirties_chat.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101026171504/http://www.brookings.edu/opinions/2009/1007_defense_prioirties_chat.aspx |archive-date=26 October 2010 |access-date=30 August 2010 |publisher=Brookings Institution}}</ref> According to Air Force Chief Scientist, [[Greg Zacharias]], the USAF anticipates having hypersonic weapons by the 2020s, hypersonic [[unmanned aerial vehicle]]s (also known as remotely-piloted vehicles, or RPAs) by the 2030s and recoverable hypersonic RPAs aircraft by the 2040s.<ref name="nationalinterest.org">{{Cite web |date=12 August 2017 |title=Get Ready, Russia and China: America's Next Fighter Jet Will Dominate the Skies |url=http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/get-ready-russia-china-americas-next-fighter-jet-will-21876 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170903190214/http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/get-ready-russia-china-americas-next-fighter-jet-will-21876 |archive-date=3 September 2017 |access-date=3 September 2017 |first=Kris |last=Osborn |website=The National Interest}}</ref> The USAF intends to deploy a [[Sixth-generation jet fighter]] by the mid-2030s.<ref name="nationalinterest.org" />

On 22 October 2023, the USAF conducted its first-ever trilateral exercise with the [[South Korean Air Force|South Korean]] and [[JASDF|Japanese]] air forces near the Korean Peninsula.<ref>{{cite news |title=US, ROK, Japan hold first joint aerial drill despite North Korean warnings |url=https://www.nknews.org/2023/10/us-rok-japan-hold-first-joint-aerial-drill-despite-north-korean-warnings |publisher=NK News |date=October 23, 2023}}</ref> On 29 November 2023, a USAF [[Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey]] crashed in the Japan island of Yakushima killing 1 airman.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/us-military-plane-crashes-sea-japan-osprey-yakushima-rcna127129|title=At least 1 dead after U.S. military aircraft crashes into the sea near Japan|last=Yamamoto|first=Arata|date=November 29, 2023|website=[[NBC News]]|access-date=December 1, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/osprey-crash-japan-us-crew-missing-search-rescue-japanese-ask-ground-ospreys/|title=U.S. military confirms Osprey crash in Japan left at least 1 dead, says search for 7 continues|last=Palmer|first=Elizabeth|date=December 1, 2023|website=[[CBS News]]|access-date=December 1, 2023}}</ref>

In 2024, citing the [[Supreme Court of the United States|Supreme Court]]'s ruling in ''[[Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo]]'', the Air Force refused to comply with an [[United States Environmental Protection Agency|EPA]] order that they develop a cleanup plan for drinking water around [[Tucson, Arizona]] after the region's groundwater was contaminated by [[Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances|PFAS]] runoff from nearby Air Force bases.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Air Force Dodges PFAS Water Cleanup in Arizona, Citing Supreme Court Chevron Ruling {{!}} Common Dreams |url=https://www.commondreams.org/news/air-force-epa-pfas |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=www.commondreams.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/12/air-force-epa-water-pfas-tucson|title=US Air Force avoids PFAS water cleanup, citing supreme court's Chevron ruling|last=Perkins|first=Tom|date=August 12, 2024|website=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=August 31, 2024}}</ref>

=== Conflicts ===
[[File:Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird (modified).jpg|thumb|The [[SR-71 Blackbird]] was a [[Cold War]] [[reconnaissance plane]].]]
[[File:F-117 Nighthawk Front.jpg|thumb|The [[F-117 Nighthawk]] was a [[stealth aircraft|stealth]] attack aircraft (sectional retirement from combat service in April 2008).]]

The United States Air Force has been involved in many wars, conflicts and operations using military air operations. The USAF possesses the lineage and heritage of its predecessor organizations, which played a pivotal role in U.S. military operations since 1907:
* [[Pancho Villa Expedition|Mexican Expedition]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Winged Shield, Winged Sword: A History of the United States Air Force |url=https://media.defense.gov/2010/Oct/06/2001329754/-1/-1/0/AFD-101006-029.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171005050710/https://media.defense.gov/2010/Oct/06/2001329754/-1/-1/0/AFD-101006-029.pdf |archive-date=5 October 2017 |access-date=4 October 2017}}</ref> as [[Aviation Section, U.S. Signal Corps]]
* [[World War I]]<ref name="autogenerated1">{{Cite web |date=2007-07-01 |title=AFPAM 36-2241, Professional Development Guide |url=https://www.afmentor.com/docs/afpam36-2241.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211116165611/http://www.afmentor.com/docs/afpam36-2241.pdf |archive-date=2021-11-16 |access-date=2023-09-16 |website=afmentor.com}}</ref> as [[Aviation Section, U.S. Signal Corps]] and [[United States Army Air Service]]
* [[World War II]]<ref name="autogenerated1" /> as [[United States Army Air Forces]]
* [[Cold War]]<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.afhistory.af.mil/FAQs/Fact-Sheets/Article/705059/the-us-air-force-during-the-cold-war/|title=The US Air Force During the Cold War|website=afhistory.af.mil|access-date=July 19, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.defense.gov/News/Inside-DOD/Blog/article/2062719/the-berlin-airlift-what-it-was-its-importance-in-the-cold-war/|title=The Berlin Airlift: What It Was, Its Importance in the Cold War|last=Lange|first=Katie|date=June 25, 2018|website=[[United States Department of Defense]]|access-date=July 19, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.airandspaceforces.com/article/0712coldwar/|title=End of the Cold War Air Force|last=Grant|first=Rebecca|date=July 1, 2012|website=Air & Space Forces Magazine|access-date=July 19, 2023}}</ref>
* Korean War<ref>{{cite web |url= https://ndupress.ndu.edu/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/1681704/the-us-air-force-and-army-in-korea-how-army-decisions-limited-airpower-effectiv/|title=The U.S. Air Force and Army in Korea: How Army Decisions Limited Airpower Effectiveness|last=Bingham|first=Price|date=November 5, 2018|website=ndupress.ndu.edu|access-date=July 19, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.airandspaceforces.com/article/air-war-over-korea-lessons-for-todays-airmen/|title=Air War Over Korea: Lessons for today's Airmen|last=Birkey|first=Douglas|date=August 12, 2022|website=Air & Space Forces Magazine|access-date=July 19, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Vietnam War]]<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.afhistoryandmuseums.af.mil/Commemorations/50th-Vietnam/#:~:text=The%20United%20States%20Air%20Force,operations%20in%20the%20early%201970s.|title=50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War|website=afhistoryandmuseums.af.mil|access-date=July 19, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.airandspaceforces.com/article/the-air-force-enters-the-vietnam-war/|title=The Air Force Enters the Vietnam War|last=Correll|first=John|date=May 5, 2022}}</ref>
 [[Contemporary Historical Examination of Current Operations]] (CHECO)
* [[Operation Eagle Claw]] (1980 Iranian hostage rescue)<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2020/08/19/desert-one-documentary-chronicles-challenges-lessons-of-operation-eagle-claw/|title=Desert One documentary chronicles challenges, lessons of Operation Eagle Claw|last=Correll|first=Diane|date=August 19, 2020|website=MilitaryTimes.com|access-date=July 19, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.militarytimes.com/opinion/commentary/2020/04/24/this-is-what-special-ops-learned-40-years-ago-from-operation-eagle-claw/|title=This is what special ops learned 40 years ago from Operation Eagle Claw|last=Lamb|first=Richard|date=April 24, 2020|website=MilitaryTimes.com|access-date=July 19, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Operation Urgent Fury]] (1983 US invasion of Grenada)<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.forces.net/usa/urgent-fury-operation-led-shake-us-military|title=Urgent Fury: the operation that led to a shake-up of the U.S. Military|date=October 26, 2021|website=forces.net|access-date=July 19, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.warhistoryonline.com/cold-war/urgent-fury-invasion-grenada.html?andro=1|title=Operation Urgent Fury: The 1983 US Invasion of Grenada|last=Budanovic|first=Nikola|date=May 8, 2018|website=War History Online|access-date=July 19, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Bombing of Libya (1986)|Operation El Dorado Canyon]] (1986 US Bombing of Libya)<ref>{{cite web |url= https://themobilityforum.net/2020/09/09/mobility-operations-global-reach-and-operation-el-dorado-canyon-the-1986-strike-on-libya/|title=Mobility Operations: Global Reach and Operation El Dorado Canyon – The 1986 Strike on Libya|last=Mulligan|first=Terance|website=themobilityforum.net|date=9 September 2020 |access-date=July 27, 2023}}</ref>
* [[United States invasion of Panama|Operation Just Cause]] (1989–1990 US invasion of Panama)<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.military.com/history/how-operation-just-cause-us-invasion-of-panama-ousted-dictator.html|title=How Operation Just Cause, the US invasion of Panama, ousted a dictator|last=Stilwell|first=Blake|website=Military.com|date=31 January 2023 |access-date=July 27, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Gulf War]] (1990–1991)<ref>{{cite web |url= https://nationalinterest.org/blog/reboot/why-us-air-force-dominated-gulf-war-196396|title=Why the U.S. Air Force Dominated in the Gulf War|last=Osborn|first=Kris|date=November 18, 2021|website=nationalinterest.org|access-date=July 27, 2023}}</ref>
 Operation Desert Shield (1990–1991)<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.afhistory.af.mil/FAQs/Fact-Sheets/Article/458965/1991-operation-desert-shielddesert-storm/|title=1991 – Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm|website=afhistory.af.mil|publisher=Air Force Historical Support Division|access-date=July 27, 2023}}</ref>
 Operation Desert Storm (1991)<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/2879147/nation-observes-anniversary-of-operation-desert-storm/|title=Nation Observes Anniversary of Operation Desert Storm|last=Vergun|first=David|date=January 15, 2022|website=[[United States Department of Defense]]|access-date=July 27, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Operation Southern Watch]] (1992–2003 Iraq no-fly zone)<ref>{{cite web |url= https://theaviationist.com/2015/02/17/the-story-of-one-of-the-largest-air-strikes-conducted-by-u-s-and-british-jets-in-iraq-during-osw/|title=The Story of one of the largest air strikes conducted by U.S. and British jets in Iraq during OSW|website=theaviationist.com|date=17 February 2015 |access-date=July 27, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Operation Deliberate Force]] (1995 NATO bombing in Bosnia and Herzegovina)<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.airandspaceforces.com/article/1097deliberate/|title=Operation Deliberate Force – Air & Space Forces Magazine|website=airandspaceforces.com|date=October 1, 1997|last=Tirpak|first=John|access-date=July 27, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Operation Northern Watch]] (1997–2003 Iraq no-fly zone)<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.smithsonianmag.com/air-space-magazine/over-the-no-fly-zone-142135016/|title=Over the No-Fly Zone|last=Gordon|first=Randy|date=September 21, 2009|website=Smithsonianmag.com|access-date=July 27, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Operation Desert Fox]] (1998 bombing of Iraq)<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.cfr.org/blog/operation-desert-fox-useful-comparison-bombing-iran|title=Is Operation Desert Fox a Useful Comparison for Bombing Iran?|last=Zenko|first=Micah|date=April 15, 2015|website=cfr.org|access-date=July 28, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/inatl/longterm/iraq/analysis.htm|title=The Difference Was in the Details|last=Arkin|first=William|date=January 17, 1999|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|access-date=July 28, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/inatl/longterm/iraq/mmedia/statements121798.htm|title=Operation Desert Fox Strikes Again|date=December 17, 1998|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|access-date=July 28, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Operation Allied Force]] (1999 NATO bombing of Yugoslavia)<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.airandspaceforces.com/article/operation-allied-force-how-airpower-won-the-war-for-kosovo/|title=Operation Allied Force – Air & Space Forces Magazine|last=Sayers|first=William|date=April 16, 2019|website=Air & Space Forces Magazine|access-date=July 28, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Afghanistan War]] (2001–2021)<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.cfr.org/timeline/us-war-afghanistan|title=Timeline: The U.S. War in Afghanistan|website=cfr.org|access-date=July 28, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3144426/one-year-later-historic-afghan-airlift-inspires-pride-and-reflection-across-the/|title=One year later, historic Afghan airlift inspires pride and reflection across the Air Force|last=Pope|first=Charles|date=August 30, 2022|website=af.mil|access-date=July 28, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/13/us/politics/military-clears-crew-afghan-evacuation.html|title=Military Clears Crew of Plane That Took Flight as Afghans Fell to Their Deaths|last=Cooper|first=Helene|date=June 13, 2022|website=The New York Times|access-date=July 28, 2023}}</ref>
 [[Operation Enduring Freedom]] (2001–2014)<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.nationalguard.mil/News/Article-View/Article/576922/after-13-years-operation-enduring-freedom-concludes-in-afghanistan/|title=After 13 years, Operation Enduring Freedom concludes in Afghanistan|date=December 29, 2014|website=NationalGuard.mil|access-date=July 29, 2023}}</ref>
 [[Operation Freedom's Sentinel]] (2015–2021)<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.military.com/daily-news/2014/12/29/amid-confusion-dod-names-new-mission-operation-freedoms.html|title=Amid Confusion, DoD Names New Mission Operation Freedom's Sentinel|last=Sisk|first=Richard|date=December 29, 2014|website=Military.com|access-date=July 29, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Iraq War]] (2003–2011)<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/2017/09/21/the_us_air_forces_vital_role_in_iraq_and_afghanistan_112341.html|title=The U.S. Air Force's Vital Role in Iraq and Afghanistan|last=Muralidharan|first=Rathna|date=September 21, 2017|website=realcleardefense.com|access-date=July 29, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.cfr.org/timeline/iraq-war|title=Timeline: The Iraq War|website=cfr.org|access-date=July 29, 2023}}</ref>
 [[Iraq War#2003: Invasion|Operation Iraqi Freedom]] (2003–2010)<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.airandspaceforces.com/article/0313iraqi/|title=Iraqi Freedom and the Air Force|last=Grant|first=Rebecca|date=March 1, 2013|website=Air & Space Forces Magazine|access-date=July 29, 2023}}</ref>
 [[Iraq War#2010: US drawdown and Operation New Dawn|Operation New Dawn]] (2010–2011)<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.afcent.af.mil/News/Article/220080/us-air-force-role-transitions-to-operation-new-dawn/|title=U.S. Air Force role transitions to Operation New Dawn|date=September 1, 2010|website=afcent.af.mil|publisher=Air Force Central|access-date=July 29, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.cnn.com/2013/10/30/world/meast/operation-iraqi-freedom-and-operation-new-dawn-fast-facts/index.html|title=Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn Fast Facts|date=April 1, 2022|website=CNN|access-date=July 29, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Operation Odyssey Dawn]] (2011 Libyan no-fly zone)<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.airandspaceforces.com/article/1211libya/|title=Lessons from Libya|date=December 1, 2011|last=Tirpak|first=John|website=Air & Space Forces Magazine|access-date=July 29, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/us-forces-lead-attack-against-libya-in-operation-audacity-dawn|title=U.S. Forces lead Attack Against Libya in Operation New Dawn|date=March 19, 2011|website=PBS |access-date=July 29, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/mar/19/operation-odyssey-dawn-tomahawks-libya|title=Operation Odyssey Dawn commences to end Gaddafi onslaught on Benghazi|last=Townsend|first=Mark|date=March 19, 2011|website=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=July 29, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Operation Inherent Resolve]] (2014–present: intervention against the [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://warontherocks.com/2021/08/from-forever-wars-to-great-power-wars-lessons-learned-from-operation-inherent-resolve/|title=From Forever Wars to Great Power Wars: Lessons Learned From Operation Inherent Resolve|last=Pettyjohn|first=Stacie|date=August 20, 2021|website=War on the Rocks|access-date=January 15, 2024}}</ref>

In addition since the USAF dwarfs all other U.S. and allied air components, it often provides support for allied forces in conflicts to which the United States is otherwise not involved, such as the [[Operation Serval|2013 French campaign in Mali]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=USAF to help transport French troops to Mali. |url=http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2013/01/air-force-helps-transport-french-troops-mali-011713/ |access-date=1 April 2015 |website=airforcetimes.com}}</ref>

=== Humanitarian operations ===
[[File:Bundesarchiv Bild 146-1985-064-10A, Frankfurt-Main, Luftbrücke, Flugzeuge.jpg|thumb|right|A row of [[Douglas C-54 Skymaster]]s during the [[Berlin Airlift]] in 1949]]

The USAF has also taken part in numerous humanitarian operations. Some of the more major ones include the following:<ref>The primary source for the humanitarian operations of the USAF is the United States Air Force Supervisory Examination Study Guide (2005)</ref>
* [[Berlin Blockade#The Berlin Airlift|Berlin Airlift (Operation Vittles), 1948–1949]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Feature-Stories/story/Article/3072635/the-berlin-airlift-what-it-was-its-importance-in-the-cold-war/|title=The Berlin Airlift: What it was, it's importance in the Cold War|date=June 22, 2022|last=Lange|first=Katie|website=[[United States Department of Defense]]|access-date=June 1, 2024}}</ref>
* [[Operation Safe Haven (1957)|Operation Safe Haven, 1956–1957]]
* Operations [[Operation Babylift|Babylift]], [[Operation New Life|New Life]], [[Operation Frequent Wind|Frequent Wind]], and [[Operation New Arrivals|New Arrivals]], 1975<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dia.mil/News-Features/Articles/Article-View/Article/566960/remembering-the-first-operation-babylift-flight/|title=Remembering the first Operation Babylift Flight by DIA History Office|date=April 3, 2014|website=dia.mil|access-date=June 1, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://amcmuseum.org/history/operation-babylift-and-new-life/|title=Operation Babylift & New Life|website=Air Mobility Command|access-date=June 1, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.edwards.af.mil/News/AFMC-News/Article/3593059/history-in-two-operation-new-arrival-eglin-provides-new-hope-to-refugees/|title=History in two: Operation New Arrival – Eglin provides new hope to refugees|last=Landers|first=Alan|date=November 17, 2023|website=Elgin Air Force Base|access-date=June 1, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vietnamwar50th.com/1975_the_fall_of_saigon/Operation-FREQUENT-WIND/|title=Operation Frequent Wind Overview April 29, 1975|website=Vietnamwar50th.com|access-date=June 1, 2024}}</ref>
* [[Operation Provide Comfort]], 1991<ref>{{cite web|url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2017/02/06/operation-provide-comfort-a-forgotten-mission-with-possible-lessons-for-syria/|title=Operation Provide Comfort: A forgotten mission with possible lessons for Syria|last=Ricks|first=Thomas|date=February 6, 2017|website=Foreign Policy|access-date=June 1, 2024}}</ref>
* [[Operation Sea Angel]], 1991<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.thedailystar.net/opinion/perspective/news/model-disaster-management-1736545|title=28 years since Operation Sea Angel: A model in disaster management|last=Protik|first=Bir|date=April 30, 2019|website=thedailystar.net|access-date=July 19, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Operation Provide Hope]], 1992–1993<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.usafe.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/254409/operation-provide-hope-reaches-out-to-ukraine/|title=Operation Provide Hope reaches out to Ukraine|last=Voss|first=Michael Sgt Tech|website=usafe.af.mil|date=14 October 2010 |publisher=U.S. Air Forces In Europe & Air Forces in Africa|access-date=July 19, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Operation Provide Promise]], 1992–1996<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/197596/usaf-humanitarian-efforts-in-bosnia-herzegovina/|title=USAF Humanitarian Efforts in Bosnia–Herzegovina|website=nationalmuseum.af.mil|publisher=National Museum of the United States Air Force|access-date=July 19, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Operation Unified Assistance]], [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami|December 2004 – April 2005]]
* [[Operation Unified Response]], 14 January 2010 – 22 March 2010<ref>{{Cite web |title=Operation Unified Response Air Mobility Command's Response to the 2010 Haiti Earthquake Crisis |url=http://www.amc.af.mil/Portals/12/documents/AFD-131018-050.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417144102/http://www.amc.af.mil/Portals/12/documents/AFD-131018-050.pdf |archive-date=17 April 2018 |access-date=9 July 2018}}</ref>
* [[Operation Tomodachi]], 12 March 2011 – 1 May 2011<ref>{{Cite web |title=Yesterday's Air Force: Operation Tomodachi |url=https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/691286/yesterdays-air-force-operation-tomodachi/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708221024/http://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/691286/yesterdays-air-force-operation-tomodachi/ |archive-date=8 July 2018 |access-date=5 April 2019 |website=U.S. Air Force |date=11 March 2016}}</ref>

== Culture ==
{{stack|[[File:Air Force 74th Birthday 210917-F-LE393-0305.jpg|thumb|Various Air Force personnel pose during the Air Force's 74th birthday celebration at the Pentagon (17 September 2021).]]}}
The culture of the United States Air Force is primarily driven by pilots, at first those piloting bombers (driven originally by the [[Bomber Mafia]]), followed by fighters ([[Fighter Mafia]]).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Air Force Culture and Conventional Strategic Airpower |url=http://www.stormingmedia.us/01/0155/A015524.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629153840/http://www.stormingmedia.us/01/0155/A015524.html |archive-date=29 June 2011 |access-date=30 August 2010 |publisher=Stormingmedia.us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Thompson |first=Mark |date=8 July 2013 |title=The Air Force's Future May Be in Drones, But Its Generals Won't Be |magazine=Time |url=https://nation.time.com/2013/07/08/the-air-forces-future-may-be-in-drones-but-its-generals-wont-be/ |url-status=live |access-date=8 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130712020243/http://nation.time.com/2013/07/08/the-air-forces-future-may-be-in-drones-but-its-generals-wont-be/ |archive-date=12 July 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Worden |first=Michael |date=November 1997 |title=The Rise of the Fighter Generals |url=https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/ADA338755.pdf |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230518165413/https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/ADA338755.pdf |url-status=live |archive-date=18 May 2023 |access-date=12 March 2014 |website=dtic.mil |publisher=Air University Press}}</ref>

In response to a [[2007 United States Air Force nuclear weapons incident]], Secretary of Defense [[Robert Gates]] accepted in June 2009 the resignations of [[United States Secretary of the Air Force|Secretary of the Air Force]] [[Michael Wynne]] and the [[Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force|Chief of Staff of the Air Force]] [[General (United States)|General]] [[T. Michael Moseley]]. Moseley's successor, General [[Norton A. Schwartz]], a former airlift and special operations pilot, was the first officer appointed to that position who did not have a background as a fighter or bomber pilot.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Barnes |first1=Julian E. |last2=Spiegel |first2=Peter |date=10 June 2008 |title=A different type of Air Force leader |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-jun-10-na-schwartz10-story.html |url-status=live |access-date=30 August 2010 |archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20170525180517/http://articles.latimes.com/2008/jun/10/nation/na-schwartz10 |archive-date=25 May 2017}}</ref> The Washington Post reported in 2010 that General Schwartz began to dismantle the rigid class system of the USAF, particularly in the officer corps.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Jaffe |first=Greg |date=27 February 2010 |title=Combat Generation: Drone operators climb on winds of change in the Air Force |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/27/AR2010022703754_2.html |url-status=live |access-date=30 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616001620/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/27/AR2010022703754_2.html |archive-date=16 June 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2019/06/25/you-can-call-2007-nuke-mishandling-an-embarrassment-but-dont-call-it-the-minot-incident/|title=You can call 2007 nuke mishandling an embarrassment, but don't call it the Minot incident|last=Losey|first=Stephen|date=2019-06-25|website=[[Air Force Times]]|access-date=2023-11-27}}</ref>

In 2014, following morale and testing/cheating scandals in the Air Force's [[Missile combat crew|missile launch officer]] community, Secretary of the Air Force [[Deborah Lee James]] admitted that there remained a "systemic problem" in the USAF's management of the nuclear mission.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Everstine |first=Brian |date=29 January 2014 |title=James: AF is addressing 'systemic' problem in nuclear force |url=http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20140129/NEWS/301290017/James-AF-addressing-systemic-problem-nuclear-force |access-date=29 January 2014 |website=airforcetimes.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2014/03/27/us/air-force-cheating-investigation/index.html|title=9 Air Force commanders fired from jobs over nuclear missile test cheating|last=Botelho|first=Greg|date=March 27, 2014|website=CNN|access-date=2023-11-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2014/01/30/268880352/air-force-cheating-scandal-widens-to-92-nuclear-officers|title=Air Force Cheating Scandal Widens; 92 Nuclear Officers Linked|last=Memmott|first=Mark|date=January 30, 2014|website=[[NPR]]|access-date=2023-11-27}}</ref>

Daniel L. Magruder Jr. defines USAF culture as a combination of the rigorous application of advanced technology, individualism and progressive airpower theory.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Magruder |first=Daniel L. Jr. |year=2009 |title=The US Air Force and Irregular Warfare: Success as a Hurdle |url=http://smallwarsjournal.com/blog/journal/docs-temp/272-magruder.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304055349/http://smallwarsjournal.com/blog/journal/docs-temp/272-magruder.pdf |archive-date=4 March 2016 |access-date=15 October 2015 |website=Small Wars Journal}}</ref> [[Major General]] [[Charles J. Dunlap Jr.]] adds that the U.S. Air Force's culture also includes an [[egalitarianism]] bred from officers perceiving themselves as their service's principal "warriors" working with small groups of enlisted airmen either as the service crew or the onboard crew of their aircraft. Air Force officers have never felt they needed the formal social "distance" from their enlisted force that is common in the other U.S. armed services. Although the paradigm is changing, for most of its history, the Air Force, completely unlike its sister services, has been an organization in which mostly its officers fought, not its enlisted force, the latter being primarily a rear echelon support force. When the enlisted force did go into harm's way, such as crew members of multi-crewed aircraft, the close comradeship of shared risk in tight quarters created traditions that shaped a somewhat different kind of officer/enlisted relationship than exists elsewhere in the military.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Understanding Airmen: A primer for soldiers |url=http://usacac.army.mil/CAC2/MilitaryReview/Archives/English/MilitaryReview_20071031_art019.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111091555/http://usacac.army.mil/CAC2/MilitaryReview/Archives/English/MilitaryReview_20071031_art019.pdf |archive-date=11 January 2012 |access-date=13 December 2011}}</ref>

Cultural and career issues in the U.S. Air Force have been cited as one of the reasons for the shortfall in needed [[Unmanned combat aerial vehicle|UAV]] operators.<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Air Force Lacks Volunteers To Operate Drones |url=http://www.defensenews.com/article/20130821/DEFREG02/308210013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130821133601/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20130821/DEFREG02/308210013 |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 August 2013 |access-date=1 April 2015 |website=Defense News}}</ref> In spite of demand for UAVs or drones to provide round the clock coverage for American troops during the Iraq War,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Whitlock |first=Craig |date=13 November 2013 |title=Drone combat missions may be scaled back eventually, Air Force chief says |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/drone-combat-missions-may-be-scaled-back-eventually-air-force-chief-says/2013/11/13/470deda4-4c97-11e3-b692-e722f1795169_story.html |url-status=live |access-date=14 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140728015335/http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/drone-combat-missions-may-be-scaled-back-eventually-air-force-chief-says/2013/11/13/470deda4-4c97-11e3-b692-e722f1795169_story.html |archive-date=28 July 2014}}</ref> the USAF did not establish a new career field for piloting them until the last year of that war and in 2014 changed its RPA training syllabus again, in the face of large aircraft losses in training,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wasserbly |first=Daniel |date=12 May 2014 |title=AUVSI 2014: USAF looking to refine RPA training regime, reduce accidents |work=IHS Jane's 360 |publisher=IHS |url=http://www.janes.com/article/37833/auvsi-2014-usaf-looking-to-refine-rpa-training-regime-reduce-accidents |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140514073050/http://www.janes.com/article/37833/auvsi-2014-usaf-looking-to-refine-rpa-training-regime-reduce-accidents |archive-date=14 May 2014}}</ref> and in response to a GAO report critical of handling of drone programs.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cox |first=Matthew |date=24 April 2014 |title=Air Force Criticized for Mismanaging Drone Program |work=military.com |publisher=Monster |url=http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014/04/24/air-force-criticized-for-mismanaging-drone-program.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140728074035/http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014/04/24/air-force-criticized-for-mismanaging-drone-program.html |archive-date=28 July 2014}}</ref> Paul Scharre has reported that the cultural divide between the USAF and US Army has kept both services from adopting each other's drone handling innovations.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Scharre |first=Paul |date=29 July 2014 |title=How to Lose the Robotics Revolution |work=warontherocks.com |publisher=Texas National Security Review |url=http://warontherocks.com/2014/07/how-to-lose-the-robotics-revolution/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140729203250/http://warontherocks.com/2014/07/how-to-lose-the-robotics-revolution/ |archive-date=29 July 2014}}</ref>

Many of the U.S. Air Force's formal and informal traditions are an amalgamation of those taken from the [[Royal Air Force]] (e.g., dining-ins/mess nights) or the experiences of its predecessor organizations such as the [[U.S. Army Air Service]], [[U.S. Army Air Corps]] and the [[U.S. Army Air Forces]]. Some of these traditions range from "Friday Name Tags" in flying units to an annual "Mustache Month".<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.airandspaceforces.com/leaked-air-force-memo-bigger-mustaches-are-coming/|title=Leaked Air Force Memo: Bigger Mustache's Are Coming|last=Hadley|first=Greg|date=May 20, 2022|website=[[Air & Space Forces Magazine]]|access-date=2023-11-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2019/03/04/mustache-march-olds-mustache-is-just-a-sliver-of-his-story/|title=Mustache March: Robin Old's mustache is just a silver of his story|last=Losey|first=Stephen|date=March 4, 2019|website=[[Air Force Times]]|access-date=November 27, 2023}}</ref> The use of [[Challenge coin|"challenge coins"]] dates back to World War I when a member of one of the aero squadrons bought his entire unit medallions with their emblem,<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 September 2012 |title=A Brief History of Challenge Coins |url=http://mentalfloss.com/article/12630/brief-history-challenge-coins |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180124222827/http://mentalfloss.com/article/12630/brief-history-challenge-coins |archive-date=24 January 2018 |access-date=24 January 2018}}</ref> while another cultural tradition unique to the Air Force is the "[[roof stomp]]", practiced by Airmen to welcome a new commander or to commemorate another event, such as a retirement.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uso.org/stories/1497-7-air-force-facts-for-the-service-s-67th-birthday|title=7 Air Force Facts for the service's 67th birthday|date=September 18, 2014|website=[[United Services Organization]]|access-date=2023-11-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://theaviationist.com/2021/01/25/name-tags-and-roof-stomping-at-edwards-air-force-base/|title=Tales from the Cockpit: Name Tags And Roof Stomping At Edwards AFB|last=Consoli|first=Fabio|date=January 25, 2021|website=The Aviationist|access-date=2023-11-28}}</ref>

== Organization ==
{{main|Structure of the United States Air Force|Structure of the United States Armed Forces#Department_of_the_Air_Force|l2=Department of the Air Force structure}}
[[File:Organization of U.S. Space Force.svg|thumb|350x350px|Organization of the United States Air Force within the Department of Defense]]

=== Administrative organization ===
The [[United States Department of the Air Force|Department of the Air Force]] is one of three military departments within the [[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]], and is managed by the civilian [[United States Secretary of the Air Force|Secretary of the Air Force]], under the authority, direction, and control of the [[United States Secretary of Defense|Secretary of Defense]]. The senior officials in the [[Office of the Secretary of the Air Force|Office of the Secretary]] are the [[United States Under Secretary of the Air Force|Under Secretary of the Air Force]], four [[Assistant Secretary of the Air Force|Assistant Secretaries of the Air Force]] and the [[General Counsel of the Department of the Air Force|General Counsel]], all of whom are appointed by the President with the [[advice and consent]] of the [[United States Senate|Senate]]. The senior uniformed leadership in the [[Air Staff (United States)|Air Staff]] is made up of the [[Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force|Chief of Staff of the Air Force]] and the [[Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force|Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force]].<ref name="airforcemag.com">{{Cite web |title=Major Commands and Reserve Components |url=http://www.airforcemag.com/MagazineArchive/Magazine%20Documents/2013/May%202013/0513MC_RC.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417180827/http://www.airforcemag.com/MagazineArchive/Magazine%20Documents/2013/May%202013/0513MC_RC.pdf |archive-date=17 April 2018 |access-date=31 December 2017}}</ref>

The directly subordinate commands and units are named [[List of United States Air Force Field Operating Agencies|Field Operating Agency]] (FOA), [[Direct Reporting Unit]] (DRU), and the currently unused Separate Operating Agency.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.afhra.af.mil/Information/Organizational-Records/DRU-and-FOA/|title=DRU and FOA|website=Air Force Historical Research Agency|access-date=September 29, 2023}}</ref>

The [[List of Major Commands of the United States Air Force|Major Command]] (MAJCOM) is the superior hierarchical level of command. Including the [[Air Force Reserve Command]], as of 30 September 2006, USAF has ten major commands. The [[List of Numbered Air Forces of the United States Air Force|Numbered Air Force]] (NAF) is a level of command directly under the MAJCOM, followed by Operational Command (now unused), [[USAF Air Division|Air Division]] (also now unused), [[List of Wings of the United States Air Force|Wing]], [[List of United States Air Force Groups|Group]], [[List of United States Air Force squadrons|Squadron]], and Flight.<ref name="airforcemag.com" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Powers |first=Rod |date=19 January 2019 |title=Air Force: Organizational Structure |url=https://www.thebalance.com/what-is-the-organizational-structure-of-the-air-force-3331713 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110225414/https://www.thebalance.com/what-is-the-organizational-structure-of-the-air-force-3331713 |archive-date=10 November 2017 |website=The Balance Careers |publisher=Dotdash}}</ref>

=== Air Force structure and organization ===
[[File:Headquarters US Air Force Badge.png|25px]] [[United States Department of the Air Force|Headquarters, United States Air Force]] (HQ USAF):
{|class="wikitable"
|-
!Major Commands
!Current commander
!Location of headquarters
|-
|[[File:ACC Shield.svg|25px]] [[Air Combat Command]] (ACC)<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.acc.af.mil/|title=The Official Website of Air Combat Command|website=acc.af.mil|access-date=September 29, 2023}}</ref> || Gen [[Kenneth S. Wilsbach]] || [[Langley Air Force Base]], [[Joint Base Langley-Eustis]], [[Virginia]], U.S.
|-
|[[File:Air Education and Training Command.svg|25px]] [[Air Education and Training Command]] (AETC)<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.aetc.af.mil/|title=The Official Website of the Air Education and Training Command|website=aetc.af.mil|access-date=September 29, 2023}}</ref>|| Lt Gen [[Brian S. Robinson]]||[[Randolph Air Force Base]], [[Joint Base San Antonio]], [[Texas]], U.S.
|-
|[[File:Air Force Global Strike Command.svg|25px]] [[Air Force Global Strike Command]] (AFGSC)<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.afgsc.af.mil/|title=The Official website of the Air Force Global Strike Command|website=afgsc.af.mil|access-date=September 29, 2023}}</ref>|| Gen [[Thomas A. Bussiere]] || [[Barksdale Air Force Base]], [[Louisiana]], U.S.
|-
|[[File:Air Force Materiel Command shield.svg|25px]] [[Air Force Materiel Command]] (AFMC)<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.afmc.af.mil/|title=The Official website of the Air Force Materiel Command|website=afmc.af.mil|access-date=September 29, 2023}}</ref>|| Gen [[Duke Z. Richardson]]||[[Wright-Patterson Air Force Base]], [[Ohio]], U.S.
|-
|[[File:AFR Shield.svg|25px]] [[Air Force Reserve Command]] (AFRC)<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.afrc.af.mil/|title=The Official website of the Air Force Reserve Command|website=afrc.af.mil|access-date=September 29, 2023}}</ref>|| Lt Gen [[John P. Healy]] || [[Robins Air Force Base]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]], U.S.
|-
|[[File:Shield of the United States Air Force Special Operations Command.svg|25px]] [[Air Force Special Operations Command]] (AFSOC)<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.afsoc.af.mil/|title=Air Force Special Operations Homepage|website=afsoc.af.mil|access-date=September 29, 2023}}</ref>|| Lt Gen [[Michael E. Conley]] ||[[Hurlburt Field]], [[Florida]], U.S.
|-
|[[File:Air Mobility Command.svg|25px]] [[Air Mobility Command]] (AMC)<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.amc.af.mil/|title=Air Mobility Command Homepage|website=amc.af.mil|access-date=September 29, 2023}}</ref>|| Gen [[John. D Lamontagne]] || [[Scott Air Force Base]], [[Illinois]], U.S.
|-
|[[File:Pacific Air Forces.svg|25px]] [[Pacific Air Forces]] (PACAF)<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.pacaf.af.mil/|title=Pacific Air Forces Homepage|website=pacaf.af.mil|access-date=September 29, 2023}}</ref>|| Gen [[Kevin Schneider]] || [[Hickam Air Force Base]], [[Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam]], [[Hawaii]], U.S.
|-
|[[File:United States Air Forces in Europe.svg|25px]] [[File:United States Air Forces in Africa.svg|23px]] [[United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa]] (USAFE-AFAFRICA)<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.usafe.af.mil/|title=United States Air Forces in Europe & Air Forces in Africa Homepage|website=usafe.af.mil|access-date=September 29, 2023}}</ref>|| Gen [[James B. Hecker]] ||[[Ramstein Air Base]], [[Rhineland-Palatinate]], Germany
|-
!Direct Reporting Units
!Current commander
!Location of headquarters
|-
|[[File:Air Force District of Washington.png|25px]] [[Air Force District of Washington]] (AFDW)<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.afdw.af.mil/|title=The Official website of the Air Force District of Washington|website=afdw.af.mil|access-date=September 29, 2023}}</ref>|| Maj Gen [[Daniel A. DeVoe]] || [[Andrews Air Force Base]], [[Joint Base Andrews]], [[Maryland]], U.S.
|-
|[[File:Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center.png|25px]] [[Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center]] (AFOTEC)<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.afotec.af.mil/|title=Air Force Operational Test & Evaluation Center Homepage|website=afotec.af.mil|access-date=September 29, 2023}}</ref>|| Brig Gen [[Michael T. Rawls]] || [[Kirtland Air Force Base]], [[New Mexico]], U.S.
|-
|[[File:US-AirForceAcademy-Shield.svg|25px]] [[United States Air Force Academy]] (USAFA)<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.usafa.af.mil/|title=The Official website of the United States Air Force Academy|website=usafa.af.mil|access-date=September 29, 2023}}</ref>|| Lt Gen [[Richard M. Clark]]||[[Air Force Academy, Colorado|Air Force Academy]], [[Colorado]], U.S.
|}

The major components of the U.S. Air Force, as of 28 August 2015, are the following:<ref name="estab">{{Cite web |title=2007 USAF Almanac: Major Commands |url=http://www.afa.org/magazine/may2007/0507majcoms.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080216020100/http://www.afa.org/magazine/may2007/0507majcoms.pdf |archive-date=16 February 2008 |access-date=9 February 2008 |publisher=AIR FORCE Magazine}}</ref>
* Active duty forces
 57 flying wings and 55 non-flying wings
 nine flying groups, eight non-flying groups
* 134 flying squadrons
* [[Air Force Reserve Command]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104473/air-force-reserve-command/|title=Air Force Reserve Command > Air Force > Fact Sheet Display|website=United States Air Force|access-date=November 28, 2023}}</ref>
 35 flying wings
 four flying groups
* 67 flying squadrons
* [[Air National Guard]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104546/air-national-guard/|title=Air National Guard > Air Force > Fact Sheet Display|website=United States Air Force|access-date=November 28, 2023}}</ref>
 89 flying wings
* 101 flying squadrons
The USAF, including its Air Reserve Component (e.g., Air Force Reserve + Air National Guard), possesses a total of 302 flying squadrons.<ref name="orgsize">{{Cite web |title=2007 USAF Almanac: USAF Squadrons By Mission Type |url=http://www.afa.org/magazine/may2007/0507structure.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071201002047/http://www.afa.org/magazine/may2007/0507structure.pdf |archive-date=1 December 2007 |access-date=9 February 2008 |publisher=AIR FORCE Magazine}}</ref>

===Installations===
{{Main|List of United States Air Force installations}}

=== Operational organization ===
{{more citations needed section|date=January 2018}}
<!--[[File:AF-Logo.svg|thumb|The official symbol of the USAF. The wings represent the enlisted force. The sphere within the star represents the globe. The star represents the officer corps. The three diamonds represent the USAF core values]]-->
{{main|List of active United States Air Force aircraft squadrons}}

The organizational structure as shown above is responsible for the peacetime organization, equipping, and training of air units for operational missions. When required to support operational missions, the Secretary of Defense (SECDEF) directs the [[United States Secretary of the Air Force|Secretary of the Air Force]] (SECAF) to execute a Change in Operational Control (CHOP) of these units from their administrative alignment to the operational command of a [[Unified Combatant Command|Regional]] [[Combatant commander]] (CCDR).<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Air-Force-Senior-Leaders/SECAF/|title=Secretary of the Air Force|website=United States Air Force|access-date=July 31, 2023}}</ref> In the case of AFSPC, AFSOC, PACAF, and USAFE units, forces are normally employed in-place under their existing CCDR. Likewise, AMC forces operating in support roles retain their componency to [[USTRANSCOM]] unless chopped to a Regional CCDR.

==== Air Expeditionary Task Force ====
"Chopped" units are referred to as ''forces''. The top-level structure of these forces is the [[Air Expeditionary Task Force]] (AETF). The AETF is the Air Force presentation of forces to a CCDR for the employment of Air Power. Each CCDR is supported by a standing Component Numbered Air Force (C-NAF) to provide planning and execution of air forces in support of CCDR requirements. Each C-NAF consists of a Commander, Air Force Forces (COMAFFOR) and AFFOR/A-staff, and an Air Operations Center (AOC). As needed to support multiple Joint Force Commanders (JFC) in the [[Unified Combatant Command|CCMD]]'s Area of Responsibility (AOR), the C-NAF may deploy Air Component Coordinate Elements (ACCE) to liaise with the JFC. If the Air Force possesses the preponderance of air forces in a JFC's area of operations, the COMAFFOR will also serve as the [[Joint Forces Air Component Commander]] (JFACC).

==== Commander, Air Force Forces ====
The Commander, Air Force Forces (COMAFFOR) is the senior USAF officer responsible for the employment of air power in support of JFC objectives. The COMAFFOR has a special staff and an A-Staff to ensure assigned or attached forces are properly organized, equipped, and trained to support the operational mission.

==== Air Operations Center ====
The [[Air Operations Center]] (AOC) is the JFACC's [[Command and Control (Military)|Command and Control]] (C2) center. Several AOCs have been established throughout the Air Force worldwide. These centers are responsible for planning and executing air power missions in support of JFC objectives.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.airuniversity.af.edu/Wild-Blue-Yonder/Article-Display/Article/2963845/air-operations-center-evolution-a-roadmap-for-progress/|title=Air Operations Center Evolution: A Roadmap for progress|last=Coleman|first=Frederick|date=March 14, 2022|website=Air University|access-date=July 31, 2023}}</ref>

==== Air Expeditionary Wings/Groups/Squadrons ====
The AETF generates air power to support CCMD objectives from [[Air Expeditionary Wing]]s (AEW) or Air Expeditionary Groups (AEG). These units are responsible for receiving combat forces from Air Force MAJCOMs, preparing these forces for operational missions, launching and recovering these forces, and eventually returning forces to the MAJCOMs. Theater Air Control Systems control employment of forces during these missions.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3439679/air-force-transitions-to-a-staff-structure-for-air-expeditionary-wings/|title=Air Force transitions to A-Staff structure for Air expeditionary wings|website=United States Air Force|date=November 28, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/usaf-organize-deployments-air-task-forces/|title=USAF Will Test Out a New Way to Organize Deployments: Air Task Forces|last=Hadley|first=Greg|date=September 19, 2023|website=[[Air & Space Forces Magazine]]|access-date=November 28, 2023}}</ref>

== Personnel ==
The classification of any USAF job for officers or enlisted airmen is the [[Air Force Specialty Code]] (AFSC).

AFSCs range from officer specialties such as pilot, [[combat systems officer]], [[United States Air Force Special Tactics Officer|special tactics]], nuclear and missile operations, intelligence, cyberspace operations, judge advocate general (JAG), medical doctor, nurse or other fields, to various enlisted specialties. The latter range from flight combat operations such as loadmaster, to working in a dining facility to ensure that Airmen are properly fed. There are additional occupational fields such as computer specialties, mechanic specialties, [[Aircrew Badge#Air Force|enlisted aircrew]], communication systems, cyberspace operations, avionics technicians, medical specialties, civil engineering, public affairs, hospitality, law, drug counseling, mail operations, [[Air Force Security Forces|security forces]], and search and rescue specialties.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 2008 |title=Air Force Specialty Code Information |url=http://www.au.af.mil/au/ccaf/publications/afsc_info.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080909211302/http://www.au.af.mil/au/ccaf/publications/afsc_info.pdf |archive-date=9 September 2008 |publisher=United States Air Force}}</ref>

Beyond combat flight crew personnel, other combat USAF AFSCs are [[Special Tactics Officer]],<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.airforce.com/careers/combat-and-warfare/special-tactics-officer|title=Special Tactics Officer – Requirements & Benefits|website=United States Air Force|access-date=July 31, 2023}}</ref> [[Bomb disposal|Explosive Ordnance Disposal]] (EOD),<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.airforce.com/careers/combat-and-warfare/explosive-ordnance-disposal-eod|title=Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) – Requirements and Benefits|website=United States Air Force|access-date=July 31, 2023}}</ref> [[Combat Rescue Officer]],<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.airforce.com/careers/combat-and-warfare/combat-rescue-officer|title=Combat Rescue Officer – Requirements and Benefits|website=United States Air Force|access-date=July 31, 2023}}</ref> [[United States Air Force Pararescue|Pararescue]],<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.airforce.com/careers/combat-and-warfare/special-warfare/pararescue|title=Pararescue – Requirements and Benefits|website=United States Air Force|access-date=July 31, 2023}}</ref> [[United States Air Force Security Forces|Security Forces]],<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.airforce.com/careers/law-and-order/security-forces-overview|title=Security Forces Overview: Protecting those who protect our Nation|website=United States Air Force|access-date=July 31, 2023}}</ref> [[Combat Control Team|Combat Control]],<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.airforce.com/careers/combat-and-warfare/special-warfare/combat-control|title=Combat Control – Requirements and Benefits|website=United States Air Force|access-date=July 31, 2023}}</ref> [[Tactical Air Control Party]],<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.airforce.com/careers/combat-and-warfare/special-warfare/tactical-air-control-party-specialist-tacp|title=Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) – Requirements and Benefits|website=United States Air Force|access-date=July 31, 2023}}</ref> [[Special Operations Weather Technician]].<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2019/05/13/spec-ops-weathermen-get-name-change-new-mission-to-better-better-fight-great-powers/|title=Spec ops weatherman get name change, new mission to better fight great powers|last=Rempfer|first=Kyle|date=May 13, 2019|website=Air Force Times|access-date=July 31, 2023}}</ref>

Nearly all enlisted career fields are "entry level", meaning that the USAF provides all training. Some enlistees are able to choose a particular field, or at least a field before actually joining, while others are assigned an AFSC at Basic Military Training (BMT). After BMT, new enlisted airmen attend a technical training school where they learn their particular AFSC. Second Air Force, a part of Air Education and Training Command, is responsible for nearly all enlisted technical training.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.airforce.com/training/technical-training|title=Technical Training – U.S. Air Force|website=AirForce.com|publisher=United States Air Force|access-date=July 28, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3290187/second-air-force-moves-technical-training-into-the-21st-century/|title=Second Air Force moves technical training into the 21st century|date=February 7, 2023|website=af.mil|access-date=July 28, 2023}}</ref>

Training programs vary in length; for example, 3M0X1 (Services) has 29 days of tech school training,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.airforce.com/careers/logistics-and-administration/services|title=Services – Requirements and Benefits|website=United States Air Force|access-date=August 31, 2024}}</ref> while 3E8X1 (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) is one year of training with a preliminary school and a main school consisting of over ten separate divisions, sometimes taking students close to two years to complete. Officer technical training conducted by Second Air Force can also vary by AFSC, while flight training for aeronautically rated officers conducted by AETC's Nineteenth Air Force can last well in excess of one year.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2023/05/15/the-air-force-reimagines-its-tech-schools/|title=The Air Force reimagines its tech schools|last=Cohen|first=Rachel|date=May 15, 2023|website=AirForceTimes.com|access-date=July 28, 2023}}</ref>

USAF rank is divided between [[Enlisted rank|enlisted]] airmen, non-commissioned officers, and commissioned officers, and ranges from the enlisted Airman Basic (E-1) to the commissioned officer rank of General (O-10), however in times of war officers may be appointed to the higher grade of General of the Air Force. Enlisted promotions are granted based on a combination of test scores, years of experience, and selection board approval while officer promotions are based on time-in-grade and a promotion selection board. Promotions among enlisted personnel and non-commissioned officers are generally designated by increasing numbers of insignia chevrons.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Enlisted Air Force Ranks |url=http://www.military.com/air-force/enlisted-ranks.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161119110918/http://www.military.com/air-force/enlisted-ranks.html |archive-date=19 November 2016 |access-date=22 November 2016 |website=Military.com}}</ref> Commissioned officer rank is designated by bars, oak leaves, a silver eagle, and anywhere from one to five stars.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Air Force Officer Ranks |url=http://www.military.com/air-force/officer-ranks.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161122230829/http://www.military.com/air-force/officer-ranks.html |archive-date=22 November 2016 |access-date=22 November 2016 |website=Military.com}}</ref> General of the Air Force [[Henry H. Arnold|Henry "Hap" Arnold]] is the only individual in the history of the US Air Force to attain the rank of five-star general.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Five Star Generals and Admirals of the United States |url=http://www.historyguy.com/5-star-military.htm#.WDRRCHrK-g4 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123053622/http://www.historyguy.com/5-star-military.htm#.WDRRCHrK-g4 |archive-date=23 November 2016 |access-date=22 November 2016 |website=The History Guy|date=18 December 2013 }}</ref>

As of 30 June 2017, 70% of the Air Force is White, 15% Black and 4.8% Asian. The average age is 35 and 21% of its members are female.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.afpc.af.mil/About/Air-Force-Demographics/ |title=Demographics |publisher=Air Force's Personnel Center |access-date=23 August 2021| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101073732/https://www.afpc.af.mil/About/Air-Force-Demographics/ | archive-date=1 January 2018 | url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Commissioned officers ===
{{main|United States Air Force officer rank insignia}}

The commissioned officer ranks of the USAF are divided into three categories: [[junior officer|company grade officers]], [[field grade officer]]s, and [[general officer]]s. Company grade officers are those officers in pay grades O-1 to O-3, while field grade officers are those in pay grades O-4 to O-6, and general officers are those in pay grades of O-7 and above.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.military.com/air-force/officer-ranks.html|title=United States Air Force Officer Ranks|website=Military.com|access-date=November 27, 2023}}</ref>

Air Force officer promotions are governed by the [[Defense Officer Personnel Management Act]] of 1980 and its companion Reserve Officer Personnel Management Act (ROPMA) for officers in the Air Force Reserve and the Air National Guard.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/1423778/services-detail-efforts-to-modernize-personnel-system/|title=Services Detail Efforts to Modernize Personnel System|last=Garamone|first=Jim|date=January 25, 2018|website=[[United States Department of Defense]]|access-date=January 10, 2024}}</ref> DOPMA also establishes limits on the number of officers that can serve at any given time in the Air Force. Currently, promotion from second lieutenant to first lieutenant is virtually guaranteed after two years of satisfactory service. The promotion from first lieutenant to captain is competitive after successfully completing another two years of service, with a selection rate varying between 99% and 100%. Promotion to major through major general is through a formal selection board process, while promotions to lieutenant general and general are contingent upon nomination to specific general officer positions and subject to U.S. Senate approval.

During the board process, an officer's record is reviewed by a selection board at the Air Force Personnel Center at [[Randolph Air Force Base]] in San Antonio, Texas. At the 10 to 11-year mark, captains will take part in a selection board to major. If not selected, they will meet a follow-on board to determine if they will be allowed to remain in the Air Force. Promotion from major to lieutenant colonel is similar and occurs approximately between the fourteen year and the fifteen year mark, where a certain percentage of majors will be in zone (i.e., "on time") or above zone (i.e., "late") for promotion to lieutenant colonel.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.airandspaceforces.com/air-force-lieutenant-colonel-promotions-2023/|title=Getting Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel Gets Harder for Operators|last=Hadley|first=Greg|date=June 6, 2023|website=[[Air & Space Forces Magazine]]|access-date=January 10, 2024}}</ref> This process will repeat at the 18-year mark to the 21-year mark for promotion to full colonel.

The Air Force has the largest ratio of general officers to total strength of all of the U.S. Armed Forces and this ratio has continued to increase even as the force has shrunk from its Cold War highs.<ref>Schwellenbach, Nick. [http://pogoblog.typepad.com/pogo/2011/04/brass-creep-and-the-pentagon-air-force-leads-the-way-as-top-offender.html "Brass Creep and the Pentagon: Air Force Leads the Way As Top Offender."] {{webarchive |url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160303190625/http://pogoblog.typepad.com/pogo/2011/04/brass-creep-and-the-pentagon-air-force-leads-the-way-as-top-offender.html |date=3 March 2016}} ''POGO'', 25 April 2011.</ref>

{{USAF Officer|short=yes}}

=== Warrant officers ===
{{main|Warrant officer (United States)#Air Force}}
Although provisions were made in [[Title 10 of the United States Code]] for the [[United States Secretary of the Air Force|Secretary of the Air Force]] to appoint warrant officers, the Air Force had not used [[warrant officer]] grades for many years, and, along with the Space Force, were the only [[U.S. Armed Services]] not to do so until 2024. The Air Force inherited warrant officer ranks from the [[United States Army|Army]] at its inception in 1947. The Air Force stopped appointing warrant officers in 1959,<ref name="WO-5">{{Cite web |title=Warrant Officer Programs of Other Services |url=http://www.usawoa.org/woheritage//WO_Prog_Other_Svc.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061230211659/http://www.usawoa.org/woheritage/WO_Prog_Other_Svc.htm |archive-date=30 December 2006 |access-date=18 March 2007 |publisher=United States Army Warrant Officer Association}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lopez |first=C. Todd |date=2024-02-14 |title=Air Force to re-introduce warrant officer rank, other major changes |url=https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3676887/air-force-to-re-introduce-warrant-officer-rank-other-major-changes/ |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=United States Air Force |publisher=DOD News}}</ref> the same year the first promotions were made to the new top enlisted grade, [[Chief Master Sergeant]]. The remaining warrant officers were slowly phased out.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hodge |first=Vincent |date=2024-05-16 |title=Warrant officers in the Air Force have long history |url=https://www.jbsa.mil/News/News/Article/3778360/warrant-officers-in-the-air-force-have-long-history/ |access-date=2024-08-22 |website=Joint Base San Antonio |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Goheen |first=John |date=2024-04-30 |title=Air Force Taking Air Guard Warrant Officer Applications |url=https://www.ngaus.org/newsroom/air-force-taking-air-guard-warrant-officer-applications |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=NGAUS.org}}</ref>

The last active duty Air Force warrant officer, CWO4 James H. Long, retired in 1980, and the last Air Force Reserve warrant officer, CWO4 Bob Barrow, retired in 1992.<ref name="usmwo2006">{{Cite web |date=16 November 2006 |title=Warrant Officers of the US Military |url=http://www.militaryranks.us/us-military-warrant-officer.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100618072906/http://www.militaryranks.us/us-military-warrant-officer.htm |archive-date=18 June 2010 |access-date=30 August 2010 |publisher=Militaryranks.us}}</ref> Upon his retirement, he was honorarily promoted to CWO5, the only person in the Air Force ever to hold this grade.<ref name="WO-5" /> Since Barrow's retirement, the Air Force warrant officer ranks, while still authorized by law, were not used.{{r|usmwo2006}}

It was announced at the AFA Warfare Symposium on 12 February 2024, that warrant officer ranks in the cyber and information technology fields would be reintroduced, beginning in FY25. It was stated that this effort was to retain talent in these technical fields for airmen who did not wish to pursue a leadership path.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Roza |first=David |date=2024-02-13 |title=Air Force Warrant Officer Program to Focus on IT, Cyber Career Fields |url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/air-force-warrant-officer-cyber-it/ |access-date=2024-03-21 |website=Air & Space Forces Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref> The Air Force initially wanted a class of 30 warrant officers that would begin training by the summer 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cohen |first=Rachel S. |date=2024-03-05 |title=Air Force eyes picking first cyber warrant officer cohort this summer |url=https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2024/03/05/air-force-eyes-picking-first-cyber-warrant-officer-cohort-this-summer/ |access-date=2024-03-21 |website=Air Force Times |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1" /> By the end of July 2024, 78 Airmen were selected to be among the first Air Force warrant officers in over 66 years, more than double than originally estimated.<ref name=":03">{{Cite web |last=Roza |first=David |date=2024-07-30 |title=78 Airmen Selected for First Warrant Officer Cohort in 66 Years |url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/air-force-warrant-officer-selection/ |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=Air & Space Forces Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref> The 78 Airmen will be spread out across three training classes, with the first starting in October 2024.<ref name=":03" />

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|+ style="font-weight:bold; font-size:100%" | Air Force warrant officer rank insignia
{{United States uniformed services pay grades/warrant officer/blank}}
{{Ranks and Insignia of NATO Air Forces/WO/United States}}
|}

=== Enlisted airmen ===
[[File:Pararescue.training exercise.jpg|thumb|Pararescuemen and a simulated "survivor" watch as an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter comes in for a landing]]
{{main|United States Air Force enlisted rank insignia}}

Enlisted airmen have [[pay grade]]s from E-1 (entry level) to E-9 (senior enlisted).<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.airforce.com/pay-and-benefits/air-force-benefits|title=Air Force Active Duty Benefits|website=United States Air Force|access-date=July 31, 2023}}</ref> While all USAF personnel, enlisted and officer, are referred to as ''airmen'', in the same manner that all [[United States Army|Army]] personnel, enlisted and officer, are referred to as ''soldiers'', the term also refers to the pay grades of E-1 through E-4, which are below the level of [[non-commissioned officer]]s (NCOs). Above the pay grade of E-4 (i.e., pay grades E-5 through E-9) all ranks fall into the category of NCO and are further subdivided into "NCOs" (pay grades E-5 and E-6) and "senior NCOs" (pay grades E-7 through E-9); the term "junior NCO" is sometimes used to refer to staff sergeants and technical sergeants (pay grades E-5 and E-6).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Department of Defense Enlisted Rank Insignias |url=http://www.defenselink.mil/specials/insignias/enlisted.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080617194102/http://www.defenselink.mil/specials/insignias/enlisted.html |archive-date=17 June 2008 |access-date=30 August 2010 |publisher=Defenselink.mil}}</ref>

The USAF, along with the [[United States Space Force|US Space Force]], are the only branches of the U.S. military where NCO status is achieved when an enlisted person reaches the pay grade of E-5. In all other branches, NCO status is generally achieved at the pay grade of E-4 (e.g., a [[corporal]] in the Army{{efn|However, the Army has dual ranks at the E-4 paygrade with [[Specialist (rank)|Specialists]] not considered NCOs. From the 1980s, the Army corporal rank came to be awarded infrequently and was rarely found in units, but since 2021 E-4 graduates of the Basic Leader Course are promoted to corporal before further advancement.<ref name= vanhuizen >{{cite web |url=https://www.armytimes.com/2021/06/07/all-soldiers-must-now-serve-as-corporals-before-promotion-to-sergeant/ |first=Harm |last=Venhuizen |date=7 June 2021 |title=All soldiers must now serve as corporals before promotion to sergeant |website=Army Times}}</ref>}} and [[United States Marine Corps|Marine Corps]], [[Petty Officer Third Class]] in the [[United States Navy|Navy]] and [[United States Coast Guard|Coast Guard]]). The Air Force mirrored the Army from 1976 to 1991 with an E-4 being either a senior airman wearing three stripes without a star or a sergeant (referred to as "buck sergeant"), which was noted by the presence of the central star and considered an NCO. Despite not being an NCO, a senior airman who has completed [[Airman Leadership School]] can be a supervisor according to the AFI 36–2618.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.airuniversity.af.edu/Barnes/Airman-Leadership-School/|title=Airman Leadership School – Air University|website=AirUniversity.af.edu|access-date=July 28, 2023}}</ref>
{{USAF Enlisted}}

=== Uniforms ===
{{main|Uniforms of the United States Air Force}}

The first USAF dress uniform, in 1947, was dubbed and patented "[[Uxbridge, MA|Uxbridge]] blue" after "Uxbridge 1683 blue", developed at the former Bachman-Uxbridge Worsted Company.<ref name="uniforms">{{Cite web |title=Getting the Blues, by Tech. Sgt. Pat McKenna |url=http://www.af.mil/news/airman/1296/duds.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070202154555/http://www.af.mil/news/airman/1296/duds.htm |archive-date=2 February 2007 |access-date=24 September 2007 |publisher=Air Force Link}}</ref> The current service dress uniform, which was adopted in 1994, consists of a three-button coat with decorative pockets, matching trousers, and either a service cap or flight cap, all in Shade 1620, "Air Force blue" (a darker purplish-blue).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Retrofit Service Dress – USAF Uniform History |url=http://usafeenlistedheritage.org/history/uniforms/detail/?id=11 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409181623/http://usafeenlistedheritage.org/history/uniforms/detail/?id=11 |archive-date=9 April 2016 |access-date=16 August 2017}}</ref> This is worn with a light blue shirt (shade 1550) and shade 1620 herringbone patterned necktie. Silver "U.S." pins are worn on the collar of the coat, with a surrounding silver ring for enlisted airmen. Enlisted airmen wear sleeve rank on both the jacket and shirt, while officers wear metal rank insignia pinned onto the epaulet loops on the coat, and Air Force blue slide-on epaulet loops on the shirt. USAF personnel assigned to base honor guard duties wear, for certain occasions, a modified version of the standard service dress uniform that includes silver trim on the sleeves and trousers, with the addition of a ceremonial belt (if necessary), service cap with silver trim and Hap Arnold Device (instead of the seal of the United States worn on the regular cap), and a silver aiguillette placed on the left shoulder seam and all devices and accoutrements.

The [[Airman Combat Uniform]] (ACU) in the [[Operational Camouflage Pattern]] (OCP) replaced the previous [[Airman Battle Uniform]] (ABU) on 1 October 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The US Air Force Might Not be Adopting OCP Yet but Some Airmen Are Already Wearing It – Soldier Systems Daily |date=5 September 2014 |url=http://soldiersystems.net/2014/09/05/air-force-might-adopting-ocp-yet-airmen-already-wearing/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816192641/http://soldiersystems.net/2014/09/05/air-force-might-adopting-ocp-yet-airmen-already-wearing/ |archive-date=16 August 2017 |access-date=16 August 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Air Force transitions to a single combat uniform |url=https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1520066/air-force-transitions-to-a-single-combat-uniform/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180717153143/http://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1520066/air-force-transitions-to-a-single-combat-uniform/ |archive-date=17 July 2018 |access-date=5 April 2019 |website=U.S. Air Force |date=14 May 2018}}</ref>

=== Awards and badges ===
{{main|Awards and decorations of the United States Air Force|Badges of the United States Air Force}}

In addition to basic uniform clothing, [[Badges of the United States Air Force|various badges]] are used by the USAF to indicate a billet assignment or qualification-level for a given assignment. Badges can also be used as merit-based or service-based [[Awards and decorations of the United States Air Force|awards]]. Over time, [[Obsolete badges of the United States military|various badges]] have been discontinued and are no longer distributed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.afpc.af.mil/Career-Management/Decorations-and-Ribbons/|title=Decorations and Ribbons|website=Air Forces Personnel Center|access-date=November 27, 2023}}</ref>

=== Training ===
{{See also|Air Force Specialty Code}}
[[File:U.S. Air Force Buttstroke.jpg|thumb|U.S. Air Force trainee demonstrating a butt stroke on a strike dummy as part of Basic Military Training.]]

All enlisted Airmen attend [[United States Air Force Basic Military Training|Basic Military Training]] (BMT) at [[Lackland Air Force Base]] in [[San Antonio]], Texas for {{frac|7|1|2}} weeks.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.airforce.com/training/military-training/bmt/overview|title=Basic Military Training|website=United States Air Force|access-date=July 31, 2023}}</ref> Individuals who have prior service of over 24 months of active duty in the other service branches who seek to enlist in the Air Force must go through a 10-day Air Force familiarization course rather than enlisted BMT, however prior service opportunities are severely limited.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Prior service program open but strictly limited |date=16 April 2014 |url=http://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/484041/prior-service-program-open-but-strictly-limited/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816192233/http://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/484041/prior-service-program-open-but-strictly-limited/ |archive-date=16 August 2017 |access-date=16 August 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Is It Possible to Enlist Again if You Have Prior Service? |url=https://www.thebalance.com/prior-service-enlistments-3354052 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816195538/https://www.thebalance.com/prior-service-enlistments-3354052 |archive-date=16 August 2017 |access-date=16 August 2017}}</ref>

Officers may be commissioned upon graduation from the [[United States Air Force Academy]], upon graduation from another college or university through the [[Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps]] (AFROTC) program, or through the [[Air Force Officer Training School]] (OTS). OTS, located at [[Maxwell Air Force Base]] in [[Montgomery, Alabama]] since 1993, in turn encompasses two separate commissioning programs: Basic Officer Training (BOT), which is for officer candidates for the Regular Air Force and the Air Force Reserve; and the [[Academy of Military Science (United States)|Academy of Military Science]] (AMS), which is for officer candidates of the Air National Guard.

The Air Force also provides Commissioned Officer Training (COT) for officers of all three components who are direct-commissioned into medicine, law, religion, biological sciences, or healthcare administration. COT is fully integrated into the OTS program and today encompasses extensive coursework as well as field exercises in leadership, confidence, fitness, and deployed-environment operations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.airforce.com/training/military-training/ots/overview|title=Officer Training School|website=United States Air Force|access-date=November 27, 2023}}</ref>

==== Air Force Fitness Test ====
[[File:USAF PT Uniform.jpg|thumb|USAF Airmen training at Lackland AFB]]
{{main|United States Air Force Fitness Assessment}}

The US Air Force Fitness Test (AFFT) is designed to test the abdominal circumference, muscular strength/endurance and cardiovascular respiratory fitness of airmen in the USAF. As part of the ''Fit to Fight'' program, the USAF adopted a more stringent physical fitness assessment; the new fitness program was put into effect on 1 June 2010. The annual ergo-cycle test which the USAF had used for several years had been replaced in 2004. In the AFFT, Airmen are given a score based on performance consisting of four components: waist circumference, the sit-up, the push-up, and a {{convert|1.5|mi|km|adj=on}} run. Airmen can potentially earn a score of 100, with the run counting as 60%, waist circumference as 20%, and both strength tests counting as 10% each. A passing score is 75 points. Effective 1 July 2010, the AFFT is administered by the base Fitness Assessment Cell (FAC), and is required twice a year. Personnel earning a score over 90% may test once a year. Additionally, only meeting the minimum standards on each one of these tests will not get you a passing score of 75%, and failing any one component will result in a failure for the entire test.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.afpc.af.mil/Career-Management/Fitness-Program/|title=Fitness Program|website=afpc.af.mil|publisher=Air Forces Personnel Center|access-date=July 28, 2023}}</ref>
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== Aircraft inventory ==
{{main|List of active United States Air Force aircraft}}

The U.S. Air Force has a total force of approximately 5,500 aircraft.<ref name=":2" /> Of these, an estimated 4,131 are in active service.<ref>{{Cite web|title=2021 USAF & USSF Almanac: Equipment |url= https://www.airforcemag.com/article/2021-usaf-ussf-almanac-equipment/|access-date=22 February 2022|website=Air Force Magazine|language=en-US}}</ref> Until 1962, the Army and Air Force maintained one system of aircraft naming, while the [[U.S. Navy]] maintained a separate system. In 1962, these were unified into a single system heavily reflecting the Army and Air Force method. For more complete information on the workings of this system, refer to [[United States military aircraft designation systems]]. The various aircraft of the Air Force include:
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=== Summary by type ===
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=== A – Attack ===
[[File:Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II - 32156159151.jpg|thumb|[[Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II|A-10 Thunderbolt II]] [[ground-attack aircraft]]]]

The attack aircraft<ref>{{Cite web |title=Designating and Naming Defense Military Aerospace Vehicles |url=http://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a8/publication/afi16-401/afi16-401.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161224094602/http://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a8/publication/afi16-401/afi16-401.pdf |archive-date=24 December 2016 |access-date=16 August 2017}}</ref> of the USAF are designed to attack targets on the ground and are often deployed as close air support for, and in proximity to, U.S. ground forces. The proximity to friendly forces require precision strikes from these aircraft that are not always possible with bomber aircraft. Their role is tactical rather than strategic, operating at the front of the battle rather than against targets deeper in the enemy's rear. Current USAF attack aircraft are operated by Air Combat Command, Pacific Air Forces, and Air Force Special Operations Command. On 1 August 2022, [[USSOCOM]] selected the Air Tractor-L3Harris AT-802U Sky Warden as a result of the [[Armed Overwatch]] program, awarding an indefinite quantity contract ([[IDIQ]]) to deliver as many as 75 aircraft.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Losey |first=Stephen |date=2 August 2022 |title=How L3Harris created US special operators' new plane to hunt and strike terrorists |url=https://www.airforcetimes.com/air/2022/08/02/how-l3harris-created-us-special-operators-new-plane-to-hunt-and-strike-terrorists/ |access-date=4 March 2023 |website=Air Force Times}}</ref>
* [[Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II|A-10C Thunderbolt II]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/air-force-retiring-a10-amid-dobuts-about-close-air-support-2023-2|title=The US Air Force is finally getting rid of its A-10s, and its focus may be straying from Warthog's unique mission|last=Altamazoglou|first=Constantine|date=February 28, 2023|website=[[Business Insider]]|access-date=November 21, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano|A-29 Super Tucano]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=31 March 2022 |title=A-29 Super Tucano Delivered to U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command |url=https://www.sncorp.com/news-archive/a-29-super-tucano-delivered-to-us-air-force-special-operations-command/ |access-date=4 March 2023 |website=Sierra Nevada Corporation |language=en}}</ref>
* [[Lockheed AC-130|AC-130J Ghostrider]]<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2016/10/25/meet-the-air-force-s-ultimate-battle-plane-and-your-new-close-air-support/|title=Meet the Air Force's ultimate battle plane and your new close-air support|last=Losey|first=Stephen|date=October 25, 2016|website=AirForceTimes.com|access-date=July 31, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Air Tractor-L3Harris AT-802U Sky Warden|OA-1K Sky Warden]]<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2023/4/27/socoms-new-recon-aircraft-to-pack-big-punch|title=SOCOM'S New Recon Aircraft to Pack Big Punch|last=Teglar|first=Jan|date=April 27, 2023|website=National Defense Magazine|access-date=August 1, 2023}}</ref>
<!-- These lists are only for aircraft currently in USAF service. -->

=== B – Bomber ===
[[File:B-2 Spirit original.jpg|thumb|[[Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit|B-2 Spirit]] [[stealth aircraft|stealth]] [[bomber]]]]

US Air Force bombers are strategic weapons, primarily used for long range strike missions with either conventional or nuclear ordnance. Traditionally used for attacking strategic targets, today many bombers are also used in the tactical mission, such as providing close air support for ground forces and tactical interdiction missions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=B-1B Bombers Are The Aerial Weapon of Choice For Supporting Iraq's Ramadi Offensive |date=29 December 2015 |url=http://foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com/b-1b-bombers-are-the-aerial-weapon-of-choice-for-suppor-1750018432 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816192020/http://foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com/b-1b-bombers-are-the-aerial-weapon-of-choice-for-suppor-1750018432 |archive-date=16 August 2017 |access-date=16 August 2017}}</ref> All Air Force bombers are under Global Strike Command.<ref>{{Cite web |title=AF realigns B-1, LRS-B under Air Force Global Strike Command |date=20 April 2015 |url=http://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/585547/af-realigns-b-1-lrs-b-under-air-force-global-strike-command/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808233845/http://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/585547/af-realigns-b-1-lrs-b-under-air-force-global-strike-command/ |archive-date=8 August 2017 |access-date=16 August 2017}}</ref>

The service's B-2A aircraft entered service in the 1990s, its B-1B aircraft in the 1980s and its current B-52H aircraft in the early 1960s. The [[Boeing B-52 Stratofortress|B-52 Stratofortress]] airframe design is over 60 years old and the B-52H aircraft currently in the active inventory were all built between 1960 and 1962. The B-52H is scheduled to remain in service for another 30 years, which would keep the airframe in service for nearly 90 years, an unprecedented length of service for any aircraft. The [[Northrop Grumman B-21|B-21]] is projected to replace the B-52 and parts of the B-1B force by the mid-2020s.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gorrell |first=Mike |title=Northrop Grumman celebrates bomber contract in Utah |url=http://www.sltrib.com/home/3473421-155/northrop-grumman-celebrates-bomber-contract-in |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160131210740/http://www.sltrib.com/home/3473421-155/northrop-grumman-celebrates-bomber-contract-in |archive-date=31 January 2016 |website=The Salt Lake Tribune}}</ref>
* [[Rockwell B-1 Lancer|B-1B Lancer]]<ref>{{cite web |url= https://taskandpurpose.com/news/air-force-b-1b-lancer-bomber-payload-upgrade/|title=The Air Force wants to load up the B-1B Lancer with more bombs than ever before|last=Keller|first=Jared|date=May 23, 2023|website=taskandpurpose.com|access-date=August 1, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit|B-2A Spirit]]<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/usafs-b2a-b6112-jta-rats/|title=USAF's B-2A releases B61-12 JTA using new nuclear capability RATS|date=July 11, 2022|website=Air Force Technology|access-date=August 1, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Boeing B-52 Stratofortress|B-52H Stratofortress]]<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.defensenews.com/air/2023/01/09/how-to-re-engine-a-b-52-and-make-a-new-bomber-fleet/|title=How to re-engine a B-52 and make a new bomber fleet|last=Losey|first=Stephen|date=January 9, 2023|website=Defense News|access-date=August 1, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defensenews.com/air/2024/02/12/the-new-b-52-how-the-air-force-is-prepping-to-fly-century-old-bombers/|title=The new B-52: How the Air Force is prepping to fly century old bombers|last=Losey|first=Stephen|date=February 12, 2024|website=[[Defense News]]|access-date=February 12, 2024}}</ref>
<!-- Only bomber types IN operational service should be listed here. 
* [[Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider|B-21 Raider]]<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3235326/world-gets-first-look-at-b-21-raider/|title=World Gets First Look at B–22 Raider|last=Lopez|first=Todd|date=December 3, 2022|website=[[United States Department of Defense]]|access-date=August 1, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/us-air-forces-new-b-21-raider-flying-wing-bomber-takes-first-flight-reuters-2023-11-10/|title=US Air Force's new B-21 Raider flying wing bomber takes first flight|last=Stone|first=Mike|date=November 11, 2023|website=[[Reuters]]|access-date=February 12, 2024}}</ref>
 These lists are only for aircraft currently in USAF service. -->

=== C – Cargo/Transport ===
[[File:C-17 aircraft over over the Blue Ridge Mountains 2005.jpg|thumb|A [[Boeing C-17 Globemaster III|C-17 Globemaster III]], the USAF's newest and most versatile [[cargo aircraft]] ]]

Cargo aircraft are typically used to deliver troops, weapons and other military equipment by a variety of methods to any area of military operations around the world, usually outside of the commercial flight routes in uncontrolled airspace. The workhorses of the USAF airlift forces are the [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules|C-130 Hercules]], [[Boeing C-17 Globemaster III|C-17 Globemaster III]], and [[Lockheed C-5 Galaxy|C-5 Galaxy]]. The CV-22 is used by the Air Force for special operations. It conducts long-range, special operations missions, and is equipped with extra fuel tanks and terrain-following radar. Some aircraft serve specialized cargo and transport roles such as executive or embassy support (C-12), Antarctic support (LC-130H), and AFSOC support (C-27J and C-146A). Although most of the US Air Force's cargo aircraft were specially designed with the Air Force in mind, some aircraft such as the C-12 Huron ([[Beechcraft Super King Air]]) and C-146 ([[Dornier 328]]) are militarized conversions of existing civilian aircraft. Transport aircraft are operated by Air Mobility Command, Air Force Special Operations Command, and United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa.
* [[Lockheed C-5 Galaxy|C-5M Galaxy]]<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.businessinsider.com/us-air-force-plans-to-keep-c5-cargo-planes-flying-2023-4|title=After 55 years in flight, the U.S. Air Force is planning to keep its biggest plane in action for a few more decades|last=Brimelow|first=Benjamin|date=April 13, 2023|website=[[Business Insider]]|access-date=August 1, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.aviationtoday.com/2022/06/10/us-air-force-upgrade-c-5m/|title=U.S. Air Force to Upgrade C–5M Super Galaxy Cockpit Controls and Displays|last=Bellamy|first=Woodrow|date=June 10, 2022|website=Aviation Today|access-date=August 1, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Beechcraft C-12 Huron|C-12C, C-12D, C-12F and C-12J Huron]]<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/c12-huron/|title=C-12 Huron Military Passenger and Transport Aircraft|date=August 17, 2020|website=Air Force Technology|access-date=August 8, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Boeing C-17 Globemaster III|C-17A Globemaster III]]<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.businessinsider.com/see-inside-340-million-boeing-c17-globemaster-iii-military-jet-2022-1|title=See inside a $340 million Boeing military transport jet that keeps American troops and supplies moving around the world|last=Pallini|first=Thomas|date=January 18, 2022|website=[[Business Insider]]|access-date=August 8, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/fixed-wing/usaf-completes-largest-ever-c-17-launch-with-rapid-deployment-of-24-aircraft/151596.article|title=USAF completes largest-ever C-17 launch with rapid deployment of 24 aircraft|last=Finnerty|first=Ryan|date=January 11, 2023|website=Flight Global|access-date=August 8, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules|C-130H, LC-130H, and WC-130H Hercules]]
* [[Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules|C-130J and C-130J-30 Super Hercules]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/air-force-c-130h-upgrade/|title=C-130 Pilots Test Out 'Entirely New' Cockpit For Aging 'H' Models|last=Roza|first=David|date=October 17, 2023|website=Air & Space Forces Magazine|access-date=November 21, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Dornier 328|C-146A Wolfhound]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://theaviationist.com/2022/05/13/u-s-c-146a-landing-latvia/|title=A C-146A Wolfhound Has Carried Out The First-Ever Landing Of A U.S. Military Aircraft On a Latvian Highway|last=Cenciotti|first=David|date=May 13, 2022|website=The Aviationist|access-date=November 21, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.southcom.mil/MEDIA/NEWS-ARTICLES/Article/3470229/919th-sow-leads-deployment-strengthens-interoperability-in-south-america/|title=919th SOW leads deployment, strengthens interoperability in South America|last=Giagante|first=Michelle|date=July 24, 2023|website=southcom.mil|access-date=November 21, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey|CV-22B Osprey]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://theaviationist.com/2022/10/16/the-stranded-usaf-cv-22-osprey-recovered/|title=The Stranded USAF CV-22 Osprey Has Finally Been Recovered|last=D'Urso|first=Stefano|date=October 16, 2022|website=The Aviationist|access-date=November 21, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/newsusaf-expands-aircraft-fleet-with-two-cv-22b-osprey/|title=USAF expands aircraft fleet with two CV-22B Osprey|date=July 1, 2013|website=Air Force Technology|access-date=November 21, 2023}}</ref>
<!-- These lists are only for aircraft currently in USAF service. -->

=== E – Special Electronic ===
[[File:E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) conducts a mission.jpg|thumb|[[Boeing E-3 Sentry|E-3 Sentry]] [[Airborne early warning and control|airborne warning and control system]]]]

The purpose of electronic warfare is to deny the opponent an advantage in the [[Electromagnetic spectrum|EMS]] and ensure friendly, unimpeded access to the EM spectrum portion of the information environment. Electronic warfare aircraft are used to keep airspaces friendly, and send critical information to anyone who needs it. They are often called "the eye in the sky". The roles of the aircraft vary greatly among the different variants to include electronic warfare and jamming (EC-130H), psychological operations and communications (EC-130J), airborne early warning and control (E-3), airborne command post (E-4B), range control (E-9A), and communications relay (E-11A, EQ-4B).
* [[Boeing E-3 Sentry|E-3B, E-3C and E-3G Sentry]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.key.aero/article/usaf-retires-first-active-duty-e-3b-sentry-service|title=USAF Retires First Active-Duty E-3B Sentry From Service|last=Hall|first=Ben|date=April 17, 2023|website=key.aero|access-date=November 21, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/boeing-to-replace-e3-sentry|title=U.S. Air Force spends $1.2B to replace its Cold War-era E–3 Sentry AWACS fleet|last=McFadden|first=Christopher|date=March 3, 2023|website=Interesting Engineering|access-date=November 21, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Boeing E-4|E-4B "Nightwatch"]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2022/05/10/does-america-need-its-doomsday-plane/ |title=Does America need its 'Doomsday plane'? |last=Cohen |first=Rachel |date=May 10, 2022 |website=Air Force Times |access-date=November 21, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.flyingmag.com/future-doomsday-plane-fleet-could-include-used-747s/ |title=Future 'Doomsday plane' Fleet Could Include Used 747's |last=Johnson |first=Kimberly |date=May 4, 2022 |website=Flying Magazine |access-date=November 21, 2023}}</ref>
* [[E-9A|E-9A Widget]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://militarymachine.com/e-9a-widget/|title=The USAF E-9A Widget|last=Peters|first=Richard|date=January 1, 2020|website=Military Machine|access-date=November 22, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Bombardier Global Express#Military variants|E-11A]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3258455/430th-eecs-begins-operations-with-new-e-11a-bacn/|title=430th EECS begins operations with new E-11A BACN|last=Brown|first=Shannon|date=January 7, 2023|website=United States Air Force|access-date=November 22, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defensenews.com/air/2021/06/03/us-air-force-awards-465m-contract-for-new-e-11a-planes/|title=US Air Force awards $465M contract for new E-11A planes|last=Insinna|first=Valerie|date=June 3, 2021|website=Defense News|access-date=November 22, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Lockheed EC-130H Compass Call|EC-130H Compass Call]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2021/10/11/this-compass-call-squadron-is-coming-home-after-20-years-of-hacking-and-jamming-enemies-in-centcom/|title=This Compass Call squadron is coming home after 20 years of hacking and jamming enemies in CENTCOM|last=Cohen|first=Rachel|date=October 11, 2021|website=[[Air Force Times]]|access-date=November 22, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.centcom.mil/MEDIA/NEWS-ARTICLES/News-Article-View/Article/2700691/ec-130h-compass-call-protects-and-enhances-regional-airpower-capabilities/|title=EC-130H Compass Call protects and enhances regional airpower capabilities|last=Blacke|first=Kinder Maj|date=July 20, 2021|website=centcom.mil|access-date=November 22, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Lockheed EC-130|EC-130J Commando Solo]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pa.ng.mil/Site-Management/News-Article-View/Article/3162826/ec-130j-commando-solo-performs-final-broadcast/|title=EC-130J Commando Solo performs final broadcast|last=Farver|first=Alexander Master Sgt|date=September 19, 2022|website=[[Pennsylvania National Guard]]|access-date=November 22, 2023}}</ref>
<!-- These lists are only for aircraft currently in USAF service. -->

=== F – Fighter ===
[[File:Lockheed Martin F-22A Raptor JSOH.jpg|thumb|[[Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor|F-22 Raptor]] stealth [[air superiority fighter]]]]

The fighter aircraft of the USAF are small, fast, and maneuverable military aircraft primarily used for air-to-air combat. Many of these fighters have secondary ground-attack capabilities, and some are dual-roled as fighter-bombers (e.g., the [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16 Fighting Falcon]]); the term "fighter" is also sometimes used colloquially for dedicated ground-attack aircraft, such as the [[F-117 Nighthawk]]. Other missions include interception of bombers and other fighters, reconnaissance, and patrol. The F-16 is currently used by the USAF Air Demonstration squadron, the [[United States Air Force Thunderbirds|Thunderbirds]], while a small number of both man-rated and non-man-rated [[F-4 Phantom II]] are retained as QF-4 aircraft for use as full-scale aerial targets (FSATs) or as part of the USAF Heritage Flight program. These extant QF-4 aircraft are being replaced in the FSAT role by early model F-16 aircraft converted to QF-16 configuration. The USAF had 2,025 fighters in service as of September 2012.<ref name="USAF_Almanac">{{Cite web|date=May 2013|title=USAF Almanac, The Air Force in Facts and Figures |url= http://www.airforcemag.com/MagazineArchive/Magazine%20Documents/2013/May%202013/0513facts_figures.pdf |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211183535/http://www.airforcemag.com/MagazineArchive/Magazine%20Documents/2013/May%202013/0513facts_figures.pdf|archive-date=11 December 2013|access-date=2 August 2013|publisher=Air Force Magazine}}</ref>
* [[McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle|F-15C and F-15D Eagle]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3159407/f-15c-eagle-fleet-prepares-to-stand-down-after-50-years-of-vigilance/|title=F-15C Eagle fleet prepares to stand down after 50 years of vigilance|last=Thompson|first=Jefferson Master Sgt|date=September 17, 2022|website=United States Air Force|access-date=November 22, 2023}}</ref>
* [[McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle|F-15E Strike Eagle]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defense.gov/Multimedia/Photos/igphoto/2001241958/|title=F-15E Strike Eagles perform a training mission over the North Sea|website=[[United States Department of Defense]]|access-date=November 22, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2023/10/16/f-15s-arrive-in-middle-east-amid-israel-hamas-war/|title=F-15s arrive in Middle East amid Israel-Hamas war|last=Lehrfeld|first=Jonathan|date=October 16, 2023|website=[[Air Force Times]]|access-date=November 22, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Boeing F-15EX Eagle II|F-15EX Eagle II]]<ref>{{cite web |last1=Newdick |first1=Thomas |title=The F-15EX Is Now Officially Named The Eagle II |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/40085/the-f-15ex-is-now-officially-named-the-eagle-ii |website=The Drive |date=7 April 2021 |access-date=7 April 2021}}</ref>
* [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16C, F-16D Fighting Falcon]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/air-warfare/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-f-16-fighter-jet/|title=Why the F-16 fighter jet remains a force to be reckoned with (updated 2023)|last=Neumann|first=Norbert|date=September 5, 2023|website=Shephard Media|access-date=November 22, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor|F-22A Raptor]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2023/06/15/f-22-fighter-jets-head-to-middle-east-amid-tensions-with-russia/|title=F-22 fighter jets head to Middle East amid tensions with Russia|last=Cohen|first=Rachel|date=June 15, 2023|website=[[Air Force Times]]|access-date=November 22, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.centcom.mil/MEDIA/PRESS-RELEASES/Press-Release-View/Article/3428000/f-22-raptors-demonstrate-air-superiority-in-centcom/|title=F-22 Raptors Demonstrate Air Superiority in CENTCOM|date=June 14, 2023|website=centcom.mil|access-date=November 22, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II|F-35A Lightning II]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/900930/air-force-declares-f-35a-lightning-ii-combat-ready/|title=Air Force Declares F-35A Lightning II 'Combat Ready'|date=August 3, 2016|website=[[United States Department of Defense]]|access-date=November 22, 2023}}</ref>
<!-- These lists are only for aircraft currently in USAF service. -->

=== H – Search and rescue ===
These aircraft are used for [[search and rescue]] and [[combat search and rescue]] on land or sea. The HC-130N/P aircraft are being replaced by newer HC-130J models. HH-60W are replacement aircraft for "G" models that have been lost in combat operations or accidents. New HH-60W helicopters are under development to replace both the "G" and "W" model Pave Hawks. The Air Force also has four HH-60U "Ghost Hawks", which are converted "M" variants. They are based out of [[Area 51]].<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/30245/area-51-has-its-own-unique-fleet-of-hh-60u-ghost-hawk-helicopters|title=Area 51 Has Its Own Unique Fleet Of HH-60U Ghost Hawk Helicopters|website=thedrive.com|date=1 December 2019|access-date=19 July 2023}}</ref>
* [[Lockheed HC-130|HC-130N and HC-130P Combat King]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defensenews.com/air/2023/10/18/goodbye-dials-digital-avionics-coming-to-aging-us-air-force-c-130s/|title=Goodbye dials, Digital avionics coming to aging US Air Force C-130s|last=Losey|first=Stephen|date=October 18, 2023|website=Defense News|access-date=November 22, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Lockheed HC-130|HC-130J Combat King II]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://theaviationist.com/2021/07/27/hc-130j-combat-king-ii-walkaround/|title=Let's Explore The HC-130 Combat King II with this Amazing Walk-around tour|last=D'Urso|first=Stefano|date=July 27, 2021|website=The Aviationist|access-date=November 22, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk|HH-60G, HH-60U and HH-60W Pave Hawk]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/usaf-concept-hh60g-firepower/|title=USAF designs new concept to boost HH-60G helicopter's firepower|date=November 23, 2022|website =Air Force Technology|access-date=November 22, 2023}}</ref>
<!-- These lists are only for aircraft currently in USAF service. -->

=== K – Tanker ===
[[File:KC-46 refuels F-35 20190122.jpg|thumb|[[Boeing KC-46 Pegasus|KC-46 Pegasus]] refuels a [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II|F-35 Lightning II]]]]

The USAF's KC-135 and KC-46 aerial refueling aircraft are based on civilian jets. The USAF aircraft are equipped primarily for providing the fuel via a tail-mounted refueling boom, and can be equipped with "probe and drogue" refueling systems. Air-to-air refueling is extensively used in large-scale operations and also used in normal operations; fighters, bombers, and cargo aircraft rely heavily on the lesser-known "tanker" aircraft. This makes these aircraft an essential part of the Air Force's global mobility and the U.S. force projection. The [[McDonnell Douglas KC-10 Extender|KC-10A Extender]] was retired in 2024.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/air-force-kc-10-tanker-farewell-flight/ |title=‘The Gucci Way’: Air Force’s Very Last KC-10 Tanker Bids Adieu at Travis |work=[[Air & Space Forces Magazine]] |last=Roza |first=David |date=September 26, 2024 |access-date=October 2, 2024}}</ref> The [[Boeing KC-46 Pegasus|KC-46A Pegasus]] began to be delivered to USAF units in 2019.
* [[Boeing KC-46 Pegasus|KC-46A Pegasus]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/how-boeings-kc-46a-accelerates-mission-readiness-for-the-joint-force-today-and-into-the-future/|title=How Boeing's KC-46A Accelerates Mission Readiness for the joint Force Today and into the Future|date=June 1, 2023|website=[[Air & Space Forces Magazine]]|access-date=November 24, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker|KC-135R and KC-135T Stratotanker]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2023/09/21/kc-135-tanker-autopilot-now-safer-to-use-in-flight-air-force-says/|title=KC-135 tanker autopilot now safer to use in flight, Air Force says|last=Cohen|first=Rachel|date=September 21, 2023|website=[[Air Force Times]]|access-date=November 24, 2023}}</ref>
<!-- These lists are only for aircraft currently in USAF service. -->

=== M – Multi-mission ===
[[File:427th Reconnaissance Squadron MC-12 10-0728.jpg|thumb|An MC-12W Liberty at [[Beale AFB]]]]

Specialized multi-mission aircraft provide support for global special operations missions. These aircraft conduct infiltration, exfiltration, resupply, and refueling for [[United States special operations forces|SOF]] teams from improvised or otherwise short runways. The MC-130J is currently being fielded to replace "H" and "P" models used by U.S. Special Operations Command. The MC-12W is used in the "intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance" (ISR) role.

Initial generations of RPAs were primarily surveillance aircraft, but some were fitted with weaponry (such as the MQ-1 Predator, which used AGM-114 Hellfire air-to-ground missiles). An armed RPA is known as an "unmanned combat aerial vehicle" (UCAV).
* [[Beechcraft MC-12W Liberty|MC-12W Liberty]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/beale-afb-farewells-mc-12-as-spy-plane-moves-to-army-and-socom/118337.article|title=Beale AFB farewells MC-12 as spy plane moves to Army and SOCOM|last=Drew|first=James|date=September 25, 2015|website=Flight Global|access-date=November 25, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Lockheed MC-130|MC-130H Combat Talon II]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/final-mc-130h-boneyard/|title=The Air Force's Final MC-130H Heads to the Boneyard|last=Hadley|first=Greg|date=April 3, 2023|website=[[Air & Space Forces Magazine]]|access-date=November 25, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Lockheed MC-130|MC-130J Commando II]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2022/09/22/air-force-plans-more-tests-of-amphibious-armed-mc-130j-airlifter/|title=Air Force plans more tests of amphibious armed MC-130J airlifter|last=Cohen|first=Rachel|date=September 22, 2022|website=[[Air Force Times]]|access-date=November 25, 2023}}</ref>
[[File:MQ-9 Reaper UAV (cropped).jpg|thumb|[[General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper|MQ-9]] [[unmanned aerial vehicle]]]]
* [[General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper|MQ-9B Reaper]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/mar/15/mq-9-reaper-what-is-the-us-drone-that-collided-with-a-russian-jet-and-how-is-it-used|title=MQ-9 Reaper: what is the U.S. drone that collided with a Russian jet and how is it used?|last=Yerushalmy|first=Jonathan|date=March 15, 2023|website=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=November 25, 2023}}</ref>
<!-- These lists are only for aircraft currently in USAF service. -->

=== R – Reconnaissance ===
[[File:Usaf.u2.750pix.jpg|thumb|[[Lockheed U-2]] [[surveillance aircraft|spy plane]]]]

The reconnaissance aircraft of the USAF are used for monitoring enemy activity, originally carrying no armament. Although the U-2 is designated as a "utility" aircraft, it is a reconnaissance platform. The roles of the aircraft vary greatly among the different variants to include general monitoring, ballistic missile monitoring (RC-135S), electronic intelligence gathering (RC-135U), signal intelligence gathering (RC-135V/W), and high altitude surveillance (U-2).

Several unmanned remotely controlled reconnaissance aircraft (RPAs), have been developed and deployed. Recently, the RPAs have been seen to offer the possibility of cheaper, more capable fighting machines that can be used without risk to aircrews.

* [[McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II|RF-4E Phantom II]]{{cn|date=September 2024}}
* [[Boeing RC-135|RC-135S Cobra Ball]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://militaryleak.com/2020/09/13/us-air-force-deploys-rc-135s-cobra-ball-reconnaissance-aircraft-near-northeast-china/?amp=1|title=U.S. Air Force Deploys RC-135S Cobra Ball Reconnaissance Aircraft Near Northeast China|date=September 13, 2020|website=Military Leak|access-date=November 25, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Boeing RC-135|RC-135U Combat Sent]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://theaviationist.com/2020/08/27/u-s-rc-135u-combat-sent-flies-11-hour-mission-quite-close-to-the-russian-airspace-over-the-barents-sea/|title=U.S. RC-135U Combat Sent Flies 11-hour Mission Quite Close to the Russian Airspace Over the Barents Sea|last=Cenciotti|first=David|date=August 27, 2020|website=The Aviationist|access-date=November 25, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Boeing RC-135|RC-135V and RC-135W Rivet Joint]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/rc-135-rivet-joint-55th-operations-group/|title=Why the Sun Never Sets For Airmen Aboard the RC-135|last=Roza|first=David|date=September 21, 2023|website=[[Air & Space Forces Magazine]]|access-date=November 25, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk|RQ-4B Global Hawk]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defensenews.com/unmanned/2023/03/13/us-air-force-rq-4-drone-conducts-rotational-deployment-from-singapore/|title=U.S. rotationally deploys RQ-4 drone from Singapore, sources reveal|last=Yeo|first=Mike|date=March 13, 2023|website=Defense News|access-date=November 25, 2023}}</ref>
* [[AeroVironment RQ-11 Raven|RQ-11 Raven]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104533/rq-11b-raven/|title=The RQ-11B Raven > Air Force > Fact Sheet Display|website=United States Air Force|access-date=November 25, 2023}}</ref>
[[File:RQ-170 Wiki contributor 3Dartist.png|thumb|right|[[RQ-170 Sentinel]] stealth unmanned aerial vehicle [[reconnaissance aircraft]]]]
* [[Lockheed Martin RQ-170 Sentinel|RQ-170 Sentinel]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/39753/air-force-makes-extremely-rare-announcement-about-deployment-of-rq-170-stealth-drones|title=Air Force Makes Extremely Rare Mention of Deployment of RQ-170 Stealth Drones|last=Trevithick|first=Joseph|date=September 13, 2021|website=The Drive|access-date=November 27, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Lockheed U-2|U-2S "Dragon Lady"]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/usaf-retire-u-2-2026/|title=USAF Will Retire the U-2 in 2026, Until then expect unique innovative uses|last=Hadley|first=Greg|date=August 2, 2023|website=[[Air & Space Forces Magazine]]|access-date=November 27, 2023}}</ref>
<!-- These lists are only for aircraft currently in USAF service. -->

=== T – Trainer ===
The Air Force's trainer aircraft are used to train pilots, combat systems officers, and other aircrew in their duties.
* [[Raytheon T-1 Jayhawk|T-1A Jayhawk]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/02/15/mississippi-lawmakers-want-keep-aging-t-1a-training-jet-service.html|title=Mississippi lawmakers want to keep aging T-1A Training Jet in Service|last=Novelly|first=Thomas|date=February 15, 2023|website=Military.com|access-date=November 27, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Beechcraft T-6 Texan II|T-6A Texan II]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://defence-blog.com/u-s-air-force-to-upgrade-its-t-6a-texan-ii-primary-trainers/|title=U.S. Air Force to upgrade its T-6A Texan II primary trainers|last=Jones|first=Colton|date=March 10, 2021|website=Defense Blog|access-date=November 27, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Northrop T-38 Talon|T-38A, (A)T-38B and T-38C Talon]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/t-38-talon-us-air-force-trainer-jet-supersonic-sale-2023-4|title=The world's first supersonic trainer jet is on the market for just $800,000 – take a look inside the T-38 Talon|last=Descalsota|first=Marielle|date=April 13, 2023|website=[[Business Insider]]|access-date=November 27, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Cessna T-41 Mescalero|T-41D Mescalero]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/198032/cessna-t-41a-mescalero/|title=Cessna T-41A Mescalero Biography|website=[[National Museum of the United States Air Force]]|access-date=November 27, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Cessna 150#Military|T-51A]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usafa.af.mil/About-Us/Flight-Operations/USAF-Academy-Aircraft-Identification/|title=USAF Academy Aircraft Identification|website=[[United States Air Force Academy]]|access-date=November 27, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usafa.edu/flying-team-wins-37th-consecutive-region-title/|title=Flying Team Wins 37th Consecutive Region Title|last=Roughton|first=Randy|date=October 10, 2023|website=[[United States Air Force Academy]]|access-date=November 27, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Cirrus SR20#Military|T-53A Kadet II]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usafa.edu/airmanship-programs-turn-cadets-into-aviators/|title=Airmanship Programs Turn Cadets Into Aviators|last=Roughton|first=Randy|date=August 15, 2023|website=[[United States Air Force Academy]]|access-date=November 27, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Boeing RC-135#TC-135|TC-135W]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.key.aero/article/usafs-big-safari-program-receives-tc-135w-prepares-divest-last-nc-135w|title=USAF's Big Safari Program Receives TC-135W, Prepares to Divest Last NC-135W|last=Chadwick|first=Luca|date=February 18, 2023|website=Key Aero|access-date=November 27, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://theaviationist.com/2023/10/13/tc-135w/|title=Rare TC-135W Makes First Attendance At European Air Show in Malta|last=Cenciotti|first=David|date=October 13, 2023|website=The Aviationist|access-date=November 27, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Bell UH-1 Iroquois variants#UH-1H|TH-1H Iroquois]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.smithsonianmag.com/air-space-magazine/bell-uh-1h-iroquois-180976722/|title=More than just a helicopter, the 'Huey' Became a Symbol of the Vietnam War|last=Klimek|first=Chris|date=February 12, 2021|website=[[Smithsonian Magazine]]|access-date=November 27, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Lockheed U-2#Variants|TU-2S Dragon Lady]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104560/u-2stu-2s/|title=U-2S/TU-2S > Air Force > Fact Sheet Display|website=United States Air Force|access-date=November 27, 2023}}</ref>

=== TG – Trainer gliders ===
Several gliders are used by the USAF, primarily used for cadet flying training at the U.S. Air Force Academy.
* [[Schempp-Hirth Duo Discus|TG-15A]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/cadetssoarabovetherest/|title=Cadets Soar above the Rest|date=December 10, 2012|website=[[Air & Space Forces Magazine]]|access-date=November 27, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Schempp-Hirth Discus-2|TG-15B]]<ref name="Baillie">{{cite web|url=https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/110746/end-of-an-era-for-academys-gliders/|title=End of an era for Academy's gliders|last=Baillie|first=Amber|date=July 27, 2012|website=United States Air Force|access-date=November 27, 2023}}</ref>
* [[DG Flugzeugbau|TG-16]]<ref name="Baillie"/>
<!-- These lists are only for aircraft currently in USAF service. -->

=== U – Utility ===
Utility aircraft are used basically for what they are needed for at the time. For example, a [[Bell Huey family|Huey]] may be used to transport personnel around a large base or launch site, while it can also be used for evacuation. These aircraft are all around use aircraft.
* [[Pilatus PC-12|U-28A Draco]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/air-force-u-28-draco-dfc/|title=10 Airmen Make History as the first U-28 Crews to Receive Distinguished Flying Crosses|last=Roza|first=David|date=November 21, 2023|website=[[Air & Space Forces Magazine]]|access-date=November 27, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://theaviationist.com/2020/11/04/four-air-forces-secretive-u-28a-draco-isr-aircraft-make-stopover-at-aviano-ab-on-their-way-back-from-deployment/|title=Four Air Force's Selective U-28A Draco ISR Aircraft Make Stopover at Aviano AB On Their Way Back from Deployment|last=Cenciotti|first=David|date=November 4, 2020|website=The Aviationist|access-date=November 27, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Bell UH-1N Twin Huey|UH-1N Iroquois]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://verticalmag.com/news/air-force-huey-most-mission-ready-us-military-aircraft/|title=Air Force's Huey the most mission ready of all the U.S. military aircraft|last=Parsons|first=Dan|date=December 3, 2020|website=Vertical Magazine|access-date=November 27, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.flyingmag.com/air-force-begins-testing-huey-replacement-helicopter/|title=Air Force Begins Testing 'Huey' Replacement Helicopter|last=Johnson|first=Kimberly|date=August 25, 2022|website=Flying Magazine|access-date=November 27, 2023}}</ref>
* [[de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter|UV-18B Twin Otter]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://man.fas.org/dod-101/sys/ac/uv-18.htm|title=UV-18A Twin Otter – Military Aircraft|website=man.fas.org|access-date=November 27, 2023}}</ref>
<!-- These lists are only for aircraft currently in USAF service. -->

=== V – VIP staff transport ===
[[File:Air Force One over Mt. Rushmore.jpg|thumb|[[Boeing VC-25|VC-25A]] ([[Air Force One]]) flying over [[Mount Rushmore]] in 2001.]]

These aircraft are used for the transportation of Very Important Persons (VIPs). Notable people include the president, vice president, cabinet secretaries, government officials (e.g., senators and representatives), the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and other key personnel.
* [[Boeing VC-25|VC-25A]] (two used as [[Air Force One]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104588/vc-25-air-force-one/|title=VC-25 – Air Force One > Air Force > Fact Sheet Display|website=United States Air Force|access-date=November 27, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Learjet 35|C-21A Learjet]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/air-force-c-21-learjet/|title=Air Force C-21 VIP Jet Departs Middle East For Last Time After 32 years|last=Roza|first=David|date=July 12, 2023|website=[[Air & Space Forces Magazine]]|access-date=November 27, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defensenews.com/air/2019/12/25/this-tiny-transport-aircraft-is-getting-a-makeover/|title=This tiny transport aircraft is getting a makeover|last=Insinna|first=Valerie|date=December 25, 2019|website=Defense News|access-date=November 27, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Boeing C-32|C-32A and C-32B]] (used as [[Air Force Two]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://theaviationist.com/2021/07/13/c-32-af2-detroit/|title=A Quick look at the Boeing C-32A Flying as Air Force 2 into Detroit and Vice Presidential Motorcade|last=Demerly|first=Tom|date=July 13, 2021|website=The Aviationist|access-date=November 27, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/new-plan-to-augment-c-32a-air-force-two-fleet-not-replace-it|title=New Plan to Augment C-32A Air Force Two fleet, not to replace it|last=Trevithick|first=Joseph|date=November 20, 2023|website=The Drive|access-date=November 27, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Gulfstream V|C-37A Gulfstream V]] and [[Gulfstream G550|C-37B Gulfstream G550]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/new-gulfstream-military-jet-1234749983/|title=These Business Jets are being modified for military special ops|last=Verdon|first=Michael|date=September 19, 2022|website=Robb Report|access-date=November 27, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Boeing C-40 Clipper|C-40B and C-40C]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.key.aero/article/usaf-aims-complete-c-40-upgrade-spring|title=USAF Aims to Complete C-40 Upgrade this Spring|last=Chapman|first=Khalem|date=February 23, 2021|website=Key Aero|access-date=November 27, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://taskandpurpose.com/news/what-plane-did-pelosi-take-taiwan/|title=This little-known Air Force jet just became the most-watched aircraft in history|last=Roza|first=David|date=August 2, 2022|website=Task & Purpose|access-date=November 27, 2023}}</ref>
<!-- These lists are only for aircraft currently in USAF service. -->

=== W – Weather reconnaissance ===
[[File:WC-130J Hercules of the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron.jpg|thumb|A WC-130J Hercules from the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron]]
These aircraft are used to study meteorological events such as hurricanes and typhoons.
* [[Lockheed WC-130|WC-130J Hurricane Hunter]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/30/us/hurricane-hunters-flight-idalia/index.html|title=Inside a Hurricane Hunter flight as Idalia became a category 4 storm|last=Kennedy|first=Victoria|date=August 30, 2023|website=CNN|access-date=November 27, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Boeing WC-135 Constant Phoenix|WC-135C and WC-135W Constant Phoenix]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defensenews.com/smr/nuclear-triad/2018/04/25/air-force-to-start-transforming-tankers-into-wc-135-nuke-sniffers-this-year/|title=Air Force to start transforming tankers into WC-135 'nuke sniffers' in FY19|last=Insinna|first=Valerie|date=April 25, 2018|website=Defense News|access-date=November 27, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104494/wc-135-constant-phoenix/|title=WC-135 Constant Phoenix > Air Force > Fact Sheet Display|website=United States Air Force|access-date=November 27, 2023}}</ref>
<!-- These lists are only for aircraft currently in USAF service. -->

=== Undesignated foreign aircraft ===
* [[CASA/IPTN CN-235|CN-235-100]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 December 2004 |title=Photos: Airtech CN-235 Aircraft Pictures |url=http://www.airliners.net/open.file/775218/L/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090505143933/http://www.airliners.net/open.file/775218/L/ |archive-date=5 May 2009 |access-date=30 August 2010 |publisher=Airliners.net}}</ref> ([[427th Special Operations Squadron]])
* [[Grob G 120TP]]<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Embraer|first=In association with |title=2023 World Air Forces directory |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/reports/2023-world-air-forces-directory/151088.article |access-date=4 March 2023 |website=Flight Global|language=en}}</ref>
* [[Mil Mi-17]]<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=14 November 2018 |title= Photos: Mil Mi-171E – USA – Air Force | url=https://www.airliners.net/photo/USA-Air-Force/Mil-Mi-171E/5330783 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505220510/https://www.airliners.net/photo/USA-Air-Force/Mil-Mi-171E/5330783 |archive-date=5 May 2021 |access-date=4 March 2023 |publisher=Airliners.net}}</ref> ([[OPFOR]] training)
<!-- These lists are only for aircraft currently in USAF service. -->

== See also ==
{{div col|colwidth=35em}}
* [[Air & Space Forces Association]]
* [[Air Force Combat Ammunition Center]]
* [[Air Force Knowledge Now]]
* [[Airman's Creed]]
* [[Civil Air Patrol]]
* [[Company Grade Officers' Council]]
* [[Department of the Air Force Police]]
* [[Future military aircraft of the United States]]
* [[List of military aircraft of the United States]]
* [[List of military aircraft of the United States (1909–1919)]]
* [[List of undesignated military aircraft of the United States]]
* [[List of United States Air Force installations]]
* [[List of United States Airmen]]
* [[List of U.S. Air Force acronyms and expressions]]
* [[National Museum of the United States Air Force]]
* [[Structure of the United States Air Force]]
* [[United States Air Force Band]]
* [[United States Air Force Chaplain Corps]]
* [[United States Air Force Combat Control Team]]
* [[United States Air Force Medical Service]]
* [[United States Air Force Thunderbirds]]
* [[Women in the United States Air Force]]
{{div col end}}

== Notes ==
{{Notelist}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Sister project links|United States Air Force}}
{{Library resources box}}

=== Official ===
* [http://www.af.mil/ Official USAF site]
* [https://www.youtube.com/AFBlueTube Air Force Blue Tube page on youtube.com]

=== Other ===
* [http://www.airforcehistoryindex.org/ Searchable database of Air Force historical reports]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20141222222945/http://www.usafpatches.com/ USAF emblems]
* [http://www.commtroop.net/ USAF Communications Troops]
* [https://www.rallypoint.com/branches/air-force/servicemembers Members of the US Air Force on RallyPoint]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20130117084129/http://www.militarytimes.com/static/projects/pages/30yearaviation.pdf Aircraft Investment Plan, Fiscal Years (FY) 2011–2040, Submitted with the FY 2011 Budget]
* [https://purl.fdlp.gov/GPO/gpo45920 National Commission on the Structure of the Air Force: Report to the President and the Congress of the United States]
* {{Internet Archive author |search=("United States Air Force" OR "USAF")}}

{{S-start}}
{{Succession box
|before = [[United States Army Air Forces]]
|title = United States Air Force
|years = 1947 – present
|after = Current
}}
{{S-end}}

{{US Air Force navbox}}
{{Air Combat Command}}
{{USAF Air Education and Training Command}}
{{Air Force Global Strike Command}}
{{USAF Material Command}}
{{Air Force Reserve Command}}
{{USAF Air Force Special Operations Command}}
{{USAF Air Mobility Command}}
{{Pacific Air Forces}}
{{USAF Air Forces in Europe}}
{{Navboxes
|list =
{{USAF Weapons}}
{{US military navbox}}
{{DOD agencies navbox}}
{{Uniformed services of the United States}}
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}}

[[Category:United States Air Force| ]]
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1947]]
[[Category:The Pentagon]]
[[Category:Uniformed services of the United States|Air Force]]
[[Category:United States Department of Defense]]
[[Category:1947 establishments in the United States]]
[[Category:Collier Trophy recipients]]
[[Category:United States Armed Forces service branches]]