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Department of the Air Force

3Cognitive Lesson Objective:

• KnowtheAirForceorganizational structure, itsmission,andthecompetenciesandcapabilitiesneededtocompletethemission.

Cognitive Samples of Behavior:• State the function of the Secretary of theAir Force and theAir

ForceChiefofStaff.

• Identify the functionsofamajorcommand,numberedair force,wing,group,andsquadron.

• IdentifytheAirForceCoreCompetencies.

• IdentifytheAirForceDistinctiveCapabilities.

Affective Lesson Objective:• RespondenthusiasticallyabouttheUSAirForceasanorganization.

Affective Sample of Behavior: • Display interest in the varied aspects of theAir Force structure,

mission,andabilities.

Air and Space Studies 100 16

Who We Are

Origins

America’sAirForcewasforgedintheskiesofWorldWarIandtemperedinthefireofconflictduringWorldWarII.Webecameaseparateservicein1947andcontinuedtoserve,explore,andtransformduringtheKoreanandVietnamWars.Aswebeganto

seehowairpowercouldwinbattles,thesuccessesofOperationDESERTSTORMandtheconflictsinKosovo,Afghanistan,andIraqconfirmedthatairpowercancontributetoandcreatevictory.Beingable tofly,fight,andwin ispartof theAirForcemission.Toaccomplishourmission isatoughjob.Todo itwemustbewellorganized.Morethan682,000activeduty,reserve,andcivilianpersonnelworktogetherasacohesiveteamtoaccomplishtheAirForcemission.

Air Force Organization

TheAirForceisAmerica’sonlyfull-serviceairandspaceforce.Otherservices’airandspacearmshavesurface-supportmissionprioritiesthat limit theirability toexploit the full scopeofairandspaceoperationsatthestrategicandoperationallevelsofwar.Forexample,ArmyandMarineaviationarmsareorganizedanddesignedtoprovideimmediateandclosesupporttotheirgroundforces.Likewise,navalaviation’sfirstpriorityistosupportfleetoperations.Incontrast,onlytheAirForceischargedwithpreparingairandspaceforcesthatareorganized,trained,andequippedtofullyexploitairandspacepower’scapabilitytoaccomplishassignedmissionsacrossalltheatersofoperation.

Department of the Air Force 17

The Air Force organizes for wartime with global capabilities and responsibilities. Itsorganizationalstructuresandprocessesmustbesimple,responsive,andflexible.TheAirForcewill normallyoperateas amemberof an interdependent teamof land,naval, air, space, andspecial operations forces. This interdependencedemandsattention to joint andmultinationalrequirementswhenorganizing,training,andequippingtheAirForce.

TheAirForceorganizeswithin“theprinciple”andtenetofcentralizedcontrolanddecentralizedexecution.Organizationalstructuresshouldbedesignedtoexploitairandspacepower’sversatilityandflexibilitytoensurethatairandspaceforcesremainresponsive,survivable,andsustainable.Theversatilitytouseairandspaceforcesagainstanylevelofobjective,whetherindependently,insupportof,orsupportedbyothercomponents,requiresorganizationsthatdonotconstrainemployment concepts. Flexibility allows forces to copewith the unexpected inmodern, fast-pacedmilitaryoperations.Survivableforcesmustbeabletosustaintheoperationwiththeproperbalanceofpeople,concepts,andequipment.

The Secretary of the Air Force conductstheadministrativeaffairsofthedepartmentandisdirectlyresponsibletotheSecretaryofDefense.Intheoveralladministrationofthedepartment,the secretary handlesmatters relating to fiscal spending, production, procurement, and legalplansandprograms.Thesecretarydoesnotbecomedirectlyinvolvedinmilitaryoperations.

Staff

TheSecretaryoftheAirForcehasanUnderSecretary,fourassistantsecretaries,aswellasotherassistants,advisors,ordirectors.Theheadsoftheseofficesarestaffadviserstothesecretaryforthefunctionsassignedtothem.TheassistantsecretariesactforandwiththeauthorityoftheSecretaryonanymatterswithintheirrespectiveareasofresponsibility.

The Chief of Staff of the Air Force(CSAF)isthemilitaryheadoftheAirForceandisdirectlyresponsibletotheSecretaryoftheAirForcefortheefficiencyandoperationalreadinessoftheAirForce.TheCSAFisalsoamemberoftheJointChiefsofStaff(JCS).TheChiefofStaffdelegatesvirtuallyallfunctionsastheUSAirForcemilitaryheadtotheViceChiefofStaffwhendemandsofJCSdutiesnecessitatesuchactions.TheViceChiefworksdirectlywiththeAirStaff,makingdecisionsandissuingordersinthenameoftheChiefofStaff.

The Air Staff furnishes professional assistance to the secretary, under secretary, and theassistantsecretaries.TheAirStaffisaheadquartersfunctionalorganizationundertheChiefofStaff of the Air Force (CSAF). It includesmanagement functions that cannot be delegated ordecentralizedelsewherebutareneededbytheSecretaryoftheAirForceandtheChiefofStafftosetpresentandfuturedesignsandstructuresoftheAirForce.


Commands

TheAirForcehasthreecomponents:ActiveDuty,theAirNationalGuard,andtheAirForceReserve.Eachcomponentismadeupofmilitaryandcivilianpersonnel.TheAirForceorganizes,trains,andequipsairforcesthroughitsmajorcommands(MAJCOMs.)Thoseforcesareprovidedto combatant commands (unified commands) for employment. The organization of theseMAJCOMsisbasedoncombat,mobility,space,andspecialoperations,plusthematerielsupportrequired for these operations.MAJCOMS are commanded by a four-star general. MAJCOMsareorganizedonafunctionalbasisintheUnitedStatesandageographicbasisoverseas.TheyaccomplishdesignatedphasesofAirForceworldwideactivities.Also,theyorganize,administer,equipandtraintheirsubordinateelementsfortheaccomplishmentofassignedmissions.Majorcommandsaregenerallyassignedspecificresponsibilitiesbasedonfunctions.

MAJCOMs

Air Force MAJCOMs are subdivided into numbered air forces, wings, groups, squadrons,flights,andotherspecializedunits.

AirForceMAJCOMsperformspecificdutiesthatareorganizedfunctionallywithintheUnitedStatesandbygeographicalareaoverseas.AirForcemajorcommandsaccomplishabroad,overallmission.TheAirForcehastenmajorcommands.

MAJCOMSarecommandedbyfour-stargeneralsandarelistedbelow:

• AirCombatCommand(ACC)

• AirEducationandTrainingCommand(AETC)

• AirForceMaterialCommand(AFMC)

• AirForceSpaceCommand(AFSPC)

• AirForceSpecialOperationsCommand(AFSOC)

• AirMobilityCommand(AMC)

• AirForceReserveCommand(AFRC)

• PacificAirForces(PACAF)

• UnitedStatesAirForcesinEurope(USAFE)

• GlobalStrikeCommand


Numbered Air Forces (NAF)

BelowtheAirForceMAJCOMs,wefindnumberedairforces.Atthislevelofcommand,wefindoperationalandwarfightingactivitiesbeingconducted.Infactnumberedairforcesarestructuredtostrictlyoperationalandwarfightingroles.TheoperationalfocusoftheNAFensuresreadinessofassignedforces;preparesforcesfordeploymentandemployment;plansforbeddownofforces;andexercisesoperationalcontrolofassignedforces.

Theyareusuallyoriented toa specificgeographical region.Theydonotmaintain supportfunctions. NAFs are commanded by three-stars. Often, the NAF commander can anticipateassignmentasAirForcecomponentcommanderorJointTaskForcecommanderforcontingencyoperations.

The net effect is that numbered air forces are dedicated to operational planning andemploymentofforces.

Wing

Thenextstepdownbringsustothewing.Awing’smissionistodevelopandmaintainthecapabilitytoconductwarfare,orsupportthatconduct.Itcontainsalltheelementswithinitsstaffstructureneededtoperformthemissionandoperatefromabase.Inotherwords,thewingistheonlyechelonofcommandthatiscapableofdeployingandsustainingitselfforanindefinitelengthoftime.Thewingcommanderisusuallyabrigadiergeneralwhoisresponsiblefortheentirewing.Underthewingcommander,thereisawingstaffandfourgroups(seefigurebelow).

This structure has helped eliminate a lot of waste in the Air Force and increased ourwarfightingcapability.TheAirForcehaseliminatedmanyof thegeneralofficerstaff jobsandput the generals back in the fieldcommandingtroops.Thisway,theywillbeabletodirectly impactourforcespositively.

The wing has four Groups.Groupsareflexibleunitsmadeupof fourormore squadrons. Thesegroups’ primary functionsmay beoperations, maintenance, missionsupport, or medical. Full colonelscommandthesegroups.

Underthesegroups,therecouldbeseveralSquadrons. Squadronsare the fundamental units in the

TYPICAL WING STRUCTURE


AirForce.TheSquadronisthelowestformalechelonofcommand,andit’sthebuildingblockfortheentireAirForce.TheSquadronisresponsibleforconductingtheday-to-daymissionfortheWing.Inaddition,theSquadronisthelowestechelonofcommandthatcandeployonitsown,butitdoesnothavethecapabilitytosustainitselfindefinitelylikeawing.Squadronsareusuallycommandedbyalieutenantcolonel,butnotalways.

ThefinallevelintheAirForceistheflight.Asquadroncommander’sspanofcontrolisgenerallylimited,andtheflightcommandershelpmaintainthesquadron’sefficiency.

Otherorganizations includedintheAirForcearedirectreportingunitsandfieldoperatingagencies.DirectreportingunitsaresubdivisionsoftheAirForcedirectlysubordinatetotheChiefofStaff.Fieldoperatingagencies,ontheotherhand,reporttoafunctionalmanagerbecauseofauniquemission,legalrequirements,orotherfactors.

Direct Reporting Units/Field Operating Agencies

SpecificunitsoftheAirForcedirectlysubordinatetotheChiefofStaffoftheAirForcearecalleddirect reportingunitsandarenotorganizedundermajor commands. TheUSAir ForceAcademyandthe11thWingareexamplesofdirectreportingunits.Theyarecreatedforuniquemissionsorlegalrequirements.TheAirForceAcademyforexampleprovidesbachelor’sdegreesandcommissionsthuswarrantingit’sdistinctionasaDRU.FieldoperatingagenciesreporttoafunctionalmanagerontheAirStaffduetouniquemissions,legalrequirements,orotherspecialfactors.Theirmissions support theAirForceMajorCommands,but theydonotwork for theMajorCommands.TheAirForceInspectionAgencyisagoodexample.TheyreportdirectlytotheSecretaryoftheAirForceInspectorGeneral.

Air and Space Expeditionary Force (AEF)

Whencalledtowar,weareanairandspaceexpeditionaryairandspaceforceconfiguredforthefullspectrumofairandspaceoperations.Thisshiftprovidesaunifyingstructurethatbringsallourpeopletogetherinsharedchallenges,sharedgoals,andsharedsuccesses.AirmenfromallacrosstheAirForcecontributetoourexpeditionarycapabilities—fromthosewhoprovidethedeterrentumbrellaunderwhichweoperate,tothosewhodeploy,tothosewhooperatethefixedfacilitiesonwhichwedependwhenwereachbackforsupport.

WehaveconstitutedtendeployableAirandSpaceExpeditionaryForces(AEFs),poolingfighters,bombers,tankers,andspecialsupportaircraftlikeAWACSandJSTARSfromtheMAJCOMS.TwoAEFsarealwaysdeployedoroncalltomeetcurrentnationalrequirements,whiletheremainingforcetrains,exercises,andpreparesforthefullspectrumofoperations.AEFsprovidejointforcecommanderswithreadyandcompleteairandspaceforcepackagesthatcanbetailoredtomeetthespectrumofcontingencies—ensuringsituationalawareness,freedomfromattack,freedomtomaneuver,andfreedomtoattack.Theyfitintoestablishedtheater-basedcommandandcontrolstructures,whensuchareavailable,orbringtheirowncommandandcontrolwhenneeded.


OperationALLIEDFORCEinKosovoprovedexpeditionaryoperationswork.Airmendeployedrapidlytomorethan20expeditionarybases.Inthefuture,we’llbeevenmoreresponsive.We’llbeabletodeployanAEF in48hours—fastenoughtocurbmanycrises—andwe’llbeabletorapidlydeployadditionalAEFstodeteramajortheaterwar.

You nowhave a good idea ofwhowe are and howwe are organized,wewill lookmorespecificallyatwhatwedo.


WhAt We Do

TheAirForceMission.“ToFly,Fight,andWininAir,Space,andCyberspace.”Tolearnmoreaboutwhatwedo,youmustreadthe”AirForceStory.”

Many Voices... One Message

Today, less than 4 percent of Americans have ever served even one day in the military, significantly less than ever before in the history of the United States Air Force. Therefore, our responsibility as Airmen to inform and educate citizens about who we are, what we do, and how we do it is more critical than ever. This document will assist you as you talk about your career and what it means to be an Airman.

We are Airmen first, and this is our story. Each page provides talking points to get you started as you build briefings, speeches, or just thoughts on how you would explain to a variety of audiences who you are as an Airman and what America’s Air Force does for our Nation.

We are responsible for telling the Air Force Story credibly and accurately. Our Air Force needs you to tell our story and this document is the right tool to get you started. Many voices... one message.

Erwin F. Lessel III Brigadier General,USAF Director of Communication


We are America’s Air Force

Airmenflyingandfightingtodefendournationanditsinterests.OurCoreValues—IntegrityFirst,ServiceBeforeSelf,andExcellenceinAllWeDoOurMission—“tofly,fight,andwininAir,SpaceandCyberspace”OurVision—“LastingHeritage…LimitlessHorizons”—aninterdependent,Joint,integratedtotalforceAirmenprovidethenationwithair,space,andcyberspacecapabilities–GlobalVigilance,GlobalReachandGlobalStrikeforAmerica.

A Proud Air Force Heritage

ItwasforgedbypioneeringAirmenthroughingenuity, innovation,courageandstrengthIn1909theWrightBrothersdeliveredAmerica’sfirstmilitaryaircraft,SignalCorpsNo.1,andonSeptember18,1947,theAirForcewasborn.The“GreatCaptains”likeBillyMitchell,HapArnold,Jimmy Doolittle,William Tunner, Curtis LeMay, Chappie James, and Bernie Schriever gave usourmission—toflyandfight.GreatenlistedleaderslikeChiefMasterSgt.PaulAireyandheroessuchasAirman1stClassJohnLevitowandAirman1stClassWilliamPitsenbargerhaveshapedaheritageofcourageandleadership.

The Air Force Dominates Air, Space and Cyberspace

Weconductcontinuousoperationsaroundtheglobe.WeareanAirForceandanationatwar—ina long,globalwarfightingterrorism.TheAirForcehasconductedcombatoperationscontinuouslyforthepast15yearseversinceDesertStorm.WeprovidethePresidentandthenationanarrayofoptionstodeteranddefendAmerica.ExpeditionaryAirmenaredeployedworldwide,taking thefight to theenemy, conductingboth conventional andasymmetricoperationswithJointandCoalitionpartners.AirandSpaceExpeditionaryForcesgivecombatantcommandershighlyflexible, tailorable,andresponsivecombatpower—readytogoanywhere,anytime.Wetrainaswefight—highlyeffective,realistic,jointandleveragingadvancedtechnology.

Our Air Force Future

Willbeforgedbyourvisionof“LastingHeritage…LimitlessHorizons”TheAirForcemustensureair,spaceandcyberspacedominanceastheyareadecisiveadvantageforanyengagementontheLand,intheAir,orontheSea.Ourprioritiesare:winningtheGlobalWaronTerror(GWOT);developingandcaringforourAirmen;andmaintaining,modernizingandrecapitalizingourairandspacesystems.

Air Force Transformation

To meet current and future joint warfighting requirements. We will provide the nationwith the air, space and cyberspace capabilities required or future operations. We will fundtransformationthroughkeyinvestmentsincapabilitieswithgreaterreliabilityandlethality.WewillcontinuetosustaintheGWOTandotherongoingoperationswithasmaller,morecapable


force.We will eliminate redundancies and streamline organizations to field a more capable,recapitalizedforce. WewillmeetJointmissionrequirementswithinbudgetwhilemaintaininganappropriatelevelofrisk.Wewillharnesstechnologytodevelopthefuturecapabilitiesthenation requires. Wewill balance investment in short,mid and long-term research to remainaheadofthecompetition.

People

Ourmostvaluableandvaluedresource–developingandcaringforAirmenisatoppriority.WeareanAirForcefamily—caringforfamiliesmakesAirmenmorecapableandsuccessful.EveryAirmanisawingman—thisisourwayoflifebasedonmutualsupport,teamwork,andrespect.Airmen are innovative and creative—we continually improve today’s warfighting capabilitieswhilepreparingforfuturewars.

Airmen embrace change—we capitalize on doctrinal, organizational, and technologicalimprovements to transformandmaintain thecompetitiveedge.Airmenarewarriors—wearediverse,skilled,knowledge-enabled,motivated,ethicalandaccountable.

We are America’s Airmen

The Most Capable and Respected Airmen in the World. We are volunteer warfighterscommittedtoserviceforournation.WeareaTotalForceofofficers,enlistedandcivilians;active,GuardandReserve.WefightasexpeditionaryAirmen—onthegroundandintheairaspartofJoint and Coalition teams.We are prepared for and participate in the Joint fight—anywhere,anytime.WefighttheGWOT24/7bothathomeandabroad—intheairandontheground.Weprovidethenationwithair, spaceandcyberspacepower.Weareknowledge-enabledandtechnology-focusedprofessionals.WesupportanddefendtheConstitutionoftheUnitedStatesandserveourcountry.WeareAmerica’sAirForce—weflyandfighttodefendournationanditsinterests.

Core Values

OurMoralCompassforFosteringProfessionalandPersonalBehaviorIntegrityFirst:Character,honor,ethics,honesty,responsibility,accountability,justice.ServiceBeforeSelf:Loyalty,sacrifice,respect, duty, self-discipline, tolerance. Excellence in AllWeDo: Teamwork, professionalism,courage,operationalexcellence. Thenationhasplaced itstrust inus—wearemeasuredbyahigher standard.Wepersonally adopt thesehigher standardswhenwe volunteer to serve asAirmen.OurAir ForceCoreValues driveour attitudes, our behavior andour actions.Wearemotivated,ethicalandaccountableAirForcewarriors.AmericatrustsitsAirmentodefendthenationinair,spaceandcyberspace.


Mission

To Fly, Fight, andWin in Air, Space and Cyberspace... We deliver decisive, powerful andasymmetric options across the commons to provide kinetic and non-kinetic effects for thePresidentandthenation.Wedevelop,sustainandsharpenourwarfightingedge.Weorganize,train,equipanddeployforcestooperateonlandandinair,spaceandcyberspace.Weprovidethemosthighlymotivated,trainedandrespectedAirmenintheworld.Weaccomplishourmissionwithsuperiorleadership,initiative,innovationandintegrity.

Vision

“TheUnitedStatesAirForcewillbeatrusted,reliablejointpartnerwithoursisterservicesknown for integrity in all of our activities, including supporting the joint mission first andforemost.Wewillprovidecompellingair,space,andcybercapabilitiesforusebyheCombatantCommanders. WewillexcelasstewardsofallAirForceresources inservice to theAmericanpeople,whileprovidingpreciseandreliableGlobalVigilance,ReachandPowerfortheNation.”

Air Force Capabilities

Responsive, Persistent, Precise and Effective Capabilities for America. Global Vigilance:PersistentC4ISRisthecapabilitytosee,thinkandactfirst.GlobalReach:GlobalMobilityprojectspeople and equipment anywhere and anytime. Global Strike: Rapid Strike delivers tailoredairpowerresponsesanywhereandanytime.DistinctiveCapabilities:Air,spaceandinformationsuperiority;globalattack;precisionengagement;rapidglobalmobility;andagilecombatsupport.

Domains

The Environments in whichWe Operate and Defend Our Nation’s Interests. Adversariescontest us across all domains… land, water, air, space and cyberspace. Air dominance is anabsoluteprerequisiteforanyengagement.AsAirmen,itisourcallingtodevelopandprovidethecapabilitytodominateinair,spaceandcyberspace.Wewillfly,fightandwinagainstourenemieswhocontesttheglobalcommons.

Our History

AProudHeritageForgedthroughtheIngenuity,Courage,andStrengthofPioneeringAirmen.In 1909, America’s first military aircraft, Signal Corps No. 1, was delivered to the Army andAmericanairpowertook itsfirststeptowardbecomingtheworld’spremierair force. In1918,visionary Billy Mitchell gathered a multi-national force of aircraft and conducted coalitionoperationsagainstGermany,demonstratingairpowerstrategiesstillinusetoday.BetweenWWIandWWII,airpowerleaderssuchasAndrewsandArnoldrecognizedthatleveragingtechnologywasvital,anddozensofaircraftdesigns,improvementsandmodificationsoccurred.In1929,the


150-hourflightoftheQuestionMarkdemonstratedairrefuelingtechnologythatforeshadowedtheglobalreachenjoyedbyAmericanairpowertoday.In1942,Doolittle’sRaiders,inaperfectprecursorofJointwarfare,launchedfromtheUSSHornetandstunnedtheworldbyattackingan“impervious”Tokyo.BytheendofWWII,theUSAAFwasfirmlyestablishedasamajorcomponentof America’s and the world’s defense of democracy. On September 18, 1947, through thedauntlesseffortsofmenlikeGen.HenryH.“Hap”Arnold,theUSAirForcewasborn.From1948–49,theBerlinAirliftdemonstratedAmerica’sresolveduringtheColdWar;forover50yearstheAirForcehasbeenonawartime footing—fighting inKoreaandVietnam, sittingnuclearalertaroundtheworld,conductingJointoperationsinDesertStorm,maintainingOperationsNorthernandSouthernWatch,andcontinuingcombatoperationsinNobleEagle,EnduringFreedomandIraqiFreedom.

Our Leadership

AHeritageofGreatLeadershipDefinesWhoandWhatWeAreasAirmen.The“GreatCaptains”likeBillyMitchell,HapArnold,JimmyDoolittle,WilliamTunner,Curtis LeMay, Chappie James and Bernie Schrievergaveusourmission—toflyandfightwheneverandwhereverournationcalls.GreatenlistedleaderslikeChiefMasterSgt.PaulAireyandgreatheroessuchasAirman1stClass JohnLevitowandAirman1stClassWilliamPitsenbargerhaveshapeda richheritageofoutstanding leadership, skills, courage, knowledgeandattitude.

Our Culture

AirForceHeritageServestoMakeUsWhatWeAreToday.Airmenhaveawarfightingheritage:FrancesS.GabreskisweptNaziGermany’sfightersfromthesky;RichardWrightparachutedbehindenemylinestoprovidepathfinderbeaconsforourbombers;HalvorsenflewaC-54overloadedwithcoalintonearzero-zeroconditionsatTemplehof;ChapmanprovidedmedicalsupportandprotectionforwoundedcomradesonRoberts’Ridge.Wewereexpeditionaryin1917,andnearly90yearslaterwestillare—ourmobilityforces,honoringtheexampleofBerlinandthe“Hump,”canmoveaparachutebrigadeatnightintoBashur,Iraqorestablishatankerairbridgetomoveentirefighterwings intoDesert Shield. Andrews,whobroughtus theB-17, taughtus tobetechnology-focused.Stealthchangedairwarfareforeverandprecision-bombingsystemsmakeusincrediblylethal.Wearetransformationalbecauseweareself-criticalandembracechange:InthedecadeafterVietnamwecompletelyrevampedourfighters,weaponsandtactics—tenyears laterweachievedstunningairsuperiorityprior to thestartofgroundcombat inDesertStorm.Ourmissionistofly,fightandwin:Firstitwasintheair,theninairandspace,andnowinair,spaceandcyberspace.Ourrecordissuperb:NoAmericaninfantryhasbeenlosttoenemyairinmorethan50years.


Sovereign Options for the Nation

WeAretheWorld’sPremierAir,SpaceandCyberspaceForce.TheAirForceprovidesanarrayofpowerfuloptionsforthePresident,CombatantCommandersandournationtodominateinair,spaceandcyberspace.AirForceoptionsarebuilttoovercomethetyrannyofdistance,theurgencyoftimeandthestrengthofourenemy’sdefenses.Withonehandwecandeliverhumanitarianassistance to the farthest reachesof theglobe,whilewith theotherwecandestroya targetanywhereintheworld.AEFspresentCombatantCommanderswithhighlyflexible,tailorableandresponsivecombatpower—thousandsaredeployednowandmorestandready.Weorganize,train,equipandsustainexpeditionaryforcestomeetrequirements.TenAEFsandenablerforcessupportandsustainglobalexpeditionaryoperations—in2000only22percentofAirmenwereposturedtodeploy;in2005,fully78percentwereavailable.AirForcecapabilitiesoperatinginplace at homeprovideoptions for thenation’sHomelandDefense and significant reachbackcapabilitiesfordeployedJointforces.

GWOT

Our#1OperationalFocus...WeareanAirForceandanationatwar—ina longglobalwarfighting terrorism. TheAir Force has conducted combat operations continuously sinceDesertStormin1991.ExpeditionaryAirmenaredeployedthroughouttheworld,engagedintheGWOT,takingthefighttotheenemy,andconductingbothconventionalandspecialoperationsintheairandontheground.

The Air Force also fights the GWOT in an AOR at Home—our Total Force effort supportsHomelandDefense,providesreachbackfordeployedoperationsandconductsstrategicmobility,spaceandmissileoperationsfromhome.Wecareforourwarriorsandtheirfamilies,bothhomeanddeployed,andprovideatransformationalaeromedicalevacuationsystemtosafelyreturnoursickandwounded.

Other Operations

Presence,Deterrence,andEngagementWorldwide...StrategicDeterrence:AirForcenuclearmissile and air forces are continuously at the ready. Humanitarian Operations: We providefirst-in,last-outsupportforhumanitariancrisesandnaturaldisasters.GlobalPresence:TheAirForceispresentandengagedaroundtheglobe—wearebasedin14countries,operateoutof36countries,conduct trainingandexerciseswithnumerous friendsandalliesworldwide,andsupportUSpresenceinover155countries.GlobalEngagement:Wecontinuallybuild,sustainandexpandrelationshipsthatarecriticalenablersforexpeditionaryairandspaceforcesconductingglobaloperations.


Readiness

The Key to Meet Combatant Commander Needs of Active, Guard, and Reserve Airmen.Physical Readiness:We train to be a fit, healthy force, prizing fitness as a key component tomission effectiveness. Technical Readiness:We continuously hone our combat edge throughqualitativeimprovements.Education:Weareahighlyeducatedandknowledge-enabledforce.TrainingandExercises:Wetrainaswefight—ourtrainingishighlyeffectivebecauseitisrealistic,conductedwithJointandCoalitionteams,andleveragesadvancedtechnology.

QualityofLife:Wesustainandmaintainthehealthandsafetyofourpeopleandtheirfamiliesthroughinstallationenvironmentandotherquality-of-lifeinitiatives.LessonsLearned:Wefullyandrapidlyintegratelessonsinordertosharpenouredgeandreduceriskforthewarfighter.

Priorities

WinningtheGWOT:Razor-sharpfocusonfightingandwinning.DevelopingandcaringforourAirmen:Maximizingeffectivenessoftheworld’sbestAirmen.Recapitalizingandmodernizingourairandspacesystems

Imperatives

Providereadyairandspaceforcestorespondtothefull rangeofwarfighterneeds,todayandtomorrow.TheAirForcemustbeproficient,abletosurge,andagile.TheAirForcemustbeposturedinacontinuouswarfightingmodetowintheGWOT.TheAirForcemustfightasanintegratedTotalForce,aJointforceandaCoalitionforce.TheAirForcemustwininair,spaceandcyberspace—anabsoluteprerequisiteforanyengagementontheland,intheairoronthesea.

Goals

Obtainknowledgeandassetsneededtoguaranteecommandoftheair,spaceandcyberspacecommons. Optimize organizations and practices for cross-Command, Joint, interagency andCoalitionoperations.Become recognizedasaworld-class innovator in technologyoperations,assetmanagement,andbusinesspractices.Keyproviderofinformation,network,andcyberspacecapabilitiesinpeacetimeandwartime.Ahigh-quality,balancedanddiverseforcethatchallenges,developsandvaluesitspeople.Recognizedasamodelforintegrity,serviceandexcellence.

Organizational Structure and Business Practices

Increase Efficiencies and Capabilities. Transform from 139 CombatWings in 1990 to 86CombatWingsby2012.Improveprocessesandorganizationalefficienciestoenhanceourabilityto employ air, space and cyberspace power in support of Combatant Commanders .Proceeddeliberately in achieving efficiencies and improving processes to continue our transformationtoamoreleanandmodernforce.Continueorganizationalstreamliningandgloballypositioning


WarfightingHeadquarterstoprovideseamlesstransitionfrompeacetimetowartimeoperationsandmaximizereach-backoperations.Fosterleanprocesses:QualitystandardsacrosstheTotalForce. Provide persistent situation awareness to effectively monitor and control resources.Implementlessonslearnedprocessestocontinuouslyseekandshareimprovements.

Airmen

ProvideanExpeditionary-minded,TechnologicallySophisticatedForce.Focused:Airmenwilltrain andexercise to think and act as expeditionary, Jointwarfighters. Skilled:Airmenwill bepreparedtooperateacrosstheculturalspectrum,withtechnologicalandlanguageskills,culturalawareness,andthedoctrinalunderstandingtostrategicallyengageinbothkineticandnon-kineticoperations.Flexible:Airmenwilloperateeffectivelyinair,spaceandcyberspacedomains.

Technology

Technological Capabilities CanProvide aRoadmap forWarfighterOperations. Science andtechnology:AirForceinnovationcreatescapabilityfortheJointwarfighter. Increasedrelianceonunmannedaircraft:Continuecultureofexperimentation.Leverage informationtechnology:Achievecyberspacedominance.

Transformation

DevelopingtheAirForcefortheTwenty-FirstCentury.Wewillfundtransformationthroughorganizational efficiencies, process efficiencies and retirement of (increasingly costly) legacyweaponsystems.Wewilltransformourforce,whilesustainingtheGWOTfightandotherongoingoperationsthatsupportAmerica’snationalinterests.WewillensuretheUnitedStatesdominatesinair,spaceandcyberspacetosupportCombatantCommanders,whileprovidingthePresidentand the nationwithmore sovereign options. Total Force Integration incorporates innovativeorganizationalconstructsandasmaller,morecapableforcestructurethat leverages increasedtalentacrosstheactive,GuardandReservecomponents.

Strategy for Achieving Our Vision

“TheUnitedStatesAirForcewillbeatrusted,reliablejointpartnerwithoursisterservicesknown for integrity in all of our activities, including supporting the joint mission first andforemost.Wewillprovidecompellingair,space,andcybercapabilitiesforusebyheCombatantCommanders. WewillexcelasstewardsofallAirForceresources inservice to theAmericanpeople,whileprovidingpreciseandreliableGlobalVigilance,ReachandPowerfortheNation.”


People

Expeditionary, Innovative and Knowledge-enabled. We will sustain emphasis on forcedevelopment,eliminatingredundanciesandstreamliningorganizationstofieldamorecapablemilitaryandcivilianforce.Wewillbalancestressedcareerfields—growsome,decreasesomeandaddnewskillsets.Wewillreshapetheforceandcontinuerecruitingandretentioneffortstoensurethehighestqualityforce.WewillidentifymanpowerreductionsanduseeverypersonnelauthoritymadeavailabletousbylawandeveryAirForceandDODpolicytoappropriatelyshapeourTotalForce.

Financial Transparency

ImplementOpen,TransparentBusinessPracticesandAchieveCleanAudit.Ourcorevaluesdemandthatweremaingoodstewardsoftheresourcesentrustedtous.Wewillcommittohigherlevelsofinnovationandexcellenceinourbusinessandmanagementprocesses.Wewilltransformbusinessandmanagementprocessestoimproveoperationalefficiencies,producerelevantdataondemand,achieveacleanaudit,andallowmoreeffectiveandtimelydecisions.Wewilldevelopprocessesthattakeadvantageofsharedinformation;makedecisionsbasedontimely,accurate,reliabledata;andcontinuouslyworktoconserveresourcesbyimprovingprocesses.

Acquisition

Accelerate Ability to Field Capabilities, Increase Transparency, and Achieve a Clean AuditSmaller,butmorecapableforcestructurewillenabletheAirForcetomeetJointrequirementswithin budget. Newer aircraft will provide greater capability and increased reliability andmaintainability (e.g.,C-17,C-130J,F-22A,KC-X,F-35,CSAR-X,UASs). It is imperativethatwemaintain the industrial capacity toproduce5thgenerationfighters (F-22AandF-35)with thestealth,speedandprecisionnecessarytodefeatfuturethreats.Workingwithourindustrypartners,wewillcontinuetoeliminatewasteandhusbandourresourcestomaximizerecapitalization.

Budget

Fund Total Force in Support of QDR and Air Force Transformation Plan Personnel: Risingpersonnel and benefit costs will be offset by smaller integrated Total Force. Operations:Fundedbyincreasedefficiencies,legacyretirements,andforceshaping.Infrastructure:BRACisunderwayandinvestmentsfocusonweaponsystemsbeddowns. Investment:TransformationisunderwayfocusedonJointfightand5thgenerationweapons.


Future Systems

LeverageNewTechnologiestoUpgradeandReplaceLegacySystems.TheAirForceaircraftfleetaverages23yearsold,isgrowingolderandmustberecapitalized.Today’sinventorywasacquiredinlargelots,predominantlyduringtheColdWar.Throughmodernizationefforts,muchof this inventorywill continue to serveuswell in the future. Other systemswill have tobereplacedastheybecomeunaffordabletomaintainandoperateorcannolongermeetCombatantCommanderrequirements.Wewillharvestallavailabletechnologyforbothmodernizationandrecapitalizationtoenablealeapaheadtransformationinourcapabilities.

Science and Technology

AirForceInnovationCreatesCapabilityfortheJointWarfighter.Wehaveasuccessfulhistoryofusingtechnologytowinournation’swars.Withquicklychangingtechnology,wemustrapidlyincorporatenewopportunitiesintoweaponsystems.Innovationiscriticaltosuccessindefeatingenemiesonthebattlefieldaswellasdefendingourhomeland.Weneedtomaintainabalancedandsufficientinvestmentinshort-,mid-andlong-termresearchtostayaheadofthecompetition.Wecloselylinktechnologiestowar-fightercapabilityneedsrequiredtoachievedesiredwarfightingeffects.Wekeepourscienceresearchrelevanttofuture-envisionedcapabilitiestoensureweleadthenexttechnologyrevolutioninwarfighting.

Space Systems Technology

EnsureAccesstoandFreedomofActioninSpaceWewillprovidecontinuous,reliableandeffectivespaceservicestothenation.Wewillcontinuetopursuenetwork-centricandintegratedISRcapabilitiesforthewarfighter.Wewillmaintainmissileearlywarningthroughnewsystemssuch as SpaceBased Infra-Reddevices. Wewill pursue Transformational Satellite technologyto provide unprecedented connectivity with an Internet-like network extending the GlobalInformation Grid to deployed and mobile users worldwide. We will pursue Space Radar tointegrate theater, civilian and national userswhile providing persistent, deep-look, day/night,worldwide,all-weathercapabilitiesformilitary,intelligenceandcivilapplications.

Recapitalization and Modernization

Critical toMaintaining Air and Space Dominance for the Nation. Global Strike: AcquireF-22A,F-35;networkandmodernizeF-16,F-15E,A-10andPredatorB;networkandmodernizeB-1B,B-2,B-52H;anddevelopLongRangeStrikeoptions(manned/unmanned). Global Reach:Upgradeavionics/reliabilityonC-5/C-130;completeC-17buy;partnerwithArmyonJointCargoAircraft;sustainKC-10/KC-135whileacquiringaKC-Xwithairrefuelingandairliftcapability.GlobalVigilance (InformationDominance):AcquirePredatorAandGlobalHawk; continueadditionalunmanned vehicle exploration;modernizeAWACS, Joint STARS andRivet Joint; and completedeployment of standardized Aircraft Operations Centers and Air Force Distributed CommonGroundSystems.


GlobalVigilance(Space):UpgradeandsecureGPS;developanddeploySBIR,TSAT,andSR;andensurecontinuedandtimelyaccesstospaceSpecialOperationsForces:NetworkandsustainC-130special-useaircraft.

Munitions

IncreasePrecisionandMinimizeCollateralDamage.ContinuedevelopmentandacquisitionofJointDirectAttackMunitions,Laser-GuidedBombsandtheSmallDiameterBomb.Addweaponsdatalinkstoensureday/night/all-weatherprecisiondestructionofmobiletargets. IncorporateUniversalArmamentInterfacetominimizecostsandmaximizeconfigurationoptions.Continueto secure capabilities to enhance interoperability of communication systems to ensure safeoperationsbetweenJointandCoalitionforces.

Total Force

700,000Active,Guard,Reserve,andCivilService(asofSeptember10)ActiveDuty:332,000(50percentofTotalForce) AirNationalGuard:106,000(15percentofTotalForce) AirForceReserve:76,000(11percentofTotalForce)CivilService:165,000(24percentofTotalForce)

People

OurMostValuable andValuedResource. Combat capability begins andendswith smart,healthy, motivated, trained and well-equipped Airmen. Air Force warriors are knowledge-enabled,motivated,ethicalandaccountable.

OurenlistedforceisthebackboneoftheAirForce—theenvyofairforcesaroundtheworld.Juniorofficersaretheworkhorsesoftheofficercorps—unmatchedinskillandeducation.Seniorofficerslead,guide,commandandsettheexampleforallAirmen.Ourcivilianworkforceprovidescontinuity,experienceandstabilityforourknowledgebase.WeareanAirForcefamily—valuingandcaringforourfamiliesmakesAirmenmorecapableandsuccessful.AirForceleadersarefocusedonensuringqualityof life—world-classprograms,facilitiesandmorale-enhancingactivitiesforworld-classAirmen. We are proudof our reputation for providing appropriate quality of lifelevelstoourAirmen.Weareadiverseforce—skilled,knowledge-enabled,motivated,ethicalandaccountable.Wevalueadiverseworkforce—respectforallensureseveryAirmancancontribute.Wevalueracialandgenderintegrationandaffordequalopportunityforall.

Importance of Service

PuttingtheNation,OurMissionandEachOtherbeforeSelf.Werespondtothecalltoduty—wearevolunteers servingagreatergood. We fostera cultureof serviceandexcellence thatvaluesinnovationandentrepreneurship.WesacrificeandfighttoprotectourfellowAirmenandourcountry.EveryAirmanisawingmanprovidingmutualsupport,teamworkandrespect.


Our Culture

Air ForceHeritage Serves toMakeUsWhatWeAre Today.We are technology focused—technologyprovidesuswithqualitativeadvantages.Wevaluequalityoverquantity—evenaswegrowsmaller,wegrowmorecapable.

We are transformational and embrace change—we capitalize on doctrinal, organizational,and technological improvements to transform and maintain the competitive edge. We areinnovative—our experimentation and constant improvement drive change. We are future-focused—wearenotboundbyhistorybutbuildonittotransform.Wearerisk-takerswhoacceptandembracemeasuredandappropriatelevelsofrisk.Wearecommittedtobegoodstewardsoftheenvironmentandallresources,aswellascontinuouslyimproveoperationalandsupportprocessestoeliminatewaste.

Programs

EnablingandOrganizingOurPeopleforSuccess.ForceRestructuring:PosturestheAirForceas amore streamlined, capable force. Force Development: Fosters the skills and knowledgenecessaryformissionsuccess.RecruitingandRetention:Ensuresacapableteamnowandintothefuture.Training,Education,andDoctrine:TakesusfrommotivatedcivilianstocapableAirmen.NationalSecurityPersonnelSystem(NSPS):Buildsonanewperformancemanagementsystemthatvaluesperformance,rewardscontribution,andpromotesexcellence.

Knowingwhatliesaheadisasurewaytonegatethefearofuncertainty,andthoughnoonecanpredictthefuture,theAirForcehasaclearvisionofwhatitmustdotomorrow.

Basically, it’s the samemission it has had formore than 50 years. A simple premise nowroutinefortheworld’sgreatest-everairandspaceforce.

But,today’sfoesareunpredictable,willingtotakedesperatemeasurestoimposetheirwill.FortheAirForcetomaintaintheedgeagainstsuchadversariesisademandingduty.Atasknoonemanorwomancandoalone.

It takesa total force tokeep theAir Forceflying—andfighting.ThisgroupofprofessionalservesinallAirForcemajorcommandsandorganizations.Theyensurethenationhastheworld’smostmodernAirForce—withthebestpeople,aircraftandspacecraft,equipment,andweapons.Ateamthatworkswiththelatestinformationandcuttingedgetechnologies.Aforcethatcan,atamoments’snotice,dothejobittrainstodoeachday.

Wehavelookedat“Whoweare”and“Whatwedo”.Laterduringtheclassroomlesson,wewilldiscover“How”wedoit.


Bibliography:1. AFDD1,Air Force Basic Doctrine,November2003.2. AFI38-101,Air Force Organization,16March2011.

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