United States Air Force 32090 225981801 2008-07-16T09:09:16Z Ryudo 2277367 fixing a typo {{Refimprove|date=May 2008}} {{redirect|USAF}} {{Redirect|The U.S. Air Force|the song|The U.S. Air Force (song)}} {{USAF}} The '''United States Air Force''' ('''USAF''') is the [[aerial warfare]] branch of the [[Military of the United States|armed forces]] and one of the seven [[uniformed services of the United States]]. Initially born as the [[United States Army Air Corps]], the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on [[September 18]], [[1947]].<ref>80 P.L. 235, 61 Stat. 495 (1947); Air Force Link, (2006)''[http://www.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2 Factsheets: The U.S. Air Force]''. Retrieved April 7, 2006.</ref> It was the last branch of the U.S. military to be formed. The USAF is the largest, most technologically advanced [[air force]] in the world, with about over 7,500 manned aircraft in service (4,093 USAF; 1,289 [[Air National Guard]]; and 396 [[Air Force Reserve]]);<ref>"2008 Air Force Almanac", ''AIR FORCE Magazine'', May 2008, p.61.</ref> approximately 156 [[Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle]]s, 2130 [[Cruise missile|Air-Launched Cruise Missile]]s,<ref>"Gallery of USAF Weapons, 2008 Air Force Almanac", ''AIR FORCE Magazine'', May 2008, p.155. USAF plans to retire all 460 AGM-129 in 2008, and all but 528 ALCM by 2012.</ref> and 450 [[Intercontinental Ballistic Missile]]s; and as of [[30 September]] [[2007]], had 328,600 personnel on [[active duty]], 117,497 in the [[Air Force Reserve Command|Selected and Individual Ready Reserves]], and 106,700 in the [[Air National Guard]]. In addition, the Air Force employs 168,900 civilian personnel including indirect hire of foreign nationals.<ref>"2008 Air Force Almanac", ''AIR FORCE Magazine'', May 2008, p.48. The foreign hire figure is 6,617 persons.</ref> In 2007, the USAF implemented a large Reduction-in-Force (RIF). Because of budget constraints, the USAF will reduce the service's current size from 333,000 active duty personnel, to 316,000, which will be the smallest since the [[attack on Pearl Harbor]], according to former [[Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force|Air Force Chief of Staff]] General [[T. Michael Moseley|Michael Moseley]].<ref>Interview, ''Air Internationals'' ? vol.74 ?.</ref> The current size of the active-duty force is roughly 70% of that of the USAF at the end of the first [[Gulf War]] in 1991.<ref name="downsize"> {{cite web | last = | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | year = | url = http://www.afa.org/magazine/may2006/0506structure.pdf| title = 2006 USAF Almanac: USAF Personnel Strength| format = | work = | publisher = ''AIR FORCE Magazine''| accessdate = 20 Jan | accessyear = 2007}} 1991 510,000; 2006 352,000</ref> Not all of the United States' military [[combat]] aircraft are operated by the USAF. The [[United States Army|Army]] operates its own [[helicopter]]s, mostly for support of ground combatants; it as well maintains a small fleet of fixed wing aircraft (mostly [[Unmanned Aerial Vehicles]]). The [[United States Navy|Navy]] is responsible for a multitude of aircraft, including integrated air wing combat aircraft operating aboard its 11 [[aircraft carrier]]s and also many maritime patrol and transport aircraft stationed at multiple [[Naval air station]]s around the world. The [[United States Marine Corps|Marine Corps]] operates its own combat and transport aircraft in support of its ground mission and often in conjunction with Naval Aviation. The [[United States Coast Guard|Coast Guard]] also maintains transport and search-and-rescue aircraft (SARA), which may be used in a combat and law enforcement role. All branches of the U.S. military operate helicopters. The Department of the Air Force is headed by the civilian [[United States Secretary of the Air Force|Secretary of the Air Force]] who heads administrative affairs. The Department of the Air Force is a division of the [[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]], headed by the [[United States Secretary of Defense|Secretary of Defense]]. The highest ranking military officer in the Department of the Air Force is the [[Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force|Chief of Staff of the Air Force]]. On [[5 June]] [[2008]], in a move called "unprecedented" by one Air Force-related journal, [[Secretary of Defense]] [[Robert M. Gates]], accepted the resignations of both the [[Secretary of the Air Force]], [[Michael W. Wynne]], and the [[Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force]], Gen. [[T. Michael Moseley]], in effect firing both men for "systemic issues associated with declining Air Force nuclear mission focus and performance". The forced resignations followed an investigation ordered by Gates into two embarrassing incidents involving [[nuclear weapons]], and were also the culmination of a long-running series of disputes between the Air Force leadership and Gates.<ref>"Washington watch", ''AIR FORCE Magazine'', July 2008, Vol. 91 No. 7, pp.8-8.</ref> ==Mission== 1. According to the [[National Security Act of 1947]] (61 Stat. 502) which created the Air Force: <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> 2. §8062 of Title 10 US Code ([http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode10/usc_sec_10_00008062----000-.html 10 USC 8062]) defines the purpose of the Air Force as: *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. 3. The stated mission of the USAF today is to "deliver sovereign options for the defense of the United States of America and its global interests &mdash; to fly and fight in Air, Space, and Cyberspace".<ref>Air Force Link, (2005). ''[http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123013440 Air Force releases new mission statement]''. Retrieved December 8, 2005.</ref> ===Search and rescue=== The National Search and Rescue Plan designates the [[United States Coast Guard]] as the federal agency responsible for ''maritime'' search-and-rescue (SAR) operations, and the United States Air Force Auxiliary [[Civil Air Patrol]] responsible for ''inland'' SAR.<ref>[http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-o/g-opr/nsarc/NSARC%20-%20Natl%20SAR%20Plan%20(2007%20-%20Final).pdf National Search and Rescue Plan (USA) 2007]</ref> Both agencies maintain [[United States Air Force Rescue Coordination Center|rescue coordination center]]s to coordinate this effort.[http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-o/g-opr/nsarc/nsarc.htm] ==History== {{main|History of the United States Air Force}} [[Image:Usaroundelevo.gif|left|thumb|Roundels which have appeared on US aircraft<br />'''1.''' 5/17-2/18 '''2.''' 2/18-8/19 '''3.''' 8/19-5/42<br /> '''4.''' 5/42-6/43 '''5.''' 6/43-9/43 '''6.''' 9/43-1/47<br /> '''7.''' 1/47-]] The United States Air Force became a separate military service on [[September 18]] [[1947]], with the implementation of the [[National Security Act of 1947]].<ref>U.S. Intelligence Community (October 2004). ''[http://www.intelligence.gov/0-natsecact_1947.shtml National Security Act of 1947]''. Retrieved [[April 14]] [[2006]].</ref> The Act created the [[United States Department of Defense]], which was composed of three branches, the Army, Navy and a newly-created Air Force.<ref>U.S. Department of State(2006). ''[http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ho/time/cwr/17603.htm National Security Act of 1947]''. Retrieved [[April 14]] [[2006]].</ref> Prior to 1947, the responsibility for military aviation was divided between the Army (for land-based operations) and the Navy, for sea-based operations from [[aircraft carrier]] and [[amphibious warfare|amphibious]] aircraft. The Army created the first antecedent of the Air Force in 1907, which through a succession of changes of organization, titles, and missions advanced toward eventual separation 40 years later. The predecessor organizations of today's U.S. Air Force are: *[[Aeronautical Division, U.S. Signal Corps]] ([[August 1]] [[1907]] to [[July 18]] [[1914]]) *[[Aviation Section, U.S. Signal Corps]] ([[July 18]] [[1914]] to [[May 20]] [[1918]]) *[[Division of Military Aeronautics]] ([[May 20]] [[1918]] to [[May 24]] [[1918]]) *[[U.S. Army Air Service]] ([[May 24]] [[1918]] to [[July 2]] [[1926]]) *[[U.S. Army Air Corps]] ([[July 2]] [[1926]] to [[June 20]] [[1941]]) and *[[U.S. Army Air Forces]] ([[June 20]] [[1941]] to [[September 17]] [[1947]]) ===Wars=== [[Image:Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird.jpg|thumb|The [[SR-71 Blackbird]] was a [[Cold war]] spyplane.]] [[Image:F-117 Nighthawk Front.jpg|thumb|[[F-117 Nighthawk]]]] The United States Air Force has been involved in many wars, conflicts, and operations since, and before, its conception; these include: * [[World War I]]<ref> Air Force Pamphlet 36-2241 (1 July 2007). ''[http://www.e-publishing.af.mil/pubfiles/af/36/afpam36-2241/afpam36-2241.pdf].''</ref> [[Aviation Section, U.S. Signal Corps]] * [[World War II]]<ref> Air Force Pamphlet 36-2241 (1 July 2007). ''[http://www.e-publishing.af.mil/pubfiles/af/36/afpam36-2241/afpam36-2241.pdf].''</ref> [[United States Army Air Forces]] * [[The Cold War]] * [[Korean War|The Korean War]] * [[The Vietnam War]] * [[Operation Eagle Claw]] * [[Operation Urgent Fury]] * [[Operation Eldorado Canyon]] * [[United States invasion of Panama|The United States invasion of Panama]] * [[The Gulf War]] * [[Operation Northern Watch]] * [[Operation Southern Watch]] * [[Kosovo War|The Kosovo War]] * [[Operation Enduring Freedom]] * [[Operation Iraqi Freedom]] ===Humanitarian operations=== The U.S. Air Force has 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]] *[[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 *[[Operation Provide Comfort]], 1991 *[[Operation Sea Angel]], 1991 *[[Operation Provide Hope]], 1992-1993 *[[Operation Unified Assistance]], [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake|December 2004 - April 2005]] ==Administrative organization== {{main|Organizational structure and hierarchy of the United States Air Force}} The Air Force is one of three [[service departments]], and is managed by the (civilian) [[United States Department of the Air Force|Department of the Air Force]]. Guidance is provided by the [[United States Secretary of the Air Force|Secretary of the Air Force]](SECAF) and the Secretary's staff and advisors. The military leadership is the [[Air Staff (United States)|Air Staff]], led by the [[Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force|Chief of Staff]]. USAF direct subordinate commands and units are the [[List of United States Air Force Field Operating Agencies|Field Operating Agency]] (FOA), [[Direct Reporting Unit]] (DRU), and the currently unused Separate Operating Agency. 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 nine major commands, and a tenth, [[Air Force Cyber Command]], in process. 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)'', [[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. ===Force structure=== [[Image:Seal of the US Air Force.svg|20px]] '''Headquarters, [[United States Air Force]]''', [[The Pentagon]], [[Arlington County, Virginia|Arlington]], [[Virginia]] * [[Image:Air Combat Command.png|20px]] '''[[Air Combat Command]] (ACC)''', headquartered at [[Langley Air Force Base]], [[Virginia]] ** [[Image:1st Air Force.png|20px]] '''[[First Air Force]]''', headquartered at [[Tyndall Air Force Base]], [[Florida]] ** [[Image:8th Air Force.png|20px]] '''[[Eighth Air Force]]''', headquartered at [[Barksdale Air Force Base]], [[Louisiana]] ** [[Image:9th Air Force.png|20px]] '''[[Ninth Air Force]]''', headquartered at [[Shaw Air Force Base]], [[South Carolina]] ** [[Image:SOUTHAF.jpg|20px]] '''[[Twelfth Air Force]]''', headquartered at [[Davis-Monthan Air Force Base]], [[Arizona]] * [[Image:Air Education and Training Command.png|20px]] '''[[Air Education and Training Command]] (AETC)''', headquartered at [[Randolph Air Force Base]], [[Texas]] ** [[Image:2d Air Force.png|20px]] '''[[Second Air Force]]''', headquartered at [[Keesler Air Force Base]], [[Mississippi]] ** [[Image:19th Air Force.png|20px]] '''[[Nineteenth Air Force]]''', headquartered at [[Randolph Air Force Base]], [[Texas]] * [[Image:Air Force Cyber Command (Provisional).png|20px]] '''[[Air Force Cyber Command (Provisional)]] (AFCYBER)''', interim location at [[Barksdale Air Force Base]], [[Louisiana]] ** [[Image:Air Force Communications Agency.png|20px]]'''[[Twenty Fourth Air Force]]''' * [[Image:Air Force Materiel Command.png|20px]] '''[[Air Force Materiel Command]] (AFMC)''', headquartered at [[Wright-Patterson Air Force Base]], [[Ohio]] * [[Image:Air Force Reserve Command.png|20px]] '''[[Air Force Reserve Command]] (AFRC)''', headquartered at [[Robins Air Force Base]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]] ** [[Image:4th Air Force.png|20px]] '''[[Fourth Air Force]]''', headquartered at [[March Air Reserve Base]], [[California]] ** [[Image:10th Air Force.png|20px]] '''[[Tenth Air Force]]''', headquartered at [[Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth]], [[Texas]] ** [[Image:22d Air Force.png|20px]] '''[[Twenty-Second Air Force]]''', headquartered at [[Dobbins Air Reserve Base]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]] * [[Image:Air Force Space Command.png|20px]] '''[[Air Force Space Command]] (AFSPC)''', headquartered at [[Peterson Air Force Base]], [[Colorado]] ** [[Image:14th Air Force emblem.png|20px]] '''[[Fourteenth Air Force]]''', headquartered at [[Vandenberg Air Force Base]], [[California]] ** [[Image:20th Air Force.png|20px]] '''[[Twentieth Air Force]]''', headquartered at [[F. E. Warren Air Force Base]], [[Wyoming]] * [[Image:AFSOC.JPG|20px]] '''[[Air Force Special Operations Command]] (AFSOC)''', headquartered at [[Hurlburt Field]], [[Florida]] ** [[Image:Twenty-Third Air Force.png|20px]] '''[[Twenty-Third Air Force]]''', headquartered at [[Hurlburt Field]], [[Florida]] * [[Image:Air Mobility Command.png|20px]] '''[[Air Mobility Command]] (AMC)''', headquartered at [[Scott Air Force Base]], [[Illinois]] ** [[Image:18th Air Force.png|20px]] '''[[Eighteenth Air Force]]''', headquartered at [[Scott Air Force Base]], [[Illinois]] * [[Image:United States Air Forces in Europe.png|20px]] '''[[United States Air Forces in Europe]] (USAFE)''', headquartered at [[Ramstein Air Base]], [[Germany]] ** [[Image:3d Air Force.png|20px]] '''[[Third Air Force]]''', headquartered at [[Ramstein Air Base]], [[Germany]] ** [[Image:17th Air Force.png|20px]] '''[[Seventeenth Air Force]]''', headquartered at [[Sembach Annex]], [[Germany]] * [[Image:Pacific Air Forces.png|20px]] '''[[United States Pacific Air Forces|Pacific Air Forces]] (PACAF)''', headquartered at [[Hickam Air Force Base]], [[Hawaii]] ** [[Image:5th Air Force.png|20px]] '''[[Fifth Air Force]]''', headquartered at [[Yokota Air Base]], [[Japan]] ** [[Image:7th Air Force.png|20px]] '''[[Seventh Air Force]]''', headquartered at [[Osan Air Base]], [[Republic of Korea]] ** [[Image:11th Air Force.png|20px]] '''[[Eleventh Air Force]]''', headquartered at [[Elmendorf Air Force Base]], [[Alaska]] ** [[Image:13th Air Force.png|20px]] '''[[Thirteenth Air Force]]''', headquartered at [[Hickam Air Force Base]], [[Hawaii]] The permanent establishment of the USAF, as of 30 September 2006,<ref name="estab"> {{cite web | last = | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | year = | url = http://www.afa.org/magazine/may2007/0507majcoms.pdf| title = 2007 USAF Almanac: Major Commands| format = | work = | publisher = ''AIR FORCE Magazine''| accessdate = 9 Feb| accessyear = 2008}}</ref> consisted of: *Active duty forces: **57 flying wings, 8 space wings, and 55 non-flying wings **9 flying groups, 8 non-flying groups ***134 flying squadrons, 43 space squadrons *Air Force Reserve **35 flying wings, 1 space wing **4 flying groups ***67 flying squadrons, 6 space squadrons *Air National Guard **87 flying wings ***101 flying squadrons, 4 space squadrons The United States Air Force and its Air Reserve Components field a total of 302 flying squadrons.<ref name="orgsize"> {{cite web | last = | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | year = | url = http://www.afa.org/magazine/may2007/0507structure.pdf| title = 2007 USAF Almanac: USAF Squadrons By Mission Type| format = | work = | publisher = ''AIR FORCE Magazine''| accessdate = 9 Feb| accessyear = 2008}}</ref> ==Operational organization== <!--[[Image:AF-Logo.svg|thumb|right|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]]--> The above organizational structure is responsible for the peacetime Organization, Equipping, and Training of aerospace units for operational missions. When required to support operational missions, the [[National Command Authority]] directs a Change in Operational Control (CHOP) of these units from their peacetime alignment to a [[Unified Combatant Command|Regional]] [[Combatant commander|Combatant Commander]] (CCDR). 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. ===Aerospace Expeditionary Task Force=== CHOPPED units are referred to as "forces". The top-level structure of these forces is the [[Air and Space 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 aerospace 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 COCOM'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 most strategic air assets 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 Air Force 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. This center is responsible for planning and executing air power missions in support of JFC objectives. ===Air Expeditionary Wings/Groups/Squadrons=== The AETF generates air power to support COCOM 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. ==Vocations== {{Unreferencedsection|date=May 2008}} The vast majority of Air Force members remain on the ground. There are hundreds of support positions which are necessary to the success of a mission. The classification of an Air Force job is the [[Air Force Specialty Code]] (AFSC). They range from flight combat operations such as a gunner, to working in a dining facility to ensure that members are properly fed. There are many different jobs in fields such as computer specialties, mechanic specialties, [[Aircrew Badge#Air Force|enlisted aircrew]], medical specialties, civil engineering, public affairs, hospitality, law, drug counseling, mail operations, [[Air Force Security Forces|security forces]], and search and rescue specialties. Perhaps the most dangerous Air Force jobs are [[Explosive Ordnance Disposal]], [[Pararescue]], [[Air Force Special Tactics#Combat Control|Combat Control]], [[Air Force Special Operations Weather Technician|Combat Weather]] and [[Tactical Air Control Party]], who deploy with [[infantry]] and [[special operations]] units who disarm bombs, rescue downed or isolated personnel, call in [[air strike]]s and set up landing zones in forward locations. Most of these are [[enlisted]] positions. Other jobs have seen increasing combat, and have been billed "Battlefield Airmen". These include EOD, Vehicle operators, and OSI. Nearly all enlisted jobs are "entry level," meaning that the Air Force provides all training. Some enlistees are able to choose a particular job, or at least a field before actually joining, while others are assigned an AFSC at Basic Training. After Basic Military Training, new Air Force members 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 technical training. Training programs vary in length; for example, 3M0X1 (Services) has 31 days of tech school training, while 3E8X1 (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) is 1 year of training with a preliminary school and a main school consisting of over 10 separate divisions; sometimes taking students close to 2 years to complete. Some AFSC's have even shorter or longer training. ==Aircraft== {{main|List of active United States military aircraft}} [[Image:B-2 Spirit original.jpg|thumb|[[B-2 Spirit]]]] [[Image:Two F-22A Raptor in column flight - (Noise reduced).jpg|thumb|[[F-22 Raptor]]s]] [[Image:CV-22 Formation.jpeg|thumb|[[CV-22 Osprey]]s]] [[Image:C17virginia.jpg|thumb|[[C-17 Globemaster III]]]] The United States Air Force has over 7,500 aircraft commissioned as of 2004. 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/Air Force method. For more complete information on the workings of this system, refer to [[United States Department of Defense Aerospace Vehicle Designations]]. Current aircraft of the USAF<ref>[http://www.milaviapress.com/orbat/unitedstatesairforce/index.php US Air Force aviation OrBat - including numbers of aircraft in active service]</ref>: ===Attack (air to ground)=== * [[A-10 Thunderbolt II|O/A-10A/C Thunderbolt II]] * [[AC-130|AC-130H/U Spectre/Spooky II]] ===Bomber=== * [[B-1 Lancer|B-1B Lancer]] * [[B-2 Spirit|B-2A Spirit]] * [[B-52 Stratofortress|B-52H Stratofortress]] ===Transport, Special Operations=== * [[Antonov An-26|An-26 Curl]]<!--flown by the 6th SOS at Hurlburt Field--> * [[C-5 Galaxy|C-5A/B/C/M Galaxy]] * [[C-12 Huron|C-12C/D/F Huron]] * [[C-17 Globemaster III|C-17A Globemaster III]] * [[Gulfstream III|C-20A/B/C Gulfstream III]] * [[Gulfstream IV|C-20G/H Gulfstream IV]] * [[Learjet 35A|C-21A Learjet]] * [[Boeing C-22|C-22B]] * [[Boeing VC-25|VC-25A]] (Air Force One) * [[C-26 Metroliner|C-26B Metroliner]] * [[British Aerospace BAe 125|C-29A]] * [[Boeing C-32|C-32A]] * [[Gulfstream V|C-37A]]/[[Gulfstream G550|B]] * [[Gulfstream G100|C-38 Courier]] * [[C-40 Clipper|C-40B Clipper]] * [[CASA C.212 Aviocar|C-41A Aviocar]] * [[C-130 Hercules|C-130E/H/J Hercules]] * [[C-130 Hercules|HC-130H/N]] * [[Lockheed LC-130|LC-130H]] * [[Lockheed MC-130|MC-130E/H/W Combat Talon/Combat Spear]] * [[Lockheed WC-130|WC-130J]] * [[C-135 Stratolifter|C-135C/E/K Stratolifter]] * [[Boeing NC-135|NC-135B/E/W]] * [[CASA CN-235|CN-235-100]]<ref>http://www.airliners.net/open.file/775218/L/</ref> * [[Bombardier Dash 8|E-9A]] * [[V-22 Osprey|CV-22B Osprey]] * [[C-137 Stratoliner|TC-18E]] * [[C-137 Stratoliner|TC-135S/W]] * [[WC-135 Constant Phoenix|WC-135C/W]] ===AWACS, Electronic Warfare=== * [[E-3 Sentry|E-3B/C Sentry]] * [[Boeing E-4B|E-4B]] * [[E-8 Joint STARS|E-8C JSTARS]] ===Fighter=== * [[F-15 Eagle|F-15A/B/C/D Eagle]] * [[F-15E Strike Eagle]] * [[F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16C/D Fighting Falcon]] * [[F-22 Raptor|F-22A Raptor]] * [[F-35 Lightning II]] ===Helicopter=== * [[MH-53|MH-53J/M Pave Low III/IV]] * [[HH-60|HH-60G Pave Hawk]] * [[UH-1N Twin Huey|UH-1N Iroquois]] ===Tanker=== * [[KC-10 Extender|KC-10A Extender]] * [[KC-135 Stratotanker|KC-135E/R/T Stratotanker]] ===Reconnaissance=== * [[OC-135B Open Skies|OC-135B]] * [[RQ-1 Predator|M/RQ-1A/B Predator]] * [[RQ-4 Global Hawk|RQ-4A Global Hawk]] * [[MQ-9 Reaper]] * [[Boeing RC-135|RC-135S/U/V/W]] * [[Lockheed U-2|U-2R/S "Dragon Lady"]] ===Trainer=== * [[North American Sabreliner|NT-39A/B Sabreliner]] * [[T-1A Jayhawk]] * [[T-6 Texan II]] * [[T-38 Talon|(A)T-38A/B/C Talon]] * [[Boeing T-43]] * [[TG-3A]] * [[TG-4|TG-4A]] * [[TG-7A]] * [[TG-9A]] * [[TG-10|TG-10B/C/D]] * [[TG-11A]] * [[TG-15A]]/[[TG-15A|TG-15B]] * [[Fairchild Swearingen Metroliner|UC-26C]] * [[de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter|UV-18A/B Twin Otter]] * [[Pilatus PC-6|UV-20A Chiricua]] * [[Pilatus PC-12|U-28A]] * [[F-5 Freedom Fighter]] ==Training== All enlisted Airmen must undergo basic military training (BMT), which takes place at [[Lackland AFB, Texas]]. ===Air Force Fitness Test=== {{main|United States Air Force Fitness Test}} The US Air Force Fitness Test (AFFT) is designed to test the body composition, muscular strength/endurance and cardiovascular respiratory fitness of airmen in the United States Air Force. As part of the Fit to Fight program, the Air Force adopted a more stringent physical fitness assessment; the new fitness program was established on January 1, 2004, and replaces the annual ergo-cycle test that the Air Force had used for several years. In the AFFT, Airmen are given a score based on performance consisting of four components: waist circumference, the crunch, the push-up, and a {{convert|1.5|mi|km|sing=on}} run. Airmen can potentially earn a score of 100; a passing score is anything over 75 points. ==Culture== ===Uniforms=== {{main|United States Air Force uniform}} United States Air Force personnel wear uniforms which are distinct from those of the other branches of the United States Armed Forces. The current uniform is an olive drab/black/brown and tan combination called the [[Battle Dress Uniform]] (BDU). Members deployed to an AOR wear a variation of the BDU, tan and brown in color, called the Desert Camouflage Uniform (DCU). A new uniform called the [[Airman Battle Uniform]] (ABU) is scheduled to completely replace the BDU and DCU by November 2011. The ABU is currently readily available at most Base Exchanges or Military Clothing Stores. ===Awards and badges=== In addition to basic uniform clothing, [[Badges of the United States Air Force|various badges]] are used by the USAF to indicate a job 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. ===Grade Structure and Insignias=== {{seealso|United States Air Force officer rank insignia}} {{seealso|United States Air Force enlisted rank insignia}} The standard USAF uniform is also decorated with an insignia to designate rank. USAF rank is divided between [[Enlisted rank|enlisted]] airmen, non-commissioned officers, and commissioned officers, and ranges from "airman basic" to the commissioned rank of [[general]]. Promotions are granted based on a combination of test scores, years of experience, and selection board approval. Promotions among enlisted men and non-commissioned officers rankings are generally designated by increasing numbers of insignia chevrons. Commissioned officer rank is designated by bars, oak leaves, a silver eagle, and anywhere from one to five (only in war-time) stars. ''For cadet rank at the U.S. Air Force Academy, see [[United States Air Force Academy Cadet Insignia]].'' ===Slogans & Creeds=== The United States Air Force has had numerous recruiting slogans to include "Nothing Comes Close" and ''[[Uno Ab Alto]]''. For many years, the U.S. Air Force used "Aim High" as its recruiting motto; more recently, they have used "Cross Into the Blue", "We've been waiting for you" and "Do Something Amazing",<ref>[http://www.dosomethingamazing.com/ "Do Something Amazing" web site] </ref> and the newest one, "Above All".<ref>[http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2008/02/airforce_aboveall_080219w/ "Air Force rolls out new advertising campaign"], Airforcetimes.com, [[March 2]], [[2008]].</ref> Each wing, group, or squadron usually has its own motto(s). Information and logos can usually be found on the wing, group, or squadron websites.<ref>[http://www.military-quotes.com/mottos/US-Air-Force.htm US Air Force Mottos]. Military-quotes.com, Retrieved 4 June 2006.</ref> [[Airman's Creed|The Airman's Creed]] is a statement introduced in the spring of 2007 to summarize the culture of the Air Force. '''Air Force Core Values: '''Integrity First, Service Before Self, Excellence In All We Do To help further knowledge of their mission and functions, the Air Force has also produced videos, such as "Setting the Conditions for Victory" and "How We Fight",<ref>[http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123070350 "'Setting the Conditions for Victory' video premieres online"], USAF, [[3 October]] [[2007]]</ref> to outline the Air Force role in the war on terrorism and how the service succeeds in its domains of air, space and cyberspace. The Above All campaign continues to support the message of "air, space and cyberspace" dominance. ==See also== {{wikisource-author}} {{portalpar|Military of the United States|Flag of the United States.svg|65}} {{portal|United States Air Force|Seal of the US Air Force.svg}} * [[Air Force Aeronautical Ratings]] * [[Air Force Association]] * [[Air Force Combat Ammunition Center]] * [[Air Force Medical Service]] * [[Air Force Knowledge Now]] * [[Air Force Specialty Code]] * [[Air National Guard]] * [[Aviation Nation]] * [[Civil Air Patrol]] * [[Comparative military ranks]] * [[JROTC]] * [[List of air forces]] * [[List of Famous Airmen]] * [[List of military aircraft of the United States]] * [[List of U.S. Air Force bases]] * [[List of Wings of the United States Air Force]] * [[National Museum of the United States Air Force]] * [[Project Blue Book]] - USAF's [[UFO]] investigation (1947-1969) * [[Ranks and Insignia of NATO]] * [[ROTC]] * [[Service bands#Air Force Band|U.S. Air Force Band]] * [[Strategic Air Command]] * [[Tactical Air Command]] * [[The U.S. Air Force (song)|"The U.S. Air Force"]], the official song of the USAF * [[United States Air Force Academy]] * [[Enlisted commissioning]] * [[U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds]] * [[United States military aircraft serials]] ==References== {{Reflist}} References to U.S. Army predecessors of today's U.S. Air Force are cited under their respective articles. ==External links== {{commons|United States Air Force}} * [http://www.af.mil/ Official USAF website] * [http://www.my.af.mil/ Air Force Portal] * [http://www.airforce.com/ Official USAF Recruiting site] * [http://www.dosomethingamazing.com/ DoSomethingAmazing.com] Official USAF media-based recruiting site * [http://www.airforcehistory.hq.af.mil/ USAF History Support Office] * [http://www.airforcehistoryindex.org/ Searchable database of Air Force historical reports] * [http://www.au.af.mil/au/afhra/ Air Force Historical Research Agency] * [http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/ National Museum of the United States Air Force] * [https://jfiit.eglin.af.mil Joint Fires Integration and Interoperability Team] works with all branches * [http://www.usafpatches.com/ USAF emblems] * [http://www.gisearch.com/ USAF Personnel Search] * [http://www.commtroop.net/ USAF Communications Troops] {{US Air Force navbox}} {{United States armed forces}} {{United States uniformed services}} {{United States topics}} [[Category:Military units and formations established in 1947]] [[Category:United States Air Force| ]] [[Category:Uniformed services of the United States|Air Force]] [[Category:Air forces by country]] [[bg:Военновъздушни сили на Съединените американски щати]] [[ca:Força Aèria dels Estats Units d'Amèrica]] [[cs:Letectvo Spojených států]] [[da:United States Air Force]] [[de:United States Air Force]] [[es:Fuerza Aérea de los Estados Unidos]] [[fa:نیروی هوایی ایالات متحده آمریکا]] [[fr:United States Air Force]] [[gl:Forza Aérea dos Estados Unidos]] [[ko:미국 공군]] [[hr:Ratno zrakoplovstvo SAD-a]] [[id:Angkatan Udara Amerika Serikat]] [[it:United States Air Force]] [[he:חיל האוויר האמריקני]] [[la:Civitatum Foederatarum Americae Aeris Exercitus]] [[lv:ASV Gaisa spēki]] [[hu:Az Amerikai Egyesült Államok Légiereje]] [[ms:Tentera Udara Amerika Syarikat]] [[nl:United States Air Force]] [[ja:アメリカ空軍]] [[no:United States Air Force]] [[pl:United States Air Force]] [[pt:Força Aérea dos Estados Unidos]] [[ro:United States Air Force]] [[ru:Военно-воздушные силы США]] [[simple:United States Air Force]] [[sk:United States Air Force]] [[sl:Vojno letalstvo Združenih držav Amerike]] [[sh:Ratno zrakoplovstvo Sjedinjenih Država]] [[fi:Yhdysvaltain ilmavoimat]] [[sv:United States Air Force]] [[vi:Không quân Hoa Kỳ]] [[tr:Amerika Birleşik Devletleri Hava Kuvvetleri]] [[yi:אמעריקאנער לופטפלאט]] [[zh:美国空军]]