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The United States Air Force (USAF) is the aerial warfare branch of the United States armed forces and one of the seven Uniformed services of the United States. Previously part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947.80 P.L. 235, 61 Stat. 495 (1947); Air Force Link, (2006) Factsheets: The U.S. Air Force. Retrieved April 7, 2006.

The USAF is the largest and most technologically advanced air force in the world, with about 6013 manned aircraft in service (4,282 USAF; 1,321 Air National Guard; and 410 Air Force Reserve); approximately 160 Unmanned Combat Air Vehicles, 2161 Cruise missiles, and 580 Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles; and as of September 30, 2006, had 334,200 personnel on active duty, 120,369 in the Air Force Reserve Command, and 107,000 in the Air National Guard. An additional 10,675 personnel were in the Standby Reserve, and the Air Force employed 168,558 civilian personnel.

The USAF is currently planning a massive Reduction-in-Force (RIF). Because of budget constraints, the USAF will reduce the service's current size by 40,000 full time equivalent positions by 2011, with approximately half to be eliminated in FY 2007. Approximately 35,000 active duty positions, or one year's cycle of enlistments and retirements, will be eliminated over 5 years.Air Force Print News, (2006). Force shaping necessary for AF budgetary management. Retrieved June 8, 2006. 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. 1991 510,000; 2006 352,000

Not all of the United States' military combat aircraft are operated by the USAF. The United States Army operates its own helicopters, 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 is responsible for the aircraft operating on its aircraft carriers and Naval air stations, and the United States Marine Corps operates its own combat and transport aircraft. The United States Coast Guard also maintains transport and search-and-rescue aircraft, 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 who heads administrative affairs. The Department of the Air Force is a division of the United States Department of Defense which is headed by the United States Secretary of Defense. The highest ranking military officer in the department is the Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force.

Mission 1. According to the National Security Act of 1947 (61 Stat. 502) which created the Air Force: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.

2. §8062 of Title 10 US Code ( 10 USC 8062) defines the purpose of the Air Force as: {{Infobox Military Unit|unit_name= United States Air Force|image= |caption= The official logo of the United States Air Force|dates= 1947 -|country= United States of America|allegiance=|branch= Air Force|garrison= [The Pentagon|mascot=|battles= [Korean War
Vietnam War
Operation Desert Storm
Operation Deliberate Force
Operation Desert Fox
Operation Allied Force
Operation Enduring Freedom
Operation Iraqi Freedom
(Commander-in-Chief)
[Michael Wynne
(Secretary of the Air Force)]
(Chief of Staff of the Air Force)
Chief Master Sergeant Rodney J. McKinley
(Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force)], F-117 Nighthawk, A-10 Thunderbolt II, Lockheed AC-130, [B-1 Lancer, B-2 Spirit|aircraft_Command_and_Control=E-3 Sentry, E-8 Joint STARS, Boeing E-4B|aircraft_electronic=De Havilland Canada Dash 8, EC-130, [F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon|aircraft_interceptor=|aircraft_patrol=|aircraft_recon= Lockheed U-2, Boeing RC-135, RQ-4 Global Hawk, RQ-1 Predator|aircraft_trainer= T-6 Texan II, Cessna T-37, T-38 Talon, Boeing T-43, T-1A Jayhawk, TG-10, [C-5 Galaxy, C-130 Hercules, C-135, VC-25, Boeing C-32, McDonnell Douglas C-9, V-22 Osprey, Gulfstream G500/G550, Learjet 35A, C-12 Huron, C-40 Clipper|aircraft_tanker= KC-10 Extender, KC-135 Stratotanker-->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 — to fly and fight in Air, Space, and Cyberspace".Air Force Link, (2005). Air Force releases new mission statement. Retrieved December 8, 2005.

History The United States Air Force became a separate military service on September 18 1947, with the implementation of the National Security Act of 1947.U.S. Intelligence Community (October 2004). National Security Act of 1947. Retrieved April 14 2006. The Act created the United States Department of Defense, which was composed of three branches, the Army, Navy and a newly-created Air Force.U.S. Department of State(2006). National Security Act of 1947. Retrieved April 14 2006. 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 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:

The United States Air Force has been involved in many wars, conflicts, and operations since its conception; these include:



Humanitarian operations The U.S. Air Force has taken part in numerous humanitarian operations. Some of the more major ones include the following:The primary source for the humanitarian operations of the USAF is the United States Air Force Supervisory Examination Study Guide (2005)



Administrative organization The Air Force is one of three service departments, and is managed by the (civilian) United States Department of the Air Force. Guidance is provided by the United States Secretary of the Air Force(SECAF) and the Secretary's staff and advisors. The military leadership is the Air Staff (United States), lead by the Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force.

USAF direct subordinate commands and units are the List of United States Air Force Field Operating Agencies (FOA), Direct Reporting Unit (DRU), and the currently unused Separate Operating Agency.

The List of Major Commands of the United States Air Force (MAJCOM) is the superior hierarchical level of command. The List of Numbered Air Forces of the United States Air Force (NAF) is a level of command directly under the MAJCOM, followed by Operational Command (now unused), USAF Air Division (also now unused), List of Wings of the United States Air Force, List of United States Air Force Groups, List of United States Air Force squadrons, and Flight.

Operational organization 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 Regional Unified Combatant Command (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) (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 Wings (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 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 mechanic type jobs. There are members in computer specialties, medical specialties, civil engineering, public affairs, hospitality, law, drug counseling, mail operations, Air Force Security Forces, and search and rescue specialties.

Perhaps the most dangerous Air Force jobs are Pararescue, Air Force Combat Control, Air Force Special Operations Weather Technician and Tactical Air Control Party, who deploy with infantry and special operations units who rescue downed/isolated personnel, call in air strikes and set up landing zones in forward locations. Most of these are enlisted positions.

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 1C2X1 (Combat Control) is 35 weeks long with 10 separate courses. 1N3X4 (Cryptologic Linguist) and 1A8X1 (Airborne Linguist) requires a language course ranging from 23 to 63 weeks, and a 4 to 5 month course. Some AFSC's have even longer training.

Aircraft strategic bomber taking off

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:

{||- valign=top| | |

| |}

Gallery of images

Image:Usaf.b2.spirit.750pix.jpg|B-2 SpiritImage:A10Thunderbolt2 990422-F-7910D-517.jpg|A-10 Thunderbolt IIImage:F-16 CJ Fighting Falcon.jpg|F-16 Fighting FalconImage:F-15 takeoff.jpg|F-15 EagleImage:Lockheed_C-130_Hercules.jpg]Image:FA-22_Raptor.jpg|F-22 RaptorImage:Globalhawk.750pix.jpg]Image:RQ-1 Predator.jpg|MQ-1 PredatorImage:Pavehawk.750pix.jpg]Image:CV-22 Formation.jpeg|CV-22 OspreyImage:Usaf.c5.galaxy.750pix.jpg]Image:F-35 Lightning-1.jpg|F-35 Lightning II

Uniforms 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/brown and black in color, called the Desert Camouflage Uniform (DCU). A new uniform called the Airman Battle Uniform (ABU) is currently being distributed some bases, and in a memo from HQ AFPC at Randolph AFB dated September 2007, will be distributed to basic trainees in their clothing issue starting October 2007. The ABU is already authorized for wear, and is scheduled to completely replace the BDU and DCU by November 2011.

Awards and badges Badges of the United States Air Force In addition to basic uniform clothing, various badges are used by the USAF to indicate a job assignment or qualification-level for a given assignment. Awards and decorations of the United States Air Force Badges can also be used as merit-based or service-based awards. Obsolete badges of the United States military Over time, various badges have been discontinued and are no longer distributed.

Grade Structure and Insignias The standard USAF uniform is also decorated with an insignia to designate rank. USAF rank is divided between Enlisted rank 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 stripes, 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.

The USAF and UFOs In 1947, the USAF began Project Sign, a study of unidentified flying objects that would be twice revived (first as Project Grudge and finally as Project Blue Book) and which would last until 1969. Unidentified Flying Objects and Air Force Project Blue Book (USAF Fact Sheet 95-03, updated October, 2005); URL retrieved 25June 2007 The USAF's institutional attitude towards UFOs would vary drastically over the years, but the Air Force remains strongly associated with at least the early years of the "flying saucer" era: the term "unidentified flying object" was coined by U.S. Air Force officer Edward J. Ruppelt. Project Twinkle, mostly unrelated to other UConsistSAF UFO studies, was set up in the late 1940s to investigate the mysterious "green fireballs" which appeared over several Air Force facilities.

Motto The United States Air Force does not have an official motto, but there are numerous unofficial slogans such as "Nothing Comes Close" and Un Ab Alto (Latin language for "One Over All"). 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".

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.Military-quotes.com (2006). US Air Force Mottos. Retrieved 4 June 2006.

Creed Airman's Creed is a statement introduced in the spring of 2007 to summarize the culture of the Air Force.

Notes and References References to U.S. Army predecessors of today's U.S. Air Force are cited under their respective articles.

See also

Further reading

External links

The United States Air Force (USAF) is the aerial warfare branch of the United States armed forces and one of the seven Uniformed services of the United States. Previously part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947.80 P.L. 235, 61 Stat. 495 (1947); Air Force Link, (2006) Factsheets: The U.S. Air Force. Retrieved April 7, 2006.

The USAF is the largest and most technologically advanced air force in the world, with about 6013 manned aircraft in service (4,282 USAF; 1,321 Air National Guard; and 410 Air Force Reserve); approximately 160 Unmanned Combat Air Vehicles, 2161 Cruise missiles, and 580 Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles; and as of September 30, 2006, had 334,200 personnel on active duty, 120,369 in the Air Force Reserve Command, and 107,000 in the Air National Guard. An additional 10,675 personnel were in the Standby Reserve, and the Air Force employed 168,558 civilian personnel.

The USAF is currently planning a massive Reduction-in-Force (RIF). Because of budget constraints, the USAF will reduce the service's current size by 40,000 full time equivalent positions by 2011, with approximately half to be eliminated in FY 2007. Approximately 35,000 active duty positions, or one year's cycle of enlistments and retirements, will be eliminated over 5 years.Air Force Print News, (2006). Force shaping necessary for AF budgetary management. Retrieved June 8, 2006. 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. 1991 510,000; 2006 352,000

Not all of the United States' military combat aircraft are operated by the USAF. The United States Army operates its own helicopters, 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 is responsible for the aircraft operating on its aircraft carriers and Naval air stations, and the United States Marine Corps operates its own combat and transport aircraft. The United States Coast Guard also maintains transport and search-and-rescue aircraft, 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 who heads administrative affairs. The Department of the Air Force is a division of the United States Department of Defense which is headed by the United States Secretary of Defense. The highest ranking military officer in the department is the Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force.

Mission 1. According to the National Security Act of 1947 (61 Stat. 502) which created the Air Force: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.

2. §8062 of Title 10 US Code ( 10 USC 8062) defines the purpose of the Air Force as: {{Infobox Military Unit|unit_name= United States Air Force|image= |caption= The official logo of the United States Air Force|dates= 1947 -|country= United States of America|allegiance=|branch= Air Force|garrison= [The Pentagon|mascot=|battles= [Korean War
Vietnam War
Operation Desert Storm
Operation Deliberate Force
Operation Desert Fox
Operation Allied Force
Operation Enduring Freedom
Operation Iraqi Freedom
(Commander-in-Chief)
[Michael Wynne
(Secretary of the Air Force)]
(Chief of Staff of the Air Force)
Chief Master Sergeant Rodney J. McKinley
(Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force)], F-117 Nighthawk, A-10 Thunderbolt II, Lockheed AC-130, [B-1 Lancer, B-2 Spirit|aircraft_Command_and_Control=E-3 Sentry, E-8 Joint STARS, Boeing E-4B|aircraft_electronic=De Havilland Canada Dash 8, EC-130, [F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon|aircraft_interceptor=|aircraft_patrol=|aircraft_recon= Lockheed U-2, Boeing RC-135, RQ-4 Global Hawk, RQ-1 Predator|aircraft_trainer= T-6 Texan II, Cessna T-37, T-38 Talon, Boeing T-43, T-1A Jayhawk, TG-10, [C-5 Galaxy, C-130 Hercules, C-135, VC-25, Boeing C-32, McDonnell Douglas C-9, V-22 Osprey, Gulfstream G500/G550, Learjet 35A, C-12 Huron, C-40 Clipper|aircraft_tanker= KC-10 Extender, KC-135 Stratotanker-->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 — to fly and fight in Air, Space, and Cyberspace".Air Force Link, (2005). Air Force releases new mission statement. Retrieved December 8, 2005.

History The United States Air Force became a separate military service on September 18 1947, with the implementation of the National Security Act of 1947.U.S. Intelligence Community (October 2004). National Security Act of 1947. Retrieved April 14 2006. The Act created the United States Department of Defense, which was composed of three branches, the Army, Navy and a newly-created Air Force.U.S. Department of State(2006). National Security Act of 1947. Retrieved April 14 2006. 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 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:

The United States Air Force has been involved in many wars, conflicts, and operations since its conception; these include:



Humanitarian operations The U.S. Air Force has taken part in numerous humanitarian operations. Some of the more major ones include the following:The primary source for the humanitarian operations of the USAF is the United States Air Force Supervisory Examination Study Guide (2005)



Administrative organization The Air Force is one of three service departments, and is managed by the (civilian) United States Department of the Air Force. Guidance is provided by the United States Secretary of the Air Force(SECAF) and the Secretary's staff and advisors. The military leadership is the Air Staff (United States), lead by the Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force.

USAF direct subordinate commands and units are the List of United States Air Force Field Operating Agencies (FOA), Direct Reporting Unit (DRU), and the currently unused Separate Operating Agency.

The List of Major Commands of the United States Air Force (MAJCOM) is the superior hierarchical level of command. The List of Numbered Air Forces of the United States Air Force (NAF) is a level of command directly under the MAJCOM, followed by Operational Command (now unused), USAF Air Division (also now unused), List of Wings of the United States Air Force, List of United States Air Force Groups, List of United States Air Force squadrons, and Flight.

Operational organization 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 Regional Unified Combatant Command (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) (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 Wings (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 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 mechanic type jobs. There are members in computer specialties, medical specialties, civil engineering, public affairs, hospitality, law, drug counseling, mail operations, Air Force Security Forces, and search and rescue specialties.

Perhaps the most dangerous Air Force jobs are Pararescue, Air Force Combat Control, Air Force Special Operations Weather Technician and Tactical Air Control Party, who deploy with infantry and special operations units who rescue downed/isolated personnel, call in air strikes and set up landing zones in forward locations. Most of these are enlisted positions.

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 1C2X1 (Combat Control) is 35 weeks long with 10 separate courses. 1N3X4 (Cryptologic Linguist) and 1A8X1 (Airborne Linguist) requires a language course ranging from 23 to 63 weeks, and a 4 to 5 month course. Some AFSC's have even longer training.

Aircraft strategic bomber taking off

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:

{||- valign=top| | |

| |}

Gallery of images

Image:Usaf.b2.spirit.750pix.jpg|B-2 SpiritImage:A10Thunderbolt2 990422-F-7910D-517.jpg|A-10 Thunderbolt IIImage:F-16 CJ Fighting Falcon.jpg|F-16 Fighting FalconImage:F-15 takeoff.jpg|F-15 EagleImage:Lockheed_C-130_Hercules.jpg]Image:FA-22_Raptor.jpg|F-22 RaptorImage:Globalhawk.750pix.jpg]Image:RQ-1 Predator.jpg|MQ-1 PredatorImage:Pavehawk.750pix.jpg]Image:CV-22 Formation.jpeg|CV-22 OspreyImage:Usaf.c5.galaxy.750pix.jpg]Image:F-35 Lightning-1.jpg|F-35 Lightning II

Uniforms 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/brown and black in color, called the Desert Camouflage Uniform (DCU). A new uniform called the Airman Battle Uniform (ABU) is currently being distributed some bases, and in a memo from HQ AFPC at Randolph AFB dated September 2007, will be distributed to basic trainees in their clothing issue starting October 2007. The ABU is already authorized for wear, and is scheduled to completely replace the BDU and DCU by November 2011.

Awards and badges Badges of the United States Air Force In addition to basic uniform clothing, various badges are used by the USAF to indicate a job assignment or qualification-level for a given assignment. Awards and decorations of the United States Air Force Badges can also be used as merit-based or service-based awards. Obsolete badges of the United States military Over time, various badges have been discontinued and are no longer distributed.

Grade Structure and Insignias The standard USAF uniform is also decorated with an insignia to designate rank. USAF rank is divided between Enlisted rank 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 stripes, 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.

The USAF and UFOs In 1947, the USAF began Project Sign, a study of unidentified flying objects that would be twice revived (first as Project Grudge and finally as Project Blue Book) and which would last until 1969. Unidentified Flying Objects and Air Force Project Blue Book (USAF Fact Sheet 95-03, updated October, 2005); URL retrieved 25June 2007 The USAF's institutional attitude towards UFOs would vary drastically over the years, but the Air Force remains strongly associated with at least the early years of the "flying saucer" era: the term "unidentified flying object" was coined by U.S. Air Force officer Edward J. Ruppelt. Project Twinkle, mostly unrelated to other UConsistSAF UFO studies, was set up in the late 1940s to investigate the mysterious "green fireballs" which appeared over several Air Force facilities.

Motto The United States Air Force does not have an official motto, but there are numerous unofficial slogans such as "Nothing Comes Close" and Un Ab Alto (Latin language for "One Over All"). 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".

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.Military-quotes.com (2006). US Air Force Mottos. Retrieved 4 June 2006.

Creed Airman's Creed is a statement introduced in the spring of 2007 to summarize the culture of the Air Force.

Notes and References References to U.S. Army predecessors of today's U.S. Air Force are cited under their respective articles.

See also

Further reading

External links



U.S. Air Force
The Official U.S. Air Force Recruiting site. Gives overview of careers, education opportunities, and lifestyle.

United States Air Force - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The United States Air Force (USAF) is the aerial warfare branch of the armed forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the U.S. Previously part of the U.S.

United States Air Force - Wikimedia Commons
Deutsch: Die United States Air Force (USAF) ist die Luftwaffe der Vereinigten Staaten von Amerika.

Air Force Link - Home
Official U.S. Air Force site. Includes current news, video, photos, Airman Magazine, career information, an Air Force-wide search engine, and a comprehensive general information ...

the United States Air Force Thunderbirds
Enter Site

United States Air Force Academy
Your Vote Does Make a Difference The presidential elections in November are fast approaching! Are you ready to exercise your right and duty as an American citizen to vote for the ...

Air Force Memorial Foundation
Evocative of flight and the flying spirit, the United States Air Force Memorial honors the service and sacrifices of the men and women of the United States Air Force and its ...

United States Air Force Marathon | usafmarathon.com
International race held annually in Dayton. Relay and wheelchair categories.

The United States Air Force Band - Home
15 August 2008 -- In what has become an annual tradition, the USAF Band Ceremonial Brass performed on NBC's "Today" Show on July 4th in honor of Independence Day.

The United States Air Force Band | Washington, D.C.
Units include the Concert Band, Ceremonial Brass, Chamber Players, Air Force Strings, Airmen of Note jazz ensemble, High Flight show group, Silver Wings country group, Diplomats ...

 

United States Air Force



 
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