3 Department of the Air Force Cognitive Lesson Objective: Know the Air Force organizational structure, its mission, and the competencies and capabilities needed to complete the mission. Cognitive Samples of Behavior: State the function of the Secretary of the Air Force and the Air Force Chief of Staff. Identify the functions of a major command, numbered air force, wing, group, and squadron. Identify the Air Force Core Competencies. Identify the Air Force Distinctive Capabilities. Affective Lesson Objective: Respond enthusiastically about the US Air Force as an organization. Affective Sample of Behavior: Display interest in the varied aspects of the Air Force structure, mission, and abilities.
Who We Are Origins A merica s Air Force was forged in the skies of World War I and tempered in the fire of conflict during World War II. We became a separate service in 1947 and continued to serve, explore, and transform during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. As we began to see how airpower could win battles, the successes of Operation DESERT STORM and the conflicts in Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Iraq confirmed that airpower can contribute to and create victory. Being able to fly, fight, and win is part of the Air Force mission. To accomplish our mission is a tough job. To do it we must be well organized. More than 682,000 active duty, reserve, and civilian personnel work together as a cohesive team to accomplish the Air Force mission. Air Force Organization The Air Force is America s only full-service air and space force. Other services air and space arms have surface-support mission priorities that limit their ability to exploit the full scope of air and space operations at the strategic and operational levels of war. For example, Army and Marine aviation arms are organized and designed to provide immediate and close support to their ground forces. Likewise, naval aviation s first priority is to support fleet operations. In contrast, only the Air Force is charged with preparing air and space forces that are organized, trained, and equipped to fully exploit air and space power s capability to accomplish assigned missions across all theaters of operation. 16 Air and Space Studies 100
The Air Force organizes for wartime with global capabilities and responsibilities. Its organizational structures and processes must be simple, responsive, and flexible. The Air Force will normally operate as a member of an interdependent team of land, naval, air, space, and special operations forces. This interdependence demands attention to joint and multinational requirements when organizing, training, and equipping the Air Force. The Air Force organizes within the principle and tenet of centralized control and decentralized execution. Organizational structures should be designed to exploit air and space power s versatility and flexibility to ensure that air and space forces remain responsive, survivable, and sustainable. The versatility to use air and space forces against any level of objective, whether independently, in support of, or supported by other components, requires organizations that do not constrain employment concepts. Flexibility allows forces to cope with the unexpected in modern, fastpaced military operations. Survivable forces must be able to sustain the operation with the proper balance of people, concepts, and equipment. The Secretary of the Air Force conducts the administrative affairs of the department and is directly responsible to the Secretary of Defense. In the overall administration of the department, the secretary handles matters relating to fiscal spending, production, procurement, and legal plans and programs. The secretary does not become directly involved in military operations. Staff The Secretary of the Air Force has an Under Secretary, four assistant secretaries, as well as other assistants, advisors, or directors. The heads of these offices are staff advisers to the secretary for the functions assigned to them. The assistant secretaries act for and with the authority of the Secretary on any matters within their respective areas of responsibility. The Chief of Staff of the Air Force (CSAF) is the military head of the Air Force and is directly responsible to the Secretary of the Air Force for the efficiency and operational readiness of the Air Force. The CSAF is also a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). The Chief of Staff delegates virtually all functions as the US Air Force military head to the Vice Chief of Staff when demands of JCS duties necessitate such actions. The Vice Chief works directly with the Air Staff, making decisions and issuing orders in the name of the Chief of Staff. The Air Staff furnishes professional assistance to the secretary, under secretary, and the assistant secretaries. The Air Staff is a headquarters functional organization under the Chief of Staff of the Air Force (CSAF). It includes management functions that cannot be delegated or decentralized elsewhere but are needed by the Secretary of the Air Force and the Chief of Staff to set present and future designs and structures of the Air Force. Department of the Air Force 17
Commands The Air Force has three components: Active Duty, the Air National Guard, and the Air Force Reserve. Each component is made up of military and civilian personnel. The Air Force organizes, trains, and equips air forces through its major commands (MAJCOMs.) Those forces are provided to combatant commands (unified commands) for employment. The organization of these MAJCOMs is based on combat, mobility, space, and special operations, plus the materiel support required for these operations. MAJCOMS are commanded by a four-star general. MAJCOMs are organized on a functional basis in the United States and a geographic basis overseas. They accomplish designated phases of Air Force worldwide activities. Also, they organize, administer, equip and train their subordinate elements for the accomplishment of assigned missions. Major commands are generally assigned specific responsibilities based on functions. MAJCOMs Air Force MAJCOMs are subdivided into numbered air forces, wings, groups, squadrons, flights, and other specialized units. Air Force MAJCOMs perform specific duties that are organized functionally within the United States and by geographical area overseas. Air Force major commands accomplish a broad, overall mission. The Air Force has ten major commands. MAJCOMS are commanded by four-star generals and are listed below: Air Combat Command (ACC) Air Education and Training Command (AETC) Air Force Material Command (AFMC) Air Force Space Command (AFSPC) Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) Air Mobility Command (AMC) Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) Global Strike Command 18 Air and Space Studies 100
Numbered Air Forces (NAF) Below the Air Force MAJCOMs, we find numbered air forces. At this level of command, we find operational and warfighting activities being conducted. In fact numbered air forces are structured to strictly operational and warfighting roles. The operational focus of the NAF ensures readiness of assigned forces; prepares forces for deployment and employment; plans for beddown of forces; and exercises operational control of assigned forces. They are usually oriented to a specific geographical region. They do not maintain support functions. NAFs are commanded by three-stars. Often, the NAF commander can anticipate assignment as Air Force component commander or Joint Task Force commander for contingency operations. The net effect is that numbered air forces are dedicated to operational planning and employment of forces. Wing The next step down brings us to the wing. A wing s mission is to develop and maintain the capability to conduct warfare, or support that conduct. It contains all the elements within its staff structure needed to perform the mission and operate from a base. In other words, the wing is the only echelon of command that is capable of deploying and sustaining itself for an indefinite length of time. The wing commander is usually a brigadier general who is responsible for the entire wing. Under the wing commander, there is a wing staff and four groups (see figure below). This structure has helped eliminate a lot of waste in the Air Force and increased our warfighting capability. The Air Force has eliminated many of the general officer staff jobs and put the generals back in the field commanding troops. This way, they TYPICAL WING STRUCTURE will be able to directly impact our forces positively. The wing has four Groups. Groups are flexible units made up of four or more squadrons. These groups primary functions may be operations, maintenance, mission support, or medical. Full colonels command these groups. Under these groups, there could be several Squadrons. Squadrons are the fundamental units in the Department of the Air Force 19
Air Force. The Squadron is the lowest formal echelon of command, and it s the building block for the entire Air Force. The Squadron is responsible for conducting the day-to-day mission for the Wing. In addition, the Squadron is the lowest echelon of command that can deploy on its own, but it does not have the capability to sustain itself indefinitely like a wing. Squadrons are usually commanded by a lieutenant colonel, but not always. The final level in the Air Force is the flight. A squadron commander s span of control is generally limited, and the flight commanders help maintain the squadron s efficiency. Other organizations included in the Air Force are direct reporting units and field operating agencies. Direct reporting units are subdivisions of the Air Force directly subordinate to the Chief of Staff. Field operating agencies, on the other hand, report to a functional manager because of a unique mission, legal requirements, or other factors. Direct Reporting Units/Field Operating Agencies Specific units of the Air Force directly subordinate to the Chief of Staff of the Air Force are called direct reporting units and are not organized under major commands. The US Air Force Academy and the 11th Wing are examples of direct reporting units. They are created for unique missions or legal requirements. The Air Force Academy for example provides bachelor s degrees and commissions thus warranting it s distinction as a DRU. Field operating agencies report to a functional manager on the Air Staff due to unique missions, legal requirements, or other special factors. Their missions support the Air Force Major Commands, but they do not work for the Major Commands. The Air Force Inspection Agency is a good example. They report directly to the Secretary of the Air Force Inspector General. Air and Space Expeditionary Force (AEF) When called to war, we are an air and space expeditionary air and space force configured for the full spectrum of air and space operations. This shift provides a unifying structure that brings all our people together in shared challenges, shared goals, and shared successes. Airmen from all across the Air Force contribute to our expeditionary capabilities from those who provide the deterrent umbrella under which we operate, to those who deploy, to those who operate the fixed facilities on which we depend when we reach back for support. We have constituted ten deployable Air and Space Expeditionary Forces (AEFs), pooling fighters, bombers, tankers, and special support aircraft like AWACS and JSTARS from the MAJCOMS. Two AEFs are always deployed or on call to meet current national requirements, while the remaining force trains, exercises, and prepares for the full spectrum of operations. AEFs provide joint force commanders with ready and complete air and space force packages that can be tailored to meet the spectrum of contingencies ensuring situational awareness, freedom from attack, freedom to maneuver, and freedom to attack. They fit into established theater-based command and control structures, when such are available, or bring their own command and control when needed. 20 Air and Space Studies 100
Operation ALLIED FORCE in Kosovo proved expeditionary operations work. Airmen deployed rapidly to more than 20 expeditionary bases. In the future, we ll be even more responsive. We ll be able to deploy an AEF in 48 hours fast enough to curb many crises and we ll be able to rapidly deploy additional AEFs to deter a major theater war. You now have a good idea of who we are and how we are organized, we will look more specifically at what we do. Department of the Air Force 21
What We Do The Air Force Mission. To Fly, Fight, and Win in Air, Space, and Cyberspace. To learn more about what we do, you must read the Air Force Story. 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 22 Air and Space Studies 100
We are America s Air Force Airmen flying and fighting to defend our nation and its interests. Our Core Values Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do Our Mission to fly, fight, and win in Air, Space and Cyberspace Our Vision Lasting Heritage Limitless Horizons an interdependent, Joint, integrated total force Airmen provide the nation with air, space, and cyberspace capabilities Global Vigilance, Global Reach and Global Strike for America. A Proud Air Force Heritage It was forged by pioneering Airmen through ingenuity, innovation, courage and strength In 1909 the Wright Brothers delivered America s first military aircraft, Signal Corps No. 1, and on September 18, 1947, the Air Force was born. The Great Captains like Billy Mitchell, Hap Arnold, Jimmy Doolittle, William Tunner, Curtis LeMay, Chappie James, and Bernie Schriever gave us our mission to fly and fight. Great enlisted leaders like Chief Master Sgt. Paul Airey and heroes such as Airman 1st Class John Levitow and Airman 1st Class William Pitsenbarger have shaped a heritage of courage and leadership. The Air Force Dominates Air, Space and Cyberspace We conduct continuous operations around the globe. We are an Air Force and a nation at war in a long, global war fighting terrorism. The Air Force has conducted combat operations continuously for the past 15 years ever since Desert Storm. We provide the President and the nation an array of options to deter and defend America. Expeditionary Airmen are deployed worldwide, taking the fight to the enemy, conducting both conventional and asymmetric operations with Joint and Coalition partners. Air and Space Expeditionary Forces give combatant commanders highly flexible, tailorable, and responsive combat power ready to go anywhere, anytime. We train as we fight highly effective, realistic, joint and leveraging advanced technology. Our Air Force Future Will be forged by our vision of Lasting Heritage Limitless Horizons The Air Force must ensure air, space and cyberspace dominance as they are a decisive advantage for any engagement on the Land, in the Air, or on the Sea. Our priorities are: winning the Global War on Terror (GWOT); developing and caring for our Airmen; and maintaining, modernizing and recapitalizing our air and space systems. Air Force Transformation To meet current and future joint warfighting requirements. We will provide the nation with the air, space and cyberspace capabilities required or future operations. We will fund transformation through key investments in capabilities with greater reliability and lethality. We will continue to sustain the GWOT and other ongoing operations with a smaller, more capable Department of the Air Force 23
force. We will eliminate redundancies and streamline organizations to field a more capable, recapitalized force. We will meet Joint mission requirements within budget while maintaining an appropriate level of risk. We will harness technology to develop the future capabilities the nation requires. We will balance investment in short, mid and long-term research to remain ahead of the competition. People Our most valuable and valued resource developing and caring for Airmen is a top priority. We are an Air Force family caring for families makes Airmen more capable and successful. Every Airman is a wingman this is our way of life based on mutual support, teamwork, and respect. Airmen are innovative and creative we continually improve today s warfighting capabilities while preparing for future wars. Airmen embrace change we capitalize on doctrinal, organizational, and technological improvements to transform and maintain the competitive edge. Airmen are warriors we are diverse, skilled, knowledge-enabled, motivated, ethical and accountable. We are America s Airmen The Most Capable and Respected Airmen in the World. We are volunteer warfighters committed to service for our nation. We are a Total Force of officers, enlisted and civilians; active, Guard and Reserve. We fight as expeditionary Airmen on the ground and in the air as part of Joint and Coalition teams. We are prepared for and participate in the Joint fight anywhere, anytime. We fight the GWOT 24/7 both at home and abroad in the air and on the ground. We provide the nation with air, space and cyberspace power. We are knowledge-enabled and technology-focused professionals. We support and defend the Constitution of the United States and serve our country. We are America s Air Force we fly and fight to defend our nation and its interests. Core Values Our Moral Compass for Fostering Professional and Personal Behavior Integrity First: Character, honor, ethics, honesty, responsibility, accountability, justice. Service Before Self: Loyalty, sacrifice, respect, duty, self-discipline, tolerance. Excellence in All We Do: Teamwork, professionalism, courage, operational excellence. The nation has placed its trust in us we are measured by a higher standard. We personally adopt these higher standards when we volunteer to serve as Airmen. Our Air Force Core Values drive our attitudes, our behavior and our actions. We are motivated, ethical and accountable Air Force warriors. America trusts its Airmen to defend the nation in air, space and cyberspace. 24 Air and Space Studies 100
Mission To Fly, Fight, and Win in Air, Space and Cyberspace... We deliver decisive, powerful and asymmetric options across the commons to provide kinetic and non-kinetic effects for the President and the nation. We develop, sustain and sharpen our warfighting edge. We organize, train, equip and deploy forces to operate on land and in air, space and cyberspace. We provide the most highly motivated, trained and respected Airmen in the world. We accomplish our mission with superior leadership, initiative, innovation and integrity. Vision The United States Air Force will be a trusted, reliable joint partner with our sister services known for integrity in all of our activities, including supporting the joint mission first and foremost. We will provide compelling air, space, and cyber capabilities for use by he Combatant Commanders. We will excel as stewards of all Air Force resources in service to the American people, while providing precise and reliable Global Vigilance, Reach and Power for the Nation. Air Force Capabilities Responsive, Persistent, Precise and Effective Capabilities for America. Global Vigilance: Persistent C4ISR is the capability to see, think and act first. Global Reach: Global Mobility projects people and equipment anywhere and anytime. Global Strike: Rapid Strike delivers tailored airpower responses anywhere and anytime. Distinctive Capabilities: Air, space and information superiority; global attack; precision engagement; rapid global mobility; and agile combat support. Domains The Environments in which We Operate and Defend Our Nation s Interests. Adversaries contest us across all domains land, water, air, space and cyberspace. Air dominance is an absolute prerequisite for any engagement. As Airmen, it is our calling to develop and provide the capability to dominate in air, space and cyberspace. We will fly, fight and win against our enemies who contest the global commons. Our History A Proud Heritage Forged through the Ingenuity, Courage, and Strength of Pioneering Airmen. In 1909, America s first military aircraft, Signal Corps No. 1, was delivered to the Army and American airpower took its first step toward becoming the world s premier air force. In 1918, visionary Billy Mitchell gathered a multi-national force of aircraft and conducted coalition operations against Germany, demonstrating airpower strategies still in use today. Between WW I and WW II, airpower leaders such as Andrews and Arnold recognized that leveraging technology was vital, and dozens of aircraft designs, improvements and modifications occurred. In 1929, the Department of the Air Force 25
150-hour flight of the Question Mark demonstrated air refueling technology that foreshadowed the global reach enjoyed by American airpower today. In 1942, Doolittle s Raiders, in a perfect precursor of Joint warfare, launched from the USS Hornet and stunned the world by attacking an impervious Tokyo. By the end of WW II, the USAAF was firmly established as a major component of America s and the world s defense of democracy. On September 18, 1947, through the dauntless efforts of men like Gen. Henry H. Hap Arnold, the US Air Force was born. From 1948 49, the Berlin Airlift demonstrated America s resolve during the Cold War; for over 50 years the Air Force has been on a wartime footing fighting in Korea and Vietnam, sitting nuclear alert around the world, conducting Joint operations in Desert Storm, maintaining Operations Northern and Southern Watch, and continuing combat operations in Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Our Leadership A Heritage of Great Leadership Defines Who and What We Are as Airmen. The Great Captains like Billy Mitchell, Hap Arnold, Jimmy Doolittle, William Tunner, Curtis LeMay, Chappie James and Bernie Schriever gave us our mission to fly and fight whenever and wherever our nation calls. Great enlisted leaders like Chief Master Sgt. Paul Airey and great heroes such as Airman 1st Class John Levitow and Airman 1st Class William Pitsenbarger have shaped a rich heritage of outstanding leadership, skills, courage, knowledge and attitude. Our Culture Air Force Heritage Serves to Make Us What We Are Today. Airmen have a warfighting heritage: Frances S. Gabreski swept Nazi Germany s fighters from the sky; Richard Wright parachuted behind enemy lines to provide pathfinder beacons for our bombers; Halvorsen flew a C-54 overloaded with coal into near zero-zero conditions at Templehof; Chapman provided medical support and protection for wounded comrades on Roberts Ridge. We were expeditionary in 1917, and nearly 90 years later we still are our mobility forces, honoring the example of Berlin and the Hump, can move a parachute brigade at night into Bashur, Iraq or establish a tanker airbridge to move entire fighter wings into Desert Shield. Andrews, who brought us the B-17, taught us to be technology-focused. Stealth changed air warfare forever and precision-bombing systems make us incredibly lethal. We are transformational because we are self-critical and embrace change: In the decade after Vietnam we completely revamped our fighters, weapons and tactics ten years later we achieved stunning air superiority prior to the start of ground combat in Desert Storm. Our mission is to fly, fight and win: First it was in the air, then in air and space, and now in air, space and cyberspace. Our record is superb: No American infantry has been lost to enemy air in more than 50 years. 26 Air and Space Studies 100
Sovereign Options for the Nation We Are the World s Premier Air, Space and Cyberspace Force. The Air Force provides an array of powerful options for the President, Combatant Commanders and our nation to dominate in air, space and cyberspace. Air Force options are built to overcome the tyranny of distance, the urgency of time and the strength of our enemy s defenses. With one hand we can deliver humanitarian assistance to the farthest reaches of the globe, while with the other we can destroy a target anywhere in the world. AEFs present Combatant Commanders with highly flexible, tailorable and responsive combat power thousands are deployed now and more stand ready. We organize, train, equip and sustain expeditionary forces to meet requirements. Ten AEFs and enabler forces support and sustain global expeditionary operations in 2000 only 22 percent of Airmen were postured to deploy; in 2005, fully 78 percent were available. Air Force capabilities operating in place at home provide options for the nation s Homeland Defense and significant reach back capabilities for deployed Joint forces. GWOT Our #1 Operational Focus...We are an Air Force and a nation at war in a long global war fighting terrorism. The Air Force has conducted combat operations continuously since Desert Storm in 1991. Expeditionary Airmen are deployed throughout the world, engaged in the GWOT, taking the fight to the enemy, and conducting both conventional and special operations in the air and on the ground. The Air Force also fights the GWOT in an AOR at Home our Total Force effort supports Homeland Defense, provides reachback for deployed operations and conducts strategic mobility, space and missile operations from home. We care for our warriors and their families, both home and deployed, and provide a transformational aeromedical evacuation system to safely return our sick and wounded. Other Operations Presence, Deterrence, and Engagement Worldwide...Strategic Deterrence: Air Force nuclear missile and air forces are continuously at the ready. Humanitarian Operations: We provide first-in, last-out support for humanitarian crises and natural disasters. Global Presence: The Air Force is present and engaged around the globe we are based in 14 countries, operate out of 36 countries, conduct training and exercises with numerous friends and allies worldwide, and support US presence in over 155 countries. Global Engagement: We continually build, sustain and expand relationships that are critical enablers for expeditionary air and space forces conducting global operations. Department of the Air Force 27
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 to mission effectiveness. Technical Readiness: We continuously hone our combat edge through qualitative improvements. Education: We are a highly educated and knowledge-enabled force. Training and Exercises: We train as we fight our training is highly effective because it is realistic, conducted with Joint and Coalition teams, and leverages advanced technology. Quality of Life: We sustain and maintain the health and safety of our people and their families through installation environment and other quality-of-life initiatives. Lessons Learned: We fully and rapidly integrate lessons in order to sharpen our edge and reduce risk for the warfighter. Priorities Winning the GWOT: Razor-sharp focus on fighting and winning. Developing and caring for our Airmen: Maximizing effectiveness of the world s best Airmen. Recapitalizing and modernizing our air and space systems Imperatives Provide ready air and space forces to respond to the full range of warfighter needs, today and tomorrow. The Air Force must be proficient, able to surge, and agile. The Air Force must be postured in a continuous warfighting mode to win the GWOT. The Air Force must fight as an integrated Total Force, a Joint force and a Coalition force. The Air Force must win in air, space and cyberspace an absolute prerequisite for any engagement on the land, in the air or on the sea. Goals Obtain knowledge and assets needed to guarantee command of the air, space and cyberspace commons. Optimize organizations and practices for cross-command, Joint, interagency and Coalition operations. Become recognized as a world-class innovator in technology operations, asset management, and business practices. Key provider of information, network, and cyberspace capabilities in peacetime and wartime. A high-quality, balanced and diverse force that challenges, develops and values its people. Recognized as a model for integrity, service and excellence. Organizational Structure and Business Practices Increase Efficiencies and Capabilities. Transform from 139 Combat Wings in 1990 to 86 Combat Wings by 2012. Improve processes and organizational efficiencies to enhance our ability to employ air, space and cyberspace power in support of Combatant Commanders.Proceed deliberately in achieving efficiencies and improving processes to continue our transformation to a more lean and modern force. Continue organizational streamlining and globally positioning 28 Air and Space Studies 100
Warfighting Headquarters to provide seamless transition from peacetime to wartime operations and maximize reach-back operations. Foster lean processes: Quality standards across the Total Force. Provide persistent situation awareness to effectively monitor and control resources. Implement lessons learned processes to continuously seek and share improvements. Airmen Provide an Expeditionary-minded, Technologically Sophisticated Force. Focused: Airmen will train and exercise to think and act as expeditionary, Joint warfighters. Skilled: Airmen will be prepared to operate across the cultural spectrum, with technological and language skills, cultural awareness, and the doctrinal understanding to strategically engage in both kinetic and non-kinetic operations. Flexible: Airmen will operate effectively in air, space and cyberspace domains. Technology Technological Capabilities Can Provide a Roadmap for Warfighter Operations. Science and technology: Air Force innovation creates capability for the Joint warfighter. Increased reliance on unmanned aircraft: Continue culture of experimentation. Leverage information technology: Achieve cyberspace dominance. Transformation Developing the Air Force for the Twenty-First Century. We will fund transformation through organizational efficiencies, process efficiencies and retirement of (increasingly costly) legacy weapon systems. We will transform our force, while sustaining the GWOT fight and other ongoing operations that support America s national interests. We will ensure the United States dominates in air, space and cyberspace to support Combatant Commanders, while providing the President and the nation with more sovereign options. Total Force Integration incorporates innovative organizational constructs and a smaller, more capable force structure that leverages increased talent across the active, Guard and Reserve components. Strategy for Achieving Our Vision The United States Air Force will be a trusted, reliable joint partner with our sister services known for integrity in all of our activities, including supporting the joint mission first and foremost. We will provide compelling air, space, and cyber capabilities for use by he Combatant Commanders. We will excel as stewards of all Air Force resources in service to the American people, while providing precise and reliable Global Vigilance, Reach and Power for the Nation. Department of the Air Force 29
People Expeditionary, Innovative and Knowledge-enabled. We will sustain emphasis on force development, eliminating redundancies and streamlining organizations to field a more capable military and civilian force. We will balance stressed career fields grow some, decrease some and add new skill sets. We will reshape the force and continue recruiting and retention efforts to ensure the highest quality force. We will identify manpower reductions and use every personnel authority made available to us by law and every Air Force and DOD policy to appropriately shape our Total Force. Financial Transparency Implement Open, Transparent Business Practices and Achieve Clean Audit. Our core values demand that we remain good stewards of the resources entrusted to us. We will commit to higher levels of innovation and excellence in our business and management processes. We will transform business and management processes to improve operational efficiencies, produce relevant data on demand, achieve a clean audit, and allow more effective and timely decisions. We will develop processes that take advantage of shared information; make decisions based on timely, accurate, reliable data; and continuously work to conserve resources by improving processes. Acquisition Accelerate Ability to Field Capabilities, Increase Transparency, and Achieve a Clean Audit Smaller, but more capable force structure will enable the Air Force to meet Joint requirements within budget. Newer aircraft will provide greater capability and increased reliability and maintainability (e.g., C-17, C-130J, F-22A, KC-X, F-35, CSAR-X, UASs). It is imperative that we maintain the industrial capacity to produce 5th generation fighters (F-22A and F-35) with the stealth, speed and precision necessary to defeat future threats. Working with our industry partners, we will continue to eliminate waste and husband our resources to maximize recapitalization. Budget Fund Total Force in Support of QDR and Air Force Transformation Plan Personnel: Rising personnel and benefit costs will be offset by smaller integrated Total Force. Operations: Funded by increased efficiencies, legacy retirements, and force shaping. Infrastructure: BRAC is underway and investments focus on weapon systems beddowns. Investment: Transformation is underway focused on Joint fight and 5th generation weapons. 30 Air and Space Studies 100
Future Systems Leverage New Technologies to Upgrade and Replace Legacy Systems. The Air Force aircraft fleet averages 23 years old, is growing older and must be recapitalized. Today s inventory was acquired in large lots, predominantly during the Cold War. Through modernization efforts, much of this inventory will continue to serve us well in the future. Other systems will have to be replaced as they become unaffordable to maintain and operate or can no longer meet Combatant Commander requirements. We will harvest all available technology for both modernization and recapitalization to enable a leap ahead transformation in our capabilities. Science and Technology Air Force Innovation Creates Capability for the Joint Warfighter. We have a successful history of using technology to win our nation s wars. With quickly changing technology, we must rapidly incorporate new opportunities into weapon systems. Innovation is critical to success in defeating enemies on the battlefield as well as defending our homeland. We need to maintain a balanced and sufficient investment in short-, mid- and long-term research to stay ahead of the competition. We closely link technologies to war-fighter capability needs required to achieve desired warfighting effects. We keep our science research relevant to future-envisioned capabilities to ensure we lead the next technology revolution in warfighting. Space Systems Technology Ensure Access to and Freedom of Action in Space We will provide continuous, reliable and effective space services to the nation. We will continue to pursue network-centric and integrated ISR capabilities for the warfighter. We will maintain missile early warning through new systems such as Space Based Infra-Red devices. We will pursue Transformational Satellite technology to provide unprecedented connectivity with an Internet-like network extending the Global Information Grid to deployed and mobile users worldwide. We will pursue Space Radar to integrate theater, civilian and national users while providing persistent, deep-look, day/night, worldwide, all-weather capabilities for military, intelligence and civil applications. Recapitalization and Modernization Critical to Maintaining Air and Space Dominance for the Nation. Global Strike: Acquire F-22A, F-35; network and modernize F-16, F-15E, A-10 and Predator B; network and modernize B-1B, B-2, B-52H; and develop Long Range Strike options (manned/unmanned). Global Reach: Upgrade avionics/reliability on C-5/C-130; complete C-17 buy; partner with Army on Joint Cargo Aircraft; sustain KC-10/KC-135 while acquiring a KC-X with air refueling and airlift capability. Global Vigilance (Information Dominance): Acquire Predator A and Global Hawk; continue additional unmanned vehicle exploration; modernize AWACS, Joint STARS and Rivet Joint; and complete deployment of standardized Aircraft Operations Centers and Air Force Distributed Common Ground Systems. Department of the Air Force 31
Global Vigilance (Space): Upgrade and secure GPS; develop and deploy SBIR, TSAT, and SR; and ensure continued and timely access to space Special Operations Forces: Network and sustain C-130 special-use aircraft. Munitions Increase Precision and Minimize Collateral Damage. Continue development and acquisition of Joint Direct Attack Munitions, Laser-Guided Bombs and the Small Diameter Bomb. Add weapons data links to ensure day/night/all-weather precision destruction of mobile targets. Incorporate Universal Armament Interface to minimize costs and maximize configuration options. Continue to secure capabilities to enhance interoperability of communication systems to ensure safe operations between Joint and Coalition forces. Total Force 700,000 Active, Guard, Reserve, and Civil Service (as of September 10) Active Duty: 332,000 (50 percent of Total Force) Air National Guard: 106,000 (15 percent of Total Force) Air Force Reserve: 76,000 (11 percent of Total Force) Civil Service: 165,000 (24 percent of Total Force) People Our Most Valuable and Valued Resource. Combat capability begins and ends with smart, healthy, motivated, trained and well-equipped Airmen. Air Force warriors are knowledgeenabled, motivated, ethical and accountable. Our enlisted force is the backbone of the Air Force the envy of air forces around the world. Junior officers are the workhorses of the officer corps unmatched in skill and education. Senior officers lead, guide, command and set the example for all Airmen. Our civilian workforce provides continuity, experience and stability for our knowledge base. We are an Air Force family valuing and caring for our families makes Airmen more capable and successful. Air Force leaders are focused on ensuring quality of life world-class programs, facilities and morale-enhancing activities for world-class Airmen. We are proud of our reputation for providing appropriate quality of life levels to our Airmen. We are a diverse force skilled, knowledge-enabled, motivated, ethical and accountable. We value a diverse workforce respect for all ensures every Airman can contribute. We value racial and gender integration and afford equal opportunity for all. Importance of Service Putting the Nation, Our Mission and Each Other before Self. We respond to the call to duty we are volunteers serving a greater good. We foster a culture of service and excellence that values innovation and entrepreneurship. We sacrifice and fight to protect our fellow Airmen and our country. Every Airman is a wingman providing mutual support, teamwork and respect. 32 Air and Space Studies 100
Our Culture Air Force Heritage Serves to Make Us What We Are Today. We are technology focused technology provides us with qualitative advantages. We value quality over quantity even as we grow smaller, we grow more capable. We are transformational and embrace change we capitalize on doctrinal, organizational, and technological improvements to transform and maintain the competitive edge. We are innovative our experimentation and constant improvement drive change. We are futurefocused we are not bound by history but build on it to transform. We are risk-takers who accept and embrace measured and appropriate levels of risk. We are committed to be good stewards of the environment and all resources, as well as continuously improve operational and support processes to eliminate waste. Programs Enabling and Organizing Our People for Success. Force Restructuring: Postures the Air Force as a more streamlined, capable force. Force Development: Fosters the skills and knowledge necessary for mission success. Recruiting and Retention: Ensures a capable team now and into the future. Training, Education, and Doctrine: Takes us from motivated civilians to capable Airmen. National Security Personnel System (NSPS): Builds on a new performance management system that values performance, rewards contribution, and promotes excellence. Knowing what lies ahead is a sure way to negate the fear of uncertainty, and though no one can predict the future, the Air Force has a clear vision of what it must do tomorrow. Basically, it s the same mission it has had for more than 50 years. A simple premise now routine for the world s greatest-ever air and space force. But, today s foes are unpredictable, willing to take desperate measures to impose their will. For the Air Force to maintain the edge against such adversaries is a demanding duty. A task no one man or woman can do alone. It takes a total force to keep the Air Force flying and fighting. This group of professional serves in all Air Force major commands and organizations. They ensure the nation has the world s most modern Air Force with the best people, aircraft and spacecraft, equipment, and weapons. A team that works with the latest information and cutting edge technologies. A force that can, at a moments s notice, do the job it trains to do each day. We have looked at Who we are and What we do. Later during the classroom lesson, we will discover How we do it. Department of the Air Force 33
Bibliography: 1. AFDD1, Air Force Basic Doctrine, November 2003. 2. AFI38-101, Air Force Organization, 16 March 2011. 34 Air and Space Studies 100