United States Air Force
Overview
The United States Air Force (USAF) is the aerial and space warfare branch of the United States Armed Forces. It was initially a part of the United States Army, but was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947, under the National Security Act of 1947. It is the most recent branch of the U.S. military to be formed, and it is the largest and most technologically advanced air force in the world.
History
The USAF traces its roots back to the Aeronautical Division of the U.S. Signal Corps, which was formed on August 1, 1907, and was the first formal aviation organization within the U.S. military. However, the USAF as a separate branch of the military is a product of the Cold War. During World War II, the U.S. Army Air Forces (USAAF) had become virtually independent of the Army, and on September 18, 1947, the USAF was created as a separate branch of the military under the National Security Act of 1947.
Organization
The USAF is one of the three military departments within the Department of Defense, and it is headed by the Secretary of the Air Force (SECAF), who reports to the Secretary of Defense (SECDEF). At the highest level of organization, the USAF is divided into the Regular Air Force, the Air Force Reserve, and the Air National Guard. The highest-ranking military officer in the Department of the Air Force is the Chief of Staff of the Air Force.
Personnel and Training
As of 2021, the USAF has over 320,000 active-duty personnel and nearly 70,000 reserve and guard members. The USAF's officer training and education system is the responsibility of Air Education and Training Command (AETC). The Air Force Academy (AFA) is one of the USAF's three commissioning sources. AFA cadets receive a rigorous education that prepares them to lead as officers in the USAF.
Aircraft and Equipment
The USAF operates a wide range of aircraft, including fighters, bombers, transport aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles. In addition to aircraft, the USAF also operates a significant number of ground vehicles and equipment, including radar systems, satellites, and missile systems.
Operations
The USAF is responsible for organizing, training, and equipping air forces for combat and for the conduct of aerial warfare. It provides air support for surface forces and aids in the recovery of troops in the field.
Future
The USAF continues to modernize its inventory and train its personnel to keep pace with emerging threats. The USAF plans to procure the F-35 Lightning II, which will provide the bulk of the USAF's manned tactical airpower for the USAF into the foreseeable future.